Matt Ryan comments on Falcons hiring head coach Kevin Stefanski

[ASFN Admin]

The Atlanta Falcons officially named Kevin Stefanksi the 20th head coach in franchise history on Saturday. Stefanski, the former head coach of the Cleveland Browns, is a bright offensive mind and two-time NFL Coach of the Year winner.

The Falcons interviewed nine total candidates, including Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, before hiring Stefanski for their coaching vacancy on Saturday evening.

Falcons president of football Matt Ryan released an official statement after hiring Stefanski:

We're thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski who brings a clear vision for his staff, our team and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration with every area of the football operation. Coach Stefanski is a team-first leader who puts a premium on accountability for everyone and a player-driven culture.

His experience in Cleveland and Minnesota has given him a great understanding of the importance of working in sync with scouting, personnel and the rest of the football staff to maximize talent across the roster and in doing everything possible to put our players in the best position to succeed. Kevin's style of leadership, combined with the staff and infrastructure in place here in Atlanta, gives us confidence in our shared vision for the team and we are excited to have him as the leader of our football team. -- Matt Ryan, Falcons president of football

Stefanski also released a statement following his hiring on Saturday night, thanking both Ryan and Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

"I'm beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise," said Stefanski. "I am grateful to Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me to coach this football team and there are many talented players on our roster that I cannot wait to coach. We share a vision for this football team that I believe will make Falcons fans everywhere proud. We will get to work immediately putting together a first-class coaching staff and working hard to get to know all the great people that are so important to getting us all where we want to go."

The Falcons have reportedly signed Stefanski to a five-year contract to be the 20th head coach in franchise history.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan comments on Kevin Stefanksi hire

Continue reading...