After consecutive 8-9 seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Raheem Morris, as well as general manager Terry Fontenot. Morris was hired in 2024 after the team fired Arthur Smith.
With the Falcons on the hunt for a head coach again, these four names stick out amongst the pack.
Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers defensive coordinator is expected to be the next big thing in the NFL. His defense has been one of the best in the NFL this season, ranking fifth in total defense and eighth in EPA per play. If the Falcons wanted to go with another defensive-minded head coach, Minter could bring quarterbacks coach Shane Day, who has been with Justin Herbert in all of his best seasons, to help whomever the Falcons quarterback in 2026 is.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings
Flores has been one of the best defensive coordinators in football over the last three seasons. Bringing his scheme to the Falcons would turn their defense into a blitz-heavy team that could create more splash plays with young blooming star Xavier Watts. Add in the potential of Josh McCown and/or multiple Kevin O'Connell assistants with him, and Flores could bring the Falcons back to the postseason.
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
If the Browns do move on from Stefanski, which has been reported as the likely outcome, he could land on his feet in Atlanta. Despite the last two years in Cleveland not going as planned, a lot of that can be chalked up to the Browns having the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. If Atlanta can get the quarterback right, their offense could take off under Stefanski.
Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks
Kubiak may be the top name in this coaching cycle. His success this year in his first season with the Seattle Seahawks and Sam Darnold has spoke volumes, but his name has been gaining steam for years. He had the New Orleans Saints as the most explosive offense in the NFL in September of 2024 before Derek Carr was injured. He helped the San Francisco 49ers passing game become one of the best in the league, as well, as their passing game coordinator. Kubiak would almost certainly make the Falcons an explosive team, and get the best out of Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
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