With the hiring of Kevin Stefanski, the Atlanta Falcons will now be on their third head coach in four years. The hope, though, is that with a reshaped front office, the franchise has finally found the leader it can build around long term.
Stefanski was one of the most successful head coaches the Cleveland Browns have had in the last two decades. He led the Browns to 11-win seasons in 2020 and 2023, both resulting in playoff berths — something Cleveland hadn’t accomplished since 2002.
Now, with what should be more stability and a roster that appears even more talented than the Browns teams he coached, Stefanski will try to bring the Falcons back to relevance.
He clearly made an impression on Atlanta’s new leadership group, and now it looks like he’s already made an impression on one of the most important players on the roster: running back Bijan Robinson.
Bijan Robinson Excited for Offense Under Kevin Stefanski
Robinson was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl this season, and while he was there, he was mic’d up.
During one exchange with San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, Robinson was asked about Atlanta’s new head coach.
“Kevin Stefanski,” Robinson replied when Juszczyk asked who the hire was. “Yeah, he’s fire bro. I like him a lot and his offensive scheme. Tommy Rees, he’s the OC, but he’ll call the plays.”
Robinson, arguably the most talented player on Atlanta’s roster, already sounds bought in — and it’s easy to see why the fit could be exciting moving forward.
In 2025, Robinson totaled 1,676 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and 10.4 yards per reception. Heading into his fourth season under an offensive-minded head coach, it’s not hard to imagine Robinson taking another step.
Bijan Robinson Predicted for Contract Extension
ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes Robinson could have a strong case to earn $20 million per year — especially if Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs reaches that number.
“He has more rushing yards, more rushing attempts, more receiving yards and more catches since the two entered the league,” Graziano wrote. “These are both brilliant young players who will deserve their extensions, and if you told me you’d rather have Gibbs than Robinson, I wouldn’t argue with you. But this is Robinson’s case to make more than any other running back when he gets to the negotiating table, and it’s a legitimate one.”
Still, Graziano pointed out the uncertainty that comes with Atlanta’s changes at the top, from the front office to the coaching staff.
“Assuming the Falcons exercise the fifth-year option, they have Robinson under control for two more years at a total of about $18 million, which is certainly reasonable,” Graziano added. “That could allow them to wait if they think he’s asking for too much. Robinson could also seek a shorter-term extension that allows him to hit the market a second time while still in his 20s.”
Ultimately, Graziano predicted Robinson, 24, and the Falcons will agree to a three-year, $60 million extension with $25 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Falcons’ Bijan Robinson Makes His Feelings Clear on Kevin Stefanski