Stefanski Hopes QB Juggling in Cleveland Prepared Him for Atlanta

New Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski managed multiple quarterbacks in his previous job.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract football game, with players' bodies and the ball reduced to overlapping shapes in a muted color palette.Stefanski's ability to adapt his offense for different quarterbacks in Cleveland could prove crucial as he takes over the Falcons' uncertain QB situation.Cleveland Today

Kevin Stefanski, the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, had to navigate a quarterback carousel during his time with the Cleveland Browns. He's hoping that experience will help him as he takes over an Atlanta team with uncertainty at the QB position.

Why it matters

Quarterback stability is crucial for NFL teams, and Stefanski's ability to manage multiple signal-callers in Cleveland could prove valuable as he tries to turn around the Falcons, who have struggled to find consistency at the position in recent years.

The details

In Cleveland, Stefanski had to adapt his offense to the strengths of Baker Mayfield, Jacoby Brissett, and Deshaun Watson at different points. Now in Atlanta, he faces a similar challenge with the futures of Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder uncertain.

  • Stefanski was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to 2025.
  • He was hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in January 2026.

The players

Kevin Stefanski

The new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who previously served as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to 2025.

Baker Mayfield

A former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns who Stefanski had to adapt his offense for during his time in Cleveland.

Jacoby Brissett

Another quarterback Stefanski coached in Cleveland when Mayfield was injured.

Deshaun Watson

The third quarterback Stefanski had to work with in Cleveland after Mayfield and Brissett.

Marcus Mariota

The current starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, whose future with the team is uncertain.

Desmond Ridder

The backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, who could potentially take over the starting role.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Having to manage different quarterbacks in Cleveland will definitely help me in Atlanta. You have to be adaptable in this league.”

— Kevin Stefanski, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons

What’s next

Stefanski will have to evaluate the Falcons' quarterback situation during the offseason and decide whether to stick with Mariota or turn to Ridder as the team's starter.

The takeaway

Stefanski's experience juggling multiple quarterbacks in Cleveland could prove valuable as he tries to stabilize the position and turn around the struggling Falcons franchise.