Kevin Stefanski is getting closer to landing a new gig after being let go by the Cleveland Browns.
Stefanski has been one of the most sought-after candidates on the coaching market, interviewing with multiple teams. He’s sat down with the Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and the Atlanta Falcons.
It was expected that Stefanski — a two-time NFL Head Coach of the Year — would draw interest once he was let go by the Browns. Stefanski was hired by the Browns in 2020 and engineered an immediate turnaround. In his first season, he guided Cleveland to its first playoff appearance since 2002 and snapped the franchise’s 26-year postseason win drought. Stefanski posted a 45-56 overall record with the Browns, making the playoffs twice.
“I am disappointed that we could not accomplish more together and the collective underperformance of our group is something I own,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said. “We will remain steadfast in our commitment to our fans in building the Browns into an organization that sustains success. Now, our attention turns to the search for the person to lead and develop what will be a young offense with heavy investment over the next six months to match and build on the performance of a young defense that is already playing at an elite level.”
Kevin Stefanski Likely to Land With Atlanta Falcons
The first head coaching piece fell into place with the New York Giants hiring John Harbaugh. Now all eyes are on Stefanski and NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY believes the ex-Browns skipper is the favorite for the Atlanta Falcons opening.
“The Giants & John Harbaugh are expected to finalize the deal for him to become their head coach today, per sources. They’re pretty close to getting it done, I’m told. I do not expect anything to change that,” Hughes said. “With that, hearing Kevin Stefanski is favorite for Falcons job. That was talk before: Whoever didn’t land Harbaugh would get Stefanski.”
The Falcons finished last season 8-9 and enter the offseason facing some uncertainty at quarterback and limited draft flexibility. Atlanta does not own a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Michael Penix Jr. is the projected starter, but his second NFL season ended in late November after he suffered a partially torn ACL. Atlanta also has veteran Kirk Cousins on the roster.
Browns Will Host Falcons Next Season
If Stefanski is hired by the Falcons, the Browns will host their former head coach next season. While the NFL has yet to release next season’s schedule, Atlanta will be one of their opponents.
Stefanski did not leave Cleveland with any bad blood, with multiple players showing him support after he was fired.
“I was sad for the human being. We had a relationship for of six years. I’m a loyal person,” Browns lineman Joel Bitonio said. “I was disappointed. I think he’s a great football coach and I think he’ll get a chance somewhere to show he can still coach in this league.”
The Browns will see another familiar face next season as they head on the road to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield, who was the No. 1 overall pick for Cleveland in 2018.
Browns May Get Shot at Kevin Stefanski Next Season After Latest News