ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ coaching search appears to be narrowing in real time, and all signs now point toward a familiar name with a proven résumé: Kevin Stefanski.
The former Cleveland Browns head coach has emerged as the clear favorite for the Falcons’ vacancy and is scheduled for a second interview with Atlanta on Saturday, league sources indicate. If no agreement is reached, Stefanski could interview with the Tennessee Titans on Sunday — but the momentum, for now, is firmly centered in Flowery Branch.
Stefanski brings credentials Atlanta has lacked for much of the past decade: stability, offensive structure and a track record of winning in imperfect conditions. During his tenure in Cleveland, Stefanski led the Browns to the playoffs twice and earned NFL Coach of the Year honors twice, an achievement that underscores how highly his work has been regarded across the league. Cleveland had not been a consistent postseason player before his arrival, and Stefanski delivered results despite constant quarterback turnover and organizational pressure.
That offensive background matters in Atlanta, especially given Stefanski’s previous chemistry with Kirk Cousins, who played under him in Minnesota when Stefanski served as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator. The Falcons’ roster construction and quarterback questions have made offensive clarity a top priority, and Stefanski’s system — rooted in play-action efficiency, run-game balance and quarterback-friendly concepts — aligns with what Atlanta has been searching for.
Early in the process, Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak appeared to be the frontrunner. Atlanta also monitored the situation in Green Bay, where Packers coach Matt LaFleur remained a theoretical swing candidate. That door now appears closed. With LaFleur widely expected to finalize a long-term extension with the Packers this weekend, league expectations are that he will not be available on the market.
That development has accelerated Stefanski’s rise to the top of Atlanta’s board.
According to multiple reports, Stefanski has already pitched a potential coaching staff to the Falcons and has shown strong, proactive interest in the job. That level of preparation has resonated with owner Arthur Blank and newly appointed team president Matt Ryan, both of whom are expected to play key roles in closing the process.
Atlanta has also satisfied its Rooney Rule obligations, interviewing Mike McDaniel and Antonio Pierce, which clears the path for a hire as soon as the organization feels comfortable finalizing a deal.
From a football standpoint, Stefanski checks many of the boxes Atlanta has emphasized. He has experience building an offense around multiple quarterback profiles, managing strong personalities and navigating expectations in a demanding market. His teams have consistently ranked among the league’s more efficient offenses when healthy, and his ability to tailor game plans week to week has been cited by peers as a strength.
Betting markets and prediction models have reflected that confidence shift. While Kubiak was the early favorite, odds and league sentiment have moved decisively toward Stefanski in recent days. Barring a last-minute change elsewhere in the league or a sudden breakdown in negotiations, EasySportz expects Stefanski to be Atlanta’s next head coach.
Nothing is official yet, and coaching searches have a way of twisting late. But with LaFleur likely off the board, Stefanski available, and Atlanta seemingly aligned internally, the pieces are in place.
If the Falcons want Kevin Stefanski, all indications are that they can have him — and that Saturday could be the day the Stefanski era in Atlanta begins.
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