The Atlanta Falcons held their introductory press conference for new head coach Kevin Stefanski on Jan. 26. Stefanski addressed a wide range of topics, including why he ultimately chose Atlanta.
“Atlanta is where I wanted to be. I wanted to be here. There was a pull to this job and to this city,” Stefanski said.
After two seasons, Falcons owner Arthur Blank decided to move on from Raheem Morris. At the time, the organization didn’t know Stefanski would become available, but he was later fired by the Cleveland Browns after six seasons.
The hope in Atlanta is that Stefanski, unlike much of his time in Cleveland, will inherit the foundation of a strong roster capable of sustaining long-term success.
“I’m here because I believe in this group, I believe in this roster,” Stefanski said, via ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “We’re not going to spend much time talking about what we’re going to do. We’re going to put our heads down and work.”
While much of the questioning from local media focused on the Falcons’ roster and expectations moving forward, there was one topic Stefanski couldn’t avoid — Baker Mayfield.
Kevin Stefanski Asked About Baker Mayfield Drama
Falcons beat writer D. Orlando Ledbetter posted on X on Jan. 20 referencing Stefanski’s tenure with the Browns, which included his time coaching Mayfield. The current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback took exception, firing back at his former coach.
“Failed is quite the reach pal. Still waiting on a text/call from him after I got shipped off like a piece of garbage,” Mayfield wrote. “Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach.”
When asked about the exchange during his introductory press conference, Stefanski kept his response measured.
“Baker’s somebody that I have a ton of respect for as a player and a person,” Stefanski said. “I love rivalries in sports, and obviously Buccaneers-Falcons is a great rivalry. It’s something that I’m excited about. I wouldn’t get into the specifics of those types of things, other than to say I have a ton of respect for Baker as a player and as a person. That’s a great team with a great player.”
The comments are likely to add another layer to the Falcons-Buccaneers rivalry moving forward.
Kevin Stefanski Speaks on Michael Penix Jr.
For Stefanski, the focus now turns to the quarterback currently on Atlanta’s roster — Michael Penix Jr.
“Michael Penix is someone I’m very excited about,” Stefanski said. “I saw him in the training room this week. He’s attacking his rehab.”
Penix is expected to miss the start of the 2026 season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered midseason. Still, all signs point to him remaining the Falcons’ long-term plan at quarterback.
“I think you see a player on tape that can get through progressions, can layer the ball, can push the ball to all areas of the field,” Stefanski said, via Terrin Waack. “Obviously, he was very productive in college, has had some really, really good moments here in the pros. I just see a young player who will continue to develop and continue to get there.”
Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski Addresses Baker Mayfield, Browns Drama