Black Monday has arrived, and it’s resulted in four head coaches being let go: Raheem Morris from the Falcons, Kevin Stefanski from the Browns, Jonathan Gannon from the Cardinals, and Pete Carroll from the Raiders. The season also saw two early exits for Brian Callahan of the Titans and Brian Daboll of the Giants.
Now, let’s focus on the Atlanta Falcons and potential candidates for their head coach position in 2026. Raheem Morris, who led the team for just two seasons, was fired despite finishing this season with a respectable record. His overall record stands at 16 wins against 18 losses. The Falcons also decided to let go of general manager Terry Fontenot, along with others in the front office. This represents a significant shift for the organization as they aim to reset.
Kevin Stefanski (former Browns head coach)
Stefanski is definitely a name to keep an eye on after being dismissed by the Browns after six seasons. While his overall record is not stellar, it’s actually quite an improvement compared to most of the Browns’ previous coaches. Plus, the difficult situation surrounding Deshaun Watson has complicated efforts to build a competitive team. The Falcons have already expressed interest in interviewing him, as they typically do with coaching vacancies.
Given the lack of experienced offensive-minded coaches available, Stefanski has some leverage in his choices. From an outside perspective, the Falcons’ job isn’t exactly enticing, lacking a first-round pick this year and a promising quarterback.
Bill Belichick (UNC head coach)
The Falcons were reportedly close to hiring Belichick when they swapped him for Morris back in 2024. At that time, management wanted to control how much freedom he had, but after two disappointing seasons, could things have changed? Maybe the Falcons are ready to let him take the reins, or perhaps Belichick is so eager to find an NFL role that he’s willing to compromise on control.
Belichick has faced concerns at this stage in his career, especially after not finding success in his first season at UNC. Should he want to return to the NFL, he does have connections with Arthur Blank, but the Falcons might not be the most appealing option given their current situation.
Clint Kubiak (Seahawks Offensive Coordinator)
Kubiak has demonstrated his ability to develop an effective offense with quarterbacks like Derek Carr and Sam Darnold over recent seasons. His recent work in Seattle should make him a noteworthy candidate in this year’s hiring process.
The Falcons are looking for a head coach who can get the most out of a mid-tier quarterback, which might just be the most crucial task ahead. With Penix Jr. as the likely starter and some competition from free agents, Kubiak could be a fitting choice for them.
Brian Flores (Vikings defensive coordinator)
Flores has gained a reputation for applying pressure on quarterbacks effectively. In today’s league, having a strong plan for defensive pressure is crucial. We’ve seen the NFL evolve into a more balanced game, with defenses like Flores’ adapting to control the pace. The Falcons already boast a solid defense, and Flores could elevate that unit significantly.
Vance Joseph (Broncos defensive coordinator)
This offseason appears to favor strong defensive candidates overall. Both Flores and Joseph rank among the top defensive minds currently available. If a team is inclined to concentrate on strengthening their defense to support a young quarterback, it’s a reasonable strategy. Just look at the Texans as an example. Joseph’s efforts in Denver have led to one of the league’s top defenses, earning them a playoff berth despite some struggles on offense.
Mike LaFleur (Rams Offensive Coordinator)
While the Falcons might not be keen on returning to the Rams’ coaching staff, it seems probable that whoever they hire will lean toward offensive strategy, especially since Morris handled the defense previously. LaFleur, under Sean McVay at the Rams, should be closely monitored. Although McVay commands the plays, LaFleur is deeply involved in the offensive strategies that have driven recent success for multiple coaches. I genuinely think the McVay coaching tree holds potential.
