The Falcons seemed to get a jumpstart on their search for a new general manager and head coach when they hired the consulting firm Sportsology in the middle of the season. At that point, it felt like it was already determined the team would go in a new direction, and that there was nothing that could transpire over the final four weeks that would save the jobs of Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot.
It’s very possible — perhaps even likely — the Falcons already have a very good idea of who they want to lead the team moving forward. Here are five names to watch as the hiring cycle begins:
Matt LaFleur
I have my doubts that the Packers would be dumb enough to let a coach of Matt LaFleur’s caliber walk. He owns a ridiculous 76-39-1 record since taking over in Green Bay, but reports suggest it’s not out of the realm of possibility if the Packers suffer another early postseason exit, something Falcons fans should be rooting for next weekend.
If LaFleur becomes available, expect the Falcons to back up the Brinks truck. He is one of the best offensive-minded head coaches in the league, has proven he can develop a young quarterback, and has ties not only to the Falcons — serving as quarterbacks coach from 2015–2016 — but also to Matt Ryan, who is expected to take on a significant role in the Atlanta front office. This would be Atlanta’s top target if he hits the market, though he would likely top the list for nearly every team with a vacancy.
Mike LaFleur
If Matt isn’t available, perhaps the Falcons pivot to his younger brother, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. Mike was also in the Falcons building as an offensive assistant from 2015–2016, and the success of coaches from the Shanahan-McVay tree is well documented. It feels like only a matter of time before he gets his first head coaching opportunity, and he is a much more realistic candidate.
Kevin Stefanski
It was announced Monday morning that Kevin Stefanski has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He is a two-time Coach of the Year who has spent much of his career developing quarterbacks, which will undoubtedly be a point of emphasis for the Falcons as they try to determine whether Michael Penix Jr. can be their long-term answer.
Jesse Minter
I don’t expect the Falcons to go the defensive coordinator route, but there is always a chance if someone blows them away in the interview process, and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is a name to monitor. He coordinated Michigan’s dominant defense en route to the 2023 National Championship and has continued that success under Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. The Chargers rank fifth in yards allowed per game and ninth in points allowed. At just 42 years old, Minter has a Mike Macdonald-like feel to him, who has thrived since becoming the Seahawks’ head coach.
Klint Kubiak
Speaking of the Seahawks, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has made a strong case to earn his first head coaching job. With Sam Darnold at quarterback, Seattle ranks eighth in yards per game and third in points per game, showcasing an impressive balance between the run and pass. Kubiak will be a hot commodity this hiring cycle, and the Falcons should be among the teams seriously considering him.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
