Falcons' Kevin Stefanski Sends Strong Message About Tua Tagovailoa

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke out with a strong message about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:34pm

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The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who will compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job. Head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed excitement about Tagovailoa joining the team, noting that he has a 'chip on his shoulder' after losing his starting job in Miami and is looking to prove people wrong.

Why it matters

The Falcons' quarterback situation is an intriguing one, with Penix and Tagovailoa both vying for the starting role. Stefanski's comments suggest the team believes Tagovailoa can bounce back and regain his form after a tumultuous tenure in Miami.

The details

The Falcons moved quickly to sign Tagovailoa after the Dolphins released him. Penix was the Week 1 starter last season but missed much of the year due to injury, with Kirk Cousins filling in. Now, Tagovailoa will compete with Penix for the starting job, with Stefanski expressing confidence that Tagovailoa is motivated to prove himself after losing his starting role in Miami.

  • Tagovailoa spent six years with the Dolphins, from 2020 to 2025.
  • In July 2024, Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins.
  • Tagovailoa was released by the Dolphins this offseason, leading to his signing with the Falcons.

The players

Kevin Stefanski

The head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who is excited about Tua Tagovailoa joining the team and competing for the starting quarterback job.

Tua Tagovailoa

The former Miami Dolphins quarterback who was released by the team and has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he will compete for the starting job.

Michael Penix Jr.

The Atlanta Falcons' current starting quarterback, who missed much of the 2025 season due to injury.

Kirk Cousins

The quarterback who started for the Falcons in 2025 after Penix's injury, but the team has decided to move on from him this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“'Tua was a good fit for us. I think the football fit, the personal fit, I think he's looking for a place where he can go and compete for a starting job, and that's what we are offering to him. I think he's somebody that has always competed in career, look back at his time at Alabama, so him coming in, and he wants to do what's best for this football team, we're excited to have him.'”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons

“'There's something to be said when you're fired. I can attest to that. You want to prove people wrong. You have a chip on your shoulder. I think where I'm coming into this, where Tua's coming into this is, listen, this is not exactly how you thought it would go, but guess what, that's the reality, and how are we gonna respond? I think that's what he's made of. You look back his career, you look back at his college career, he's responded.'”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

The Falcons will hold training camp and preseason games to determine their starting quarterback between Penix and Tagovailoa.

The takeaway

The Falcons are betting that Tagovailoa can regain his form and compete for the starting job after a disappointing tenure in Miami. Stefanski's comments suggest the team believes Tagovailoa has the mentality to bounce back and prove his doubters wrong.