In his first press conference as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Kevin Stefanski addressed questions about the team’s quarterback situation for the upcoming 2026 season. Speaking at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday, Stefanski discussed his outlook on Michael Penix Jr., who is recovering from ACL surgery, and Kirk Cousins, whose contract was recently restructured.
Stefanski said he is “very excited about” Penix but emphasized that recovery is currently the top priority. “I saw him in the training room this week,” Stefanski said, “and as you can imagine he is attacking his rehab.” Penix had surgery in November 2025 to repair a torn ACL. Recovery timelines suggest a possible return between July and October, which means his availability for the start of the season remains uncertain.
The Falcons selected Penix with the No. 8 overall pick in 2024. Stefanski noted Penix’s ability to progress through plays and his productivity both in college and during moments in his professional career. “I think you see a player on tape who can get through progressions, can layer the ball, can push the ball to all areas of the field. Obviously, was very productive in college and has had some really, really good moments here in the pros,” Stefanski said. “I see a young player who will continue to develop and continue to get better.”
Stefanski described himself as being focused on player development: “I am crazy about the development of our players. We want to be a very intentional group when it comes to developing players, and obviously the quarterback position is at the forefront of that,” he said. He referenced working with various quarterbacks throughout his coaching career: “I have been able to be exposed to other quarterbacks, whether its rookies, a 40-year-old Brett Favre, a 40-year-old Joe Flacco — I have seen a bunch of different guys at that position and I think it is our job as coaches to put structure around them, to put a curriculum together in the offseason to get them up to speed in whatever areas, to give them very specific things that we are going to work on together so they can improve.”
Stefanski also has prior experience coaching Kirk Cousins during their time with the Minnesota Vikings. The Falcons recently restructured Cousins’ contract by reducing his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million while shifting compensation into 2027. This move lowered Cousins’ cap number for 2026 from taking up 14.1% of team salary cap space down to 8.3%, according to OverTheCap.com.
Asked about Cousins’ future with Atlanta, Stefanski responded: “When it comes to Kirk, obviously I have a previous relationship with him,” he said. “But I don’t know if it’s the time yet to talk all positions, and those types of things, but those type of conversations will come in due time.”
President of football Matt Ryan stated that Atlanta is still searching for a general manager who will partner with Stefanski moving forward. Once hired, Stefanski and leadership plan an extensive review of the roster.
The Atlanta Falcons are based in Atlanta, Georgia and play in the National Football League’s NFC South Division since joining as an expansion franchise in 1965 official website. The team has made two Super Bowl appearances (1998 and 2016) official website, official website.