3. Quarterbacks and more quarterbacks
Across nearly two decades of coaching experience in the league, Stefanski has worked with a plethora of quarterbacks of varying skill sets. While the up-and-down nature of Cleveland’s quarterback position in recent years has been a knock to Stefanski’s resume by some, there is something to be said about the wealth of experience Stefanski alone has in working with 15 different quarterbacks since joining the league’s coaching ranks in 2009.
In case you were curious, here’s the list:
Brett Favre, Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel, Josh Freeman, Case Keenum, Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Jacoby Brissett, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Quarterbacks of every shape, size, experience, strength, weakness, high-powered arm, take-off legs — you name it, Stefanski has seen it at the quarterback position. He’s seen guys thrive. He’s seen them struggle. All of this compounds into a knowledge base that Stefanski can draw upon as he leads a Falcons’ roster that has a bit of a question mark at the quarterback position.
Michael Penix Jr. underwent ACL surgery in November. Without speculating too much about his recovery timeline, the Falcons should get him back for the 2026 season, but to what capacity in the early months of the season is up for debate. If Penix is not fully ready to start the season in the pocket, the Falcons have decisions to make. As previously stated, Cousins’ future is uncertain. So, if the Falcons move on from Cousins and Penix won’t be ready right away, they need a starter to lead them through the early days of the 2026 season.
If finding a head coach and general manager was priority 1A for the organization this offseason, answering their quarterback question with a plan and backup plan is priority 1B.