Saints rival Falcons zero in on Kevin Stefanski as top target

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints’ biggest rival could make a major improvement at head coach. The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly hosting former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for a second interview. 

Per The Athletic’s Diana Russini, the Falcons’ potential hire has been assembling a staff to pitch to Atlanta. 

Stefanski is widely considered the best-remaining head coach candidate after John Harbaugh appears to be off the market as the New York Giants finalize a deal with the former Baltimore Ravens coach. 

Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year (2020, 2023) with a 45-56 record as the head coach of the Browns from 2020-25. 

The record may not inspire much confidence, but the Browns’ bungles in team-building–including giving up on quarterback Baker Mayield too early for a shot at Deshaun Watson—are chief among the reasons for the AFC North team’s downfall. With asset management being another major issue for the Browns’ front office. 

Stefanski’s offensive prowess could be a significant boost to the Falcons’ weaponry along with an improved defense under coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. 

This is one to watch closely for Saints fans. Behind Stefanski are mostly question mark candidates for the Falcons. But landing a proven and experienced coach could be Atlanta’s best-case scenario with Harbaugh off the board.