Kevin Stefanski: Complete Profile, Career Stats, and Coaching History
- Kevin Stefanski was named the 20th head coach in Atlanta Falcons history on January 17, 2026, according to official team announcements.
- Stefanski spent six seasons rebuilding the Cleveland Browns after taking charge, according to piquafootball.com.
- Before his time in Cleveland, Stefanski spent 14 years on the coaching staff in Minnesota, rising from assistant to offensive coordinator, according to atlantafalcons.com.
Kevin Stefanski was named the 20th head coach in Atlanta Falcons history on January 17, 2026, according to official team announcements. The two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year arrived in Atlanta following a six-season tenure heading the Cleveland Browns, where he compiled a 45-56 regular-season record and secured two playoff appearances. Reporting from atlantafalcons.com notes that Stefanski reports directly to Matt Ryan, the team’s president of football.
Coaching History and Cleveland Browns Tenure
Stefanski spent six seasons rebuilding the Cleveland Browns after taking charge, according to piquafootball.com. He earned his first AP Coach of the Year award in 2020 after steering the Browns to an 11-5 record, snapping an 18-year playoff drought and claiming the franchise’s first postseason victory since 1994, as reported by atlantafalcons.com. He captured the honor a second time in 2023 after guiding the team to another 11-6 finish and a playoff berth. Under his direction, the Browns’ offense established a strong rushing identity, finishing in the top six for average rush yards per game across three separate seasons. His overall record in Cleveland concluded at 45-56 in the regular season and 1-2 in the playoffs.
Early Career and Minnesota Vikings Stint
Before his time in Cleveland, Stefanski spent 14 years on the coaching staff in Minnesota, rising from assistant to offensive coordinator, according to atlantafalcons.com. He worked under three different head coaches—Brad Childress, Leslie Frazier, and Mike Zimmer—during his long tenure in Minnesota. piquafootball.com notes that Stefanski worked with quarterbacks ranging from Brett Favre to Case Keenum, helping guide Keenum to throw 22 touchdown passes against just seven interceptions during the 2017 season. Stefanski stepped in as interim offensive coordinator in December 2018 and took over the full-time role in January 2019, directing an offense where quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 69.1% of his passes.
Playing Background at the University of Pennsylvania
Stefanski grew up in Philadelphia, attending St. Joseph’s Preparatory School before playing defensive back at the University of Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2004, according to atlantafalcons.com and piquafootball.com. During his college career, he earned two-time All-Ivy League honors and was named the Quakers’ Freshman of the Year in 2000. He was also part of the program’s undefeated team in 2003. After graduating in 2004, he spent a year working as the Assistant Director of Football Operations at Penn before breaking into NFL coaching ranks in 2006.