Kevin Stefanski’s Top Players Coached for Falcons Head Coach Role

The potential Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has a rich history of coaching key players throughout his career. Here, we highlight the top players coached by Stefanski, their achievements, and their current status as they navigate their professional journeys.

Key Players Coached by Kevin Stefanski

Kirk Cousins, Quarterback

Stefanski’s coaching relationship with Kirk Cousins began when Cousins joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. At the time, Stefanski was the quarterbacks coach, promoting to offensive coordinator in 2019. Notably, Cousins led the Vikings to a playoff berth in 2019, finishing with a record of 10-5. Although his 2018 season boasted better individual statistics, the team’s overall success in 2019 was significant.

Cousins achieved a Pro Bowl nomination that year, marking his second career selection. Currently, he plays for the Atlanta Falcons, where he signed a four-year deal in 2024. Despite a rocky start, including performance issues that led to him being benched in Week 16, Cousins bounced back with a strong finish to the season, starting seven games with a record of 5-2.

Baker Mayfield, Quarterback

Baker Mayfield joined the Cleveland Browns as their starting quarterback in 2018. He saw remarkable improvement under Stefanski’s leadership beginning in 2020, when the team secured its first playoff appearance since 2002. In that season, Mayfield recorded an 11-5 regular-season record, completing 62.8% of his passes for 3,563 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Since then, Mayfield has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he signed in 2023. His performance in Tampa has included two playoff appearances, although the Buccaneers faced challenges, tying for first in the NFC South in 2024.

Nick Chubb, Running Back

Nick Chubb was drafted by the Browns in 2018 and became a standout player under Stefanski from 2020. In his fourth season, Chubb achieved a career-high 1,525 rushing yards and scored 13 total touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.

After seven seasons with Cleveland, Chubb joined the Houston Texans for the 2025 season. Despite battling injuries, he managed to contribute 506 rushing yards over 15 games last season.

Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver

Amari Cooper became a key player for the Browns when he signed in 2022, coinciding with Stefanski’s third season as head coach. In his first year, Cooper scored a career-high nine touchdowns. By 2023, he set a personal record with 1,250 receiving yards while battling injury, making him the first player in franchise history to achieve back-to-back seasons over 1,000 yards.

Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver

Although Adam Thielen signed with the Vikings when Stefanski was the tight ends coach, their connection developed as Stefanski advanced to offensive coordinator. Thielen achieved his first 1,000-yard season in 2017, receiving Pro Bowl honors both that year and in 2018.

Thielen’s career culminated in a split 2025 season between the Vikings and the Steelers, after which he announced his retirement.

Honorable Mentions

• Joe Flacco: Played briefly under Stefanski at the Browns and earned the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2023.
• Dalvin Cook: Had a notable career with the Vikings under Stefanski, achieving his first 1,000-yard season in 2019.
• Stefon Diggs: Excelled with the Vikings, hitting 1,000 yards for several consecutive seasons before joining the Buffalo Bills.
• Kyle Rudolph: A Pro Bowler during his tenure with the Vikings alongside Stefanski.
• Joel Bitonio: Made seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances while playing under Stefanski at the Browns.

Kevin Stefanski’s coaching journey showcases his ability to elevate the performance of players in the NFL. His experience with top talents positions him well as he pursues the Falcons’ head coach role.