Falcons predicted to hire former Coach of the Year winner to replace Raheem Morris

The Atlanta Falcons are back in the head coaching market for the second time in two years, as the franchise fired Raheem Morris on Monday after just two years.

Atlanta hasn't posted a winning season since 2017, and the team has struggled to find a long-term replacement for Dan Quinn, who they fired in 2020. Arthur Smith was mediocre and lasted only three seasons, and Morris wasn't much better.

That said, Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson predicts the Falcons will kickstart a new era by hiring Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach.

Here is what Johnson had to say about Stefanski and his potential fit as Atlanta's head coach.

"Stefanski would immediately inherit an offense with All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson, whom he could center his offense around, along with Pro Bowl receiving threats in Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Furthermore, he would also have the option of reuniting with Kirk Cousins and deploying him as the bridge starter to open the 2026 NFL season. While a good hire at defensive coordinator would be key, the next play-caller would get to work with a unit that boasts Jessie Bates, A.J. Terrell, James Pearce Jr., Javon Walker, Xavier Watts and Divine Deablo."

Stefanski was fired by the Browns this week after two straight losing seasons, but he was far from the biggest problem in Cleveland. The team has been handicapped at the quarterback position due to the abysmal Deshaun Watson trade, and the Browns just didn't have many offensive playmakers this season for Stefanski to succeed.

After being let go by Cleveland, Stefanski has already garnered interest from multiple teams, including the Falcons, who are expected to speak with him.

"Sources: Former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski currently is expected to speak with the Falcons, Giants and Titans about their HC vacancies," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on X on Jan. 5.

With the amount of offensive playmakers Atlanta possesses, including star running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, who is set to hit free agency, it would be foolish for the Falcons not to hire an offensive coach who can get the most out of the promising unit.

Stefanski would be a fantastic fit in Atlanta with the set of dynamic weapons, and though the team's quarterback situation is uncertain due to Michael Penix Jr's injury and Kirk Cousins' contract, the team should be able to figure it out and at least find a bridge starter capable of contributing to winning football.

Overall, Stefanski and the Falcons would be a logical fit, but Atlanta does have a ton of candidates to evaluate before ultimately making a franchise-altering decision.