Interview date: Sunday, Jan. 11
Previous role: Stefanski was the head coach for the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to 2025.
- Under Stefanski, the Browns made their first playoff appearance since 2002, finishing with an 11-5 record in his first season. He earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors twice, once in 2020 and again in 2023, after leading the team to another 11-win season.
- Before joining the Browns, Stefanski had a solid run with the Minnesota Vikings. He held multiple roles, including quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.
Stefanski and Kirk Cousins worked closely in Minnesota, where they saw great success together. During their time, Cousins had one of his best seasons, achieving a high completion rate and breaking franchise records for passing yards. In 2019, they reached a real peak, with Cousins earning a Pro Bowl spot and the Vikings boasting a strong offensive record.
Now, Cousins’ future is uncertain. The organization is evaluating his situation this offseason, especially after a recent restructuring of his contract.
Why he’s a candidate: If the Falcons are looking for a coach with offensive expertise, Stefanski stands out. His approach has been effective, particularly in enhancing quarterback performance.
When he was with the Vikings, Stefanski’s play-calling helped create one of the best run-heavy offenses in the league, finishing sixth in rushing yards per game in 2019. His balanced offense, coupled with Cousins’ accuracy, made the Vikings formidable on the field.
His time with the Browns was also significant. He led them to their first playoff win in 26 years, showcasing a strong offense built around stability at quarterback. Despite facing challenges—like using nine different starters over three seasons—Stefanski’s core offensive strategies remained effective, often ranking in the top half of the league.
Stefanski’s style emphasizes a wide-zone run game and play-action passes. This could be beneficial for younger quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr., who might not yet have much experience working under center. Such collaboration could enhance Penix’s growth, offering both players a chance to learn and improve.
To learn more about Stefanski’s coaching career and strategies, you might find valuable insights on [NFL.com](https://www.nfl.com/) and [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/). These sources maintain the latest stats and trends in football, shedding light on coaching dynamics and player performances.
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