Falcons coach responds with class as NFC South rivalry heats up before season starts
Kevin Stefanski just got his first real test as the new Atlanta Falcons head coach, and he passed it by taking the absolute high road. Baker Mayfield, his former quarterback in Cleveland, went on X last week and called Stefanski out publicly said he never got a call or text after the Browns shipped him away “like a piece of garbage” in 2022. That’s a direct jab at a guy who’s now about to face Mayfield twice a year in NFC South matchups. Most coaches would get defensive. Stefanski instead praised Mayfield as a player and person while acknowledging their upcoming rivalry.
“Baker’s somebody that I have a ton of respect for as a player and a person,” Stefanski said at his Tuesday introductory news conference. “I love rivalries in sports.” He didn’t take the bait. He didn’t get into the specifics of what happened between them. He just kept it classy and focused on the task ahead: building the Falcons into a contender.
Mayfield wasn’t done though. His X post added: “Can’t wait to see you twice a year, Coach.” Translation: this rivalry is going to be fun. The Buccaneers just hired Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator the same guy who was the Falcons’ OC in 2024 and 2025. Now Robinson is across the division in Tampa. Mayfield’s probably feeling pretty good about his new setup, especially with a coach who wasn’t in his life during the Cleveland rebuild.
But here’s the thing about Stefanski’s response: it’s actually the strongest move he could make. Instead of engaging in the drama, he elevated himself. Instead of defending his past decisions, he looked forward. That’s the kind of maturity that builds trust with a new locker room.
Building a run-heavy Falcons offense around Bijan
Stefanski’s vision for Atlanta is clear: they’re going to be a run-first team. He and Falcons president of football operations Matt Ryan already have aligned on building an offense that emphasizes running the ball and stopping the run defensively. That’s a specific blueprint, not vague organizational speak.
All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson is going to be central to that plan. Stefanski said he’s already called Robinson and complimented him as both a player and person. “He’s team-oriented. He’s an intelligent player,” Stefanski said. “There’s no shortage to what he can do with the football in his hands and that’s our job as coaches to find ways to get that ball in his hands.”
That’s not just praise. That’s a concrete offensive philosophy. Robinson, fresh off a productive season, becomes the centerpiece. The Falcons will build plays around his abilities, find ways to get him in space, and let him do what he does best. Stefanski has a track record of maximizing running backs he’s done it before in Cleveland and Minnesota. Now he’ll do it in Atlanta with one of the best in the league.
Tommy Rees and the offensive coordinator decision
Stefanski brought Tommy Rees from the Browns to be the Falcons’ new offensive coordinator and play caller. Rees is 33 and relatively young compared to traditional OCs, but Stefanski emphasized that experience isn’t just measured in years. Rees has had “unbelievable experiences in his young career,” and most importantly, he and Stefanski see the game similarly while also pushing each other because they’re different.
“I’m excited about some of the people we’ve been able to bring in already to this group,” Stefanski said. The message is clear: this is a cohesive offensive staff built on shared philosophy. Rees calling plays means Stefanski can focus on being a head coach rather than a play caller something he started learning last season with Cleveland.
Michael Penix Jr. and the development focus
Stefanski emphasized that he’s a “maniac” about player development, and Michael Penix Jr. is going to be a key focus. Penix is currently recovering from left ACL surgery and “attacking his rehab,” according to Stefanski. The quarterback showed flashes in college and had some good moments in the pros. Stefanski sees a player with room to grow.
“He can get through progressions, can layer the ball, can push the ball to all areas of the field,” Stefanski said. “He’s a young player that will continue to develop and get better.” That’s not settling for where Penix is. That’s investing in his potential and believing in the long-term trajectory.
