The Atlanta Falcons began their offseason workout program early this year, as allowed by NFL guidelines for teams with a new head coach, according to an Apr. 13 announcement. The team is now in phase one of the program, which includes meetings at the facility and workouts overseen by strength and conditioning staff.
This early start is important for building a strong foundation before the upcoming season. Head coach Kevin Stefanski said, “So much of the offseason program, as you guys know, is just building foundational knowledge. That’s scheme, that’s the X’s and O’s, but that’s also a foundational knowledge of our techniques, of our fundamentals. Foundational knowledge of our identity as an offense, as a defense, as special teams. So, I’d say a lot of the offseason program is about building a strong foundation.”
Stefanski brings previous experience from his time with the Cleveland Browns but did not have an in-person offseason when he first became head coach due to pandemic restrictions. Now in Atlanta without those limitations or modifications, he said there are “great benefits to being in a program where your coaches can coach you,” adding that over ten weeks they want to cover ground both schematically and physically.
As reported by Bijan Robinson—whose fifth-year option was recently picked up—the emphasis will be on players setting the tone for team culture: “I think this year I’ll be more vocal when it comes to the offensive guys… I’m going to make sure that I gain everybody’s respect… especially the new guys.” Stefanski echoed this approach: “If you have the right people in the locker room… that’s player-driven accountability… When it’s player-driven you’ve got a real chance.”
The Falcons are based in Atlanta, Georgia according to their official website. The team competes in the National Football League’s NFC South division according to their official website and began play as an expansion franchise in 1965 according to their official website. They have reached two Super Bowls—in 1998 and again in 2016 according to their official website, advancing twice overall according to their official website. Freddie the Falcon serves as mascot for the club according to their official website.
Looking ahead, Stefanski plans on creating a leadership council during training camp and believes starting early gives his staff “a jumpstart on everybody.” He said: “Coaches are excited… We’re very lucky to get started two weeks early… we’re going to take advantage of that.”
