Ex-Vikings Coach Lands Falcons Job
The Atlanta Falcons have hired former Vikings coach Kevin Stefanski as their next head coach, officially locking in one of the first major moves of the offseason coaching cycle. Stefanski, who previously served as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, becomes the second head coach hired this winter.
Saturday night, the Falcons announced on the team’s website: “Two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year, Kevin Stefanski, has been named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after meeting with Falcons leadership, including owner and chairman, Arthur M. Blank, tonight in Atlanta.”
Stefanski is the second official hire of this offseason. Earlier on Saturday, the New York Giants came to an agreement with former Ravens coach John Harbaugh.
With the Vikings, Stefanski has been in countless different roles. His two most prominent jobs were QB coach in 2017 and 2018, as well as interim OC in 2018 and full-time OC in 2019. In 2019, he guided the Vikings offense to a productive season, including a postseason victory with a game-winning touchdown drive in New Orleans.
Atlanta parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris after two 8-9 seasons. The regime’s decision to acquire both Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix in the 2024 offseason ultimately failed to deliver results and ultimately got both Morris and GM Terry Fontenot fired.
Freshly-hired president of football Matt Ryan commented, “We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski who brings a clear vision for his staff, our team and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration with every area of the football operation. Coach Stefanski is a team-first leader who puts a premium on accountability for everyone and a player-driven culture.”
Stefanski brings six years of head coaching experience, compiling a 45–56 record and delivering the franchise’s first playoff win since 1994.
More from Ryan, “His experience in Cleveland and Minnesota has given him a great understanding of the importance of working in sync with scouting, personnel and the rest of the football staff to maximize talent across the roster and in doing everything possible to put our players in the best position to succeed. Kevin’s style of leadership, combined with the staff and infrastructure in place here in Atlanta, gives us confidence in our shared vision for the team and we are excited to have him as the leader of our football team.”
The new head coach will be in charge of an offense that includes star running back Bijan Robinson and wideout Drake London. Getting the most out of Penix will be a main task for Stefanski, who has experience as a QB coach. Cousins is still under contract, but after his recent restructure, he is expected to be released ahead of March 13.
Stefanski said about his new opening, “I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise. I am grateful to Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me to coach this football team and there are many talented players on our roster that I cannot wait to coach. We share a vision for this football team that I believe will make Falcons fans everywhere proud.”
In the upcoming season, the Vikings will host the Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.