Following the Atlanta Falcons’ appointment of Kevin Stefanski as the franchise’s head coach, he has already begun his duties of bringing in a team of coaches before getting into the players and the draft. As per an NFL insider, some of the coaching positions are already being confirmed.

“His staff is already coming together,” reported NFL Insider Ian Rapoport on X. “Jeff Ulbrich is gonna stay on as his defensive coordinator. Tommy Rees is likely to be OC. He was with him in Cleveland, and then Bill Callahan is likely to be the offensive line coach for the Falcons.”

Stefanski is a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year, so there is no doubt about his team-building abilities. Keeping Ulbrich and trying to bring in Rees and Callahan further highlight his abilities.

From 2015 to 2020, Ulbrich was with the Falcons. He initially started as their linebackers coach, but later became the DC. The New York Jets hired him in 2021, after finishing the season as one of the worst franchises in total defense. The Jets allowed 387.6 YPG in 2020, and within two years, Ulbrich improved their total defense to 311.1 YPG. During his last season with the Jets, the franchise finished third in total defense (313.8 YPG). Following his impressive record, Arthur Blank appointed him for his second stint in Atlanta. From the 23rd position, he took them to 15th in total defense in his first season. Likewise, Stefanski did not want to lose out on such a brilliant DC.

As for Rees, he was a part of Stefanski’s team when he was in Cleveland. Initially hired as the pass game specialist and tight ends coach, Rees was promoted to the OC position before Week 8. The same goes for veteran offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The Browns hired the 69-year-old OL coach the same year as Stefanski. Following the 2023 season, the Titans hired him. Unfortunately, the OL coach left the Titans after the franchise fired HC Brian Callahan, who is Bill’s son. Currently, he is a “free agent” in the coaching world.

The Falcons’ HC knows the skill sets of these individuals, which is why he is wasting no time. He will do his best to lead the Falcons to the postseason. Something they have failed to do since 2018.

It is not just the HC; even the president of football for the Falcons has also begun his work

Matt Ryan expects big things from Michael Penix Jr

Now, the Atlanta Falcons’ president of football, Matt Ryan, used to be their franchise quarterback. Since getting drafted in 2008, he has been monumental for the Falcons. Not only did he get them six playoff nods, but he also took them to the Super Bowl 2016. That year, he won the NFL MVP and NFL OPOY, engraving his name in the franchise’s history. Being a former quarterback, he knows what Michael Penix Jr. is going through. As a result, he released a statement, extending his help to him.

“I’m not hired to come in and be the quarterback coach, but I love Mike and have gotten to know him through the last couple of years here in Atlanta,” Ryan said. “So, anything he needs from me, I’m a part of this organization and happy to help in any way that I can.”

Penix Jr. was drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Initially, it was decided that the QB would just learn the mechanics of the game in his rookie season and become QB1 in 2025. For that purpose, they signed Kirk Cousins to be QB1. However, HC Raheem Morris benched Cousins in Week 16 and let the rookie QB have a go. His rookie season record stood at 1-2. And his box score showed a 58% pass completion rate for 775 yards and three touchdowns. He also scored a rushing touchdown and threw three interceptions.

Top Stories

Emotional Josh Allen Airs Refs’ Dirty Laundry as Bills’ Sean McDermott Erupts After Broncos Loss

NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Jordan Love Incident After Wild Card Loss to the Bears

Aaron Rodgers Makes Final Decision on Steelers’ Return After Emotional Goodbye to Mike Tomlin – Report

Sean McDermott Declares All Out War vs. NFL Ref as Josh Allen Airs Dirty Laundry After Bills’ Loss

Cam Skattebo Sends Expletive-Laced Message on Giants’ John Harbaugh Announcement

Coming into the 2025 season, the quarterback was all hyped up. Unfortunately, he failed to play the full season. He suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Panthers in Week 11, causing him to undergo surgery. Compared to his rookie year, his stats drastically improved, highlighting a pass completion rate of 60% for 1,982 yards and nine passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown.

According to Arthur Blank, his surgery was successful. The doctors said that his knee will be better than ever. Ryan has also confirmed that the QB’s rehab is going well.

“The next thing in front of Mike is the rehab process, and he’s already at it,” Ryan said. “I was in here (Monday) morning … and he was in there getting after his rehab. So, he’s in a good mental space right there and is doing exactly what he should be doing right now.”

Unfortunately, no tentative date for his return has been confirmed.

“It’s working together to figure out the right plan for Mike and his rehab,” Ryan said. “And that’s going to be our training rooms’ job and our doctors’ jobs and sports science and in the weight room. Everybody’s responsibility to make sure that is going as planned. And that’s really as simple as it gets.”

Luckily, there’s still time. Ryan is there to help the young QB. Elsewhere, the HC has also started to shape things up in Atlanta. Only time will tell whether Blank’s decision pays off or the Falcons will continue their losing streak.