Great question. Here's the breakdown:
Stefanski is the architect, Rees is the executor. Stefanski's run-heavy, play-action identity (from the Kubiak-Shanahan tree) will be the core philosophy in Atlanta. The wiki notes his Cleveland offenses finished 8th in pass rate (62.2%) despite shaky QB play — and that should actually be a pass-rate bump for Atlanta, which was dead last in the league at 55.9% in 2025 (from the Kevin Stefanski page). So the "run-heavy" label is relative.
The mesh works because Stefanski hired Rees to fit his vision. Tommy Rees is a first-time OC in Atlanta, but Stefanski's staff also includes:
- Alex Van Pelt (QB coach, former NFL coordinator) — veteran play-calling perspective
- Tanner Engstrand (passing game coordinator) — brings modern Ben Johnson / Lions concepts
That mix gives the offense Shanahan-style run-game roots with some modern passing wrinkles layered on top.
The Bijan Robinson factor is key. On Underdog Fantasy Football, Josh & Hayden put it well: "We've seen Nick Chubb have historic seasons under Kevin Stefanski. And Bijan Robinson even has more pass-game ability than that." . Bijan is already the consensus RB2 in PPR rankings and coming off 2,298 scrimmage yards in 2025 — he's the perfect centerpiece for a run-first, play-action offense that also features receiving backs.
Bottom line: Stefanski's tendencies and Rees's role aren't at odds — Rees is implementing Stefanski's system. The bigger question is whether the QB situation (Tua vs. a recovering Penix) can make the passing game efficient enough to keep defenses from stacking the box against Bijan.