INDIANAPOLIS — During the 2026 NFL Combine, Atlanta Falcons staff members were interviewing defensive prospects when head coach Kevin Stefanski noticed Matt Ryan, former Falcons quarterback, intently drawing plays next to him.
“Matt was doing what I was doing,” Stefanski said. “Which was when they were talking about the coverage we were thinking about ways to attack the coverage. So, Matt is scribbling some plays over there, very similar to me. You are listening, but you can’t turn off the Xs and Os brain. It’s just impossible.”
This experience reminded Stefanski of a moment from February 2008 at another scouting combine, where he observed Ryan—then a Boston College prospect—being interviewed for an NFL draft spot. At that time, Stefanski worked as an assistant for the Minnesota Vikings and watched Ryan go through his evaluation process.
Eighteen years later, both men now sit together evaluating new talent for the Falcons during formal interviews in Indianapolis. Back then, Ryan’s understanding of football strategy was being tested; now he contributes by helping assess future players and shaping team plans.
Stefanski reflected on this change: The quarterback who once “aced” his own combine interview is now helping run the room — still thinking two steps ahead, and still unable to turn off his Xs and Os brain.
The Atlanta Falcons compete in the NFC South division of the NFL and are based in Atlanta, Georgia (official website). The franchise began as an expansion team in 1965 and has reached the Super Bowl twice—in 1998 and again in 2016 (official website).
As the Falcons enter their latest draft cycle with both Ryan and Stefanski involved in decision-making, their roles have shifted but their focus on football strategy remains unchanged.