INDIANAPOLIS — During the 2026 NFL Combine, a moment stood out to Kevin Stefanski as he observed the Atlanta Falcons’ formal interviews with defensive prospects. While defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and inside linebackers coach Barrett Ruud discussed coverage schemes with a linebacker prospect, Stefanski noticed Matt Ryan, former franchise quarterback, intently drawing plays beside him.
“Matt was doing what I was doing,” Stefanski said. “Which was when they were talking about the coverage we were thinking about ways to attack the coverage. So, Matt is scribbling some plays over there, very similar to me. You are listening, but you can’t turn off the Xs and Os brain. It’s just impossible.”
This scene reminded Stefanski of his experience at the 2008 scouting combine when he was an assistant for the Minnesota Vikings. At that time, he watched as Matt Ryan entered the interview room as a top quarterback prospect from Boston College. Eighteen years later, instead of being evaluated, Ryan now participates in evaluating new talent alongside Stefanski.
At this year’s combine in Indianapolis—a key event where teams assess future players—Ryan has shifted roles from being tested on his football knowledge to helping determine how the Falcons will approach their next season.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the NFL’s NFC South division and are based in Atlanta, Georgia (official website). The team began as an expansion franchise in 1965 and has advanced to two Super Bowls: in 1998 and 2016 (official website).
Reflecting on Ryan’s journey from player to architect within the organization, Stefanski noted: The quarterback who once “aced” his own combine interview is now helping run the room—still thinking two steps ahead, and still unable to turn off his Xs and Os brain.
Only this time, he’s not trying to earn a job.
He’s building one.