Alex Van Pelt Joins Kevin Stefanski’s Falcons Staff as Quarterbacks Coach

The Atlanta Falcons have added another familiar face to Kevin Stefanski’s inaugural NFC South coaching staff, bringing in Alex Van Pelt as the team’s new quarterbacks coach. Van Pelt, who previously worked alongside Stefanski in Cleveland, will focus on developing the Falcons’ signal-callers under the new regime.

Stefanski and Van Pelt first collaborated in Cleveland, where Van Pelt spent four seasons as offensive coordinator. In 2023, his final year with the Browns, he doubled as quarterbacks coach, helping guide an offense that finished 10th in scoring and 16th in total yards. The partnership proved successful and laid the groundwork for Stefanski to bring Van Pelt to Atlanta.

After leaving Cleveland, Van Pelt joined the New England Patriots in 2024 under head coach Jerod Mayo. However, the season was disappointing for both the team and the coach, as New England’s offense ranked 30th in scoring and 31st in total yards. He spent 2025 as a senior offensive assistant with the Los Angeles Rams before returning to Stefanski’s staff in Atlanta.

Van Pelt’s hiring complements an already robust offensive coaching team that includes Tommy Rees as offensive coordinator, alongside positional coaches Bill Callahan, Michael Pitre, Kevin Koger, Nick Jones, and Robert Prince. The Falcons aim to blend experience and continuity to develop a high-powered offense under Stefanski’s leadership.

1. Track Record With Stefanski in Cleveland

Van Pelt’s tenure with the Browns solidified his reputation as a versatile offensive mind. Serving as offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2023, he helped guide Cleveland to consistent scoring output, peaking in 2023 with a top-10 scoring offense. In addition to play-calling, Van Pelt worked directly with quarterbacks, honing mechanics, decision-making, and timing. His dual role in 2023 demonstrated his ability to manage both scheme design and individual player development. The Browns’ offense under Van Pelt emphasized balance, pairing a strong running game with a dynamic passing attack. His collaboration with Stefanski allowed for consistent system implementation, giving quarterbacks confidence and producing tangible results. This prior success with Stefanski makes him a natural fit for Atlanta, where the head coach seeks to establish similar consistency and efficiency in the Falcons’ offense.

2. NFL Experience and Coaching Versatility

Van Pelt brings over two decades of NFL experience to Atlanta, including roles as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator across multiple teams. Before his stint in Cleveland, he worked with the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Cincinnati Bengals. In 2009, Van Pelt served as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator, marking his first experience leading an NFL offense. Since then, he has alternated between coordinator and positional coaching roles, giving him a broad perspective on offensive schematics and player development. His varied experience across different systems equips him to adapt to new personnel and schemes, a valuable asset for a Falcons team looking to evolve under Stefanski. His previous collaborations with Stefanski provide additional continuity that should help streamline the installation of the offensive system in Atlanta. Van Pelt’s blend of leadership, technical knowledge, and quarterback-focused expertise positions him to make an immediate impact with the Falcons’ offense.

3. Looking Ahead in Atlanta

As Stefanski builds his coaching staff, Van Pelt’s addition strengthens the development pipeline for quarterbacks in Atlanta. His focus will be on mechanics, reads, and preparation, while Rees oversees overall offensive strategy and play-calling. The Falcons’ front office and coaching staff view this hire as a key step in establishing an offensive identity, balancing innovative schemes with proven coaching experience. Van Pelt’s prior work with Stefanski ensures alignment on philosophy and communication style, helping streamline quarterback development. With a talented but evolving roster, the Falcons will rely on their coaching staff to maximize efficiency and production. Van Pelt’s expertise should help bridge the gap between young players and the demands of an NFL offense. Atlanta fans can expect improved quarterback play, sharper decision-making, and greater offensive cohesion as the team enters its first season under Stefanski with a familiar, trusted voice guiding its signal-callers.