Stefanski addressed the franchise’s transition after two seasons under Raheem Morris and the timing of his availability, noting he was drawn to the job and city. He said the focus would be on hard work rather than delving into a day-by-day plan: “We’re not going to spend much time talking about what we’re going to do. We’re going to put our heads down and work.” The Falcons will look to leverage a roster he believes remains capable of competing in the NFC South and beyond.
When questions turned to Baker Mayfield, Stefanski offered measured reflections, saying he has “a ton of respect for [Mayfield] as a player and a person,” and highlighting the Buccaneers-Falcons rivalry as an exciting dynamic. He avoided getting into specifics about past drama, choosing to keep the focus on competition and professional respect.
On the Falcons’ quarterback of the present and future, Stefanski expressed enthusiasm for Michael Penix Jr. and his recovery from a torn ACL. “Michael Penix is someone I’m very excited about,” he said, noting that Penix is attacking his rehab. Stefanski described Penix as a player who can progress through reads, layer the ball, and push it to all areas of the field, underscoring Penix’s potential to develop into a long-term solution in Atlanta, even as he’s expected to miss the start of the 2026 season.
Overall, Stefanski’s introductory remarks framed a rebuild with a focus on the existing roster, steady development, and a positive outlook for Penix’s trajectory. The press conference set the tone for how the Falcons intend to approach sustained success while navigating ongoing quarterback development and NFC South competition.
