Kevin Stefanski got the opportunity to develop both Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel during his stint with the Cleveland Browns. Gabriel was acquired in the third round of the 2025 draft, while Sanders was drafted with the 144th pick. Stefanski handed both quarterbacks their NFL debuts, but they had limited success in a struggling Browns team that finished 5-12.
On Friday’s episode of the “Dan Patrick Show,” Stefanski, who is now the coach of the Atlanta Falcons, gave his verdict on Sanders and Gabriel.
“First of all, I would like to tell you, I have zero ill will towards anyone in that building,” Stefanski said. “Those two young players (Shedeur and Dillon), I love those guys. I loved coaching them. I love their development.
“Both those guys can point to their rookie seasons and say, ‘Man, they got better in these areas.’ … I think very highly of those two young men. … Developing young quarterbacks is something we want to be at the forefront of. Love those two young guys, and they’ll continue to improve.”
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The Browns fired Kevin Stefanski after six seasons, and he was quickly picked up by the Falcons to replace Raheem Morris.
Stefanski began the season with Joe Flacco as his QB1, Gabriel as the backup and Sanders as the third-string option. However, Gabriel replaced Flacco as the QB in Week 5. Flacco was then traded to the Bengals, following which Shedeur was promoted to backup duties. Gabriel played in 10 games and threw for 937 yards and seven TDs.
However, he suffered a concussion in Week 11. Shedeur Sanders took over for the remainder of the season. In eight starts, he threw for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns.
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Kevin Stefanski shares his thoughts on Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins’ future with the Falcons
The first major decision that Kevin Stefanski will have to make as the Falcons coach is find his starting quarterback. The two options that he has currently are four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins and 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.
When asked about his first choice quarterback, Stefanski said the Falcons’ first order of business would be to hire a general manager.
“I think we have to hire a general manager first, before I can give you a great answer there,” Stefanski said as per PFT. “Once we do that, I’ll sit with the general manger, sit with Matt Ryan, we’ll put our heads together on all roster decisions.”
The Falcons have since signed Ian Cunningham as their new general manager.
Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million deal back in 2024. However, according to reports, he is expected to be released this offseason. Michael Penix, whose 2025 campaign was cut short due to an ACL injury, will likely continue as QB1.