Falcons Announce Staff Additions Following Season Shakeup
Table of Contents
- 1. Falcons Announce Staff Additions Following Season Shakeup
- 2. New Coordinator Hired From Miami
- 3. Additional Coaching appointments
- 4. Franchise Restructuring underway
- 5. Key Personnel Changes: A Fast Reference
- 6. How will Kevin Stefanski’s offensive philosophy change the Falcons’ play style?
- 7. Falcons Soar with New Leadership: Stefanski & aukerman Era Begins
- 8. Kevin Stefanski: A Proven Offensive Mind
- 9. Craig Aukerman: Revamping the Special Teams Unit
- 10. Impact on the Falcons’ Offense
- 11. Special Teams Turnaround: What to Expect
- 12. Looking Ahead: Falcons’ 2026 Season Outlook
Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Falcons are rapidly reshaping their football operations following a disappointing 8-9 season, the team’s eighth consecutive year without a winning record. New Head coach Kevin Stefanski is assembling a team of experienced professionals, signaling a commitment to revitalizing the franchise.
New Coordinator Hired From Miami
Craig aukerman has been appointed as the Falcons’ new special Teams Coordinator. Aukerman joins Atlanta after a year leading the Miami Dolphins’ special teams unit in 2025. Prior to his stint with the Dolphins, he served as a special teams coach for the Los Angeles Rams in 2024 and spent seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans, gaining extensive experience in all facets of special teams play. this hire is particularly significant given the increasing importance of special teams in determining game outcomes, with studies showing that approximately 20% of NFL games are decided by seven points or less, where special teams frequently enough play a pivotal role (NFL.com).
Additional Coaching appointments
Beyond Aukerman, Stefanski has also named Robert prince as the Wide Receiver Instructor and Bob Quinn as a Senior Advisor. The team has also confirmed the return of several key assistant coaches, including justin Hood, Nate Ollie, and Kevin Koger, providing a core of continuity amidst the changes.
Franchise Restructuring underway
These coaching moves follow the dismissal of Head coach Raheem morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot. A notable step in the franchise overhaul was the appointment of former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan as President of Football Operations. Stefanski, who previously served as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, will report directly to Ryan, creating a clear leadership structure.
Key Personnel Changes: A Fast Reference
| Position | New Hire | Previous Role |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Kevin Stefanski | Cleveland Browns Head Coach |
| Special Teams Coordinator | Craig Aukerman | Miami Dolphins special Teams Coordinator |
| President of Football Operations | Matt Ryan | Former Falcons Quarterback |
The Falcons’ rebuild represents a calculated effort to inject fresh perspectives and proven leadership into the organization. The emphasis on experienced coaches like Aukerman suggests a strategic focus on improving consistency and performance in all three phases of the game.
Do you think these changes will be enough to turn the Falcons around? And how crucial is a strong special teams unit in today’s NFL?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with fellow football fans!
How will Kevin Stefanski’s offensive philosophy change the Falcons’ play style?
Falcons Soar with New Leadership: Stefanski & aukerman Era Begins
The Atlanta Falcons have made significant moves to reshape their coaching staff, officially announcing Kevin Stefanski as their new Head Coach and Craig Aukerman as special Teams Coordinator.This marks a pivotal moment for the franchise as they aim to contend in the NFC South and beyond. The appointments, finalized on January 26th, 2026, signal a clear intent to prioritize offensive prowess and special teams efficiency.
Kevin Stefanski: A Proven Offensive Mind
Stefanski arrives in Atlanta with a strong reputation for developing quarterbacks and implementing dynamic offensive schemes. his previous tenure with the Cleveland Browns showcased his ability to maximize player potential, notably with Deshaun Watson, despite challenges.
* Offensive Philosophy: Stefanski’s system typically revolves around a balanced attack, utilizing play-action passing, a strong running game, and pre-snap motion to create mismatches. Expect a focus on establishing the run to open up passing lanes for quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
* quarterback Growth: A key reason for the hire is Stefanski’s track record with quarterbacks. He’s known for his detailed approach to technique, film study, and building rapport with his signal-callers. This is crucial for Penix jr.’s continued growth.
* Play-Calling Style: Stefanski is a proactive play-caller, adapting to game situations and opponent weaknesses. he isn’t afraid to take calculated risks, but his decisions are generally rooted in sound football principles.
* Previous Success: While in cleveland, Stefanski led the Browns to a playoff appearance in 2020, ending a long postseason drought. This experience will be invaluable as he navigates the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Craig Aukerman: Revamping the Special Teams Unit
Alongside the head coaching appointment,the Falcons have brought in Craig Aukerman to overhaul their special teams. aukerman is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top special teams coordinators, known for his aggressive and innovative approach.
* special Teams Focus: Aukerman’s philosophy centers on creating a competitive advantage in all phases of special teams – kicking, punting, coverage, and returns. He emphasizes relentless pursuit and disciplined execution.
* Coverage Unit Excellence: Aukerman consistently fields top-ranked coverage units, minimizing return yardage and forcing opponents into difficult situations. This is achieved through meticulous scouting, strategic personnel deployment, and rigorous practice drills.
* Return Game Innovation: He’s also known for his creative return schemes,designed to exploit opponent vulnerabilities and generate explosive plays. Expect to see the Falcons utilizing a variety of formations and personnel groupings in the return game.
* Player Development: Aukerman has a proven ability to identify and develop special teams talent, turning overlooked players into valuable contributors. This could be a significant boost for the Falcons’ roster depth.
Impact on the Falcons’ Offense
Stefanski’s arrival is expected to have a profound impact on the Falcons’ offensive strategy. The team has invested heavily in offensive weapons, including Drake London and Bijan Robinson. Stefanski’s system is designed to maximize the strengths of these players.
- Increased Play-Action: Expect a significant increase in play-action passing, utilizing Robinson’s running ability to create opportunities for Penix Jr. downfield.
- Targeted Passing Concepts: Stefanski’s offense often features specific passing concepts designed to exploit matchups and create easy completions. London, with his size and athleticism, will be a primary target.
- Improved Red Zone Efficiency: A hallmark of Stefanski’s offenses is their ability to convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns. This will be a key area of focus for the Falcons.
Special Teams Turnaround: What to Expect
The Falcons’ special teams have been a consistent weakness in recent years. Aukerman’s appointment signals a commitment to addressing this issue.
* Personnel Changes: Aukerman will likely evaluate the current special teams roster and identify areas where upgrades are needed. Expect potential additions through free agency or the draft.
* Emphasis on Fundamentals: He’ll prioritize essential techniques, such as tackling, blocking, and coverage assignments. This will be a cornerstone of his special teams program.
* Aggressive Approach: Aukerman isn’t afraid to take risks on special teams, such as attempting onside kicks or fake punts, when the situation warrants it.
Looking Ahead: Falcons’ 2026 Season Outlook
these coaching changes inject a new sense of optimism into the Falcons’ institution. With a proven offensive mind in Stefanski and a special teams guru in aukerman, the team is well-positioned to compete for a playoff berth in the 2026 season. The NFC South remains a competitive division, but the Falcons’ new leadership provides a solid foundation for future success. The focus now shifts to the offseason program, player development, and building a cohesive team culture.
