Tommy Rees Joins Falcons as Offensive Coordinator
The Atlanta Falcons have named Tommy Rees as their new offensive coordinator, marking a reunion with head coach Kevin Stefanski. This move follows Stefanski’s recent hiring as the Falcons’ head coach, after his departure from the Cleveland Browns earlier this month.
A Familiar Partnership
Rees and Stefanski have worked together before, having spent time with the Cleveland Browns during the 2023 NFL season. Rees, who had been with the Browns for two seasons, was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023 after several years as an assistant coach at both Notre Dame and Alabama.
However, following the Browns’ decision to fire Stefanski, Rees found himself without a job. With Stefanski now leading the Falcons, the hiring of Rees as offensive coordinator seemed inevitable.
Changing Tides in Atlanta
The move comes after the Falcons dismissed head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Stefanski’s appointment marks a new era in Atlanta, with the Falcons looking to turn the page after three years of inconsistent performance.
Stefanski’s Track Record
Despite his struggles in Cleveland, Stefanski earned Coach of the Year honors twice during his six-year tenure with the Browns. His team faced significant challenges, particularly at the quarterback position, with multiple players filling the role in recent seasons. The lack of consistency at quarterback was a major factor in the team’s underperformance, as evidenced by their combined eight wins over the past two years.
With the Falcons, Stefanski and Rees are entering a more stable environment, though the team still faces uncertainty at quarterback. Michael Penix Jr.’s recovery from an ACL injury and the future of Kirk Cousins remain key questions for the franchise. Nevertheless, the Falcons finished tied at the top of the NFC South last season with an 8-9 record, providing optimism for the future.
Looking Ahead
As Rees and Stefanski aim to rebuild the Falcons into playoff contenders, the partnership seems like a perfect fit for both coaches. Together, they will focus on addressing the team’s offensive challenges, with hopes of establishing a more consistent and competitive roster moving forward.
