Head coaching searches are starting to come into focus this weekend. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is considered the “top candidate” for the open Falcons job. He’s set to conduct his second interview with Atlanta today and some sources believe they may attempt to pull the trigger. 
The reason this could be a possibility is because, as Jonathan Jones of NFL on CBS reported this morning, the Falcons are Rooney Rule compliant, so if they truly believe Stefanski is the man for them in his second interview today, they are able to hire him. The Rooney Rule requires NFL teams interviewing new head coaches or general managers to interview at least two minority candidates. The interviews must be in-person to satisfy the Rooney Rule, but Atlanta has publicly disclosed which of its interviews were virtual or in-person. Based on Jones’ report, at least two of their minority candidates must have conducted their first interview in person.
Aside from the second interview that John Harbaugh cancelled in favor of accepting the Giants’ head coaching position, no other candidate has been scheduled for a second interview in Atlanta, except for Stefanski. Stefanski, though, still has plenty of interest from other teams hoping he stays available after today’s meeting. Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, he’s scheduled to head to Tennessee tomorrow following today’s interview, and the Dolphins and Ravens are both working to bring him in for second, in-person interviews on Wednesday, as well.
An indicator Stefanski may be likely to take Atlanta up on a potential offer was reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who claimed that the 43-year-old coach had done research on the potential aspect of working with current Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Team owner Arthur Blank has reportedly expressed a desire to hold on to Ulbrich, who he believes would immediately become a top DC candidate if put on the free agent market. The Cowboys requested to interview him for their open position a little over a week ago, but Blank denied their request. If Stefanski and Ulbrich seem like a good fit, the Falcons may be well on their way to filling out their staff for the 2026 NFL season.
Lots of eyes will be on reports coming out of Atlanta over the next several hours as it looks like the coaching dominos may be starting to fall. An agreement today would mark the closing of the second head coach opening in this cycle, after the Harbaugh deal was made official earlier today.
This or the Titans are a logical place for Stefanski..the fact his old QB Cousins is still in Atlanta might sweeten the deal for him….
They are not starting Cousins over a healthy Penix. Even with different leadership.
Penix wont be healthy until mid season
Yes they would…Penix is made of glass and will never see a second contract with the Falcons
The Falcons made some crazy adjustment to Cousins contract that he’ll make $65 million this year if he’s not cut by the league new year or something like that….basically telegraphing he will be cut
It’s nearly decided that Cousins is out, but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see a new deal. Things don’t lean that way right now, but nothing about Atlanta’s QB situation has appeared normal for the last two years, either.
The guy is a good coach. Will be interesting to see what he can do with an owner who isn’t insane and a complete roster
The Browns had some really good rosters while Stefanski coached and they never really reached their potential.
Won’t offer an argument about the owner though…
Which was Stefenaski’s “best roster”. The trade for Watson was a disaster that brought down the entire organization. They have not had a QB that gives them a chance since they ran Baker Mayfield out of town.
I dunno. Odell. Watson. Garrett and the Rudolph thing. Always a lot of distractions
10 bucks says Stefanski waits for the Ravens to do a 2nd interview and ultimately is hired by them.
Worst case….I lose $10
This is the spot I originally had for him, I think it’ll be here or Baltimore.