The Atlanta Falcons are on track to finalize their coaching staff by Tuesday, January 27, as the team prepares for head coach Kevin Stefanski’s introductory press conference on that date. This announcement comes ten days after Stefanski’s hiring, with the coach intending to outline his vision for the team, including the selection of his assistant coaches.
Stefanski has already confirmed that Jeff Ulbrich will remain as the defensive coordinator, but the focus now shifts to two pivotal roles: the offensive coordinator and the special teams coordinator. While the search for a special teams coordinator continues, the offensive coordinator position is expected to attract the most attention.
Tommy Rees, a 33-year-old former Notre Dame quarterback, is currently the frontrunner for the offensive coordinator spot. Rees served under Stefanski as both a passing-game specialist and tight ends coach in Cleveland before being promoted to offensive coordinator last season. Stefanski’s preference to involve himself heavily in play calling could mean Rees is the right choice for the job, especially since he has been directly involved in the offense’s development.
Another strong candidate is Brian Callahan, 41, who has extensive NFL experience as the former offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. His tenure there included working with high-profile quarterback Joe Burrow and leading the offense through competitive seasons. Despite his recent stint as head coach of the Tennessee Titans ending in a rocky start, Callahan’s professional background positions him as a seasoned option for the Falcons.
Mike McDaniel, who spent the past four years as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, also emerges as a potential candidate but may not align perfectly with Stefanski’s approach. McDaniel is considered a strong offensive mind and could command significant resources, possibly complicating his ability to fit into the Falcons’ framework.
Brian Daboll, though without a direct connection to Stefanski, has previously excelled as an offensive coordinator with various teams, including the Buffalo Bills, where he contributed to the development of Josh Allen. His wealth of experience could be beneficial as the Falcons look to enhance their offensive strategies.
Lastly, Antwaan Randle El, currently the assistant head coach and wide receivers coach for the Chicago Bears, presents an intriguing wild card. His ambition to lead an offense at a higher capacity could play to the Falcons’ advantage, given his foundational knowledge and recent successes in coaching wide receivers.
As the Falcons move forward, the selection of the offensive coordinator will be crucial for Stefanski’s first season in Atlanta, setting the tone for the team’s offensive direction and potential success in the upcoming season.