- Falcons appoint Bill Callahan as new offensive line coach.
- Callahan brings extensive coaching experience spanning four decades in both college and professional ranks.
- Callahan’s son Brian recently coached the Tennessee Titans but was released in October 2025.
- The move comes after Stefanski retained Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator.
Falcons Name Bill Callahan Offensive Line Coach
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their coaching staff by appointing Bill Callahan as the new offensive line coach. This is head coach Kevin Stefanski’s second official hire for his coaching team, with Jeff Ulbrich being retained in the defensive coordinator role on Monday.
Callahan’s extensive experience spans four decades and includes stints at both the college and professional levels. His career began in 1995 when he served as the offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. Over time, his roles expanded to include offensive coordinator and head coaching positions with various teams before returning to the NFL.
Head Coaching Success
In 2002, Callahan led the Oakland Raiders to a third consecutive AFC West title and secured the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance since its return to Oakland. His tenure as head coach was marked by significant achievements, including being one of only four first-year coaches in NFL history to lead their team to three straight division titles and a Super Bowl.
College and Professional Tenure
Callahan’s journey back to the professional ranks included a stint with the New York Jets from 2008 to 2011, where he established the Jets as one of the premier offensive lines in the league. Notably, three players—Nick Mangold, Alan Faneca, and D’Brickashaw Ferguson—were named Pro Bowl selections during his time there.
His return to coaching after a brief stint as assistant head coach with the Dallas Cowboys from 2012 to 2014 saw him continue to mentor top-tier offensive linemen. Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and Travis Frederick all received accolades during his tenure, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Recent Moves
In 2015, Callahan joined the Washington Redskins as offensive line coach before becoming assistant head coach in 2017. He briefly served as interim head coach for five games of the 2019 season. Stefanski recognized Callahan’s expertise and brought him to Cleveland in 2020 where he played a crucial role, especially in pass protection.
“I have seen Coach Callahan on his hands and knees getting guys into three-point stances how he wants it,” Stefanski said about Callahan. “Coach Callahan has a way about him.
That is how he has been coaching for years. I have heard the stories going way back to his college days. He coaches them hard, and he is fair.
I think the guys respect that. He is a huge resource to me with him being a former head coach, and he has seen so much. I just think the guy is outstanding.”
Callahan’s move to Atlanta marks a return to the NFL where he will work alongside Chris Lindstrom, Jake Matthews, Matthew Bergeron, and potentially Kaleb McGary, who missed 2025 with injury.
Unique Family Connection
Notably, Callahan’s son Brian was recently named head coach of the Tennessee Titans but was released in October 2025. This unique situation will see Bill Callahan reunite with Stefanski and work at his former team, potentially creating a new chapter for both father and son.
“Bill Callahan — a very unique situation there to go work for Brian, not with Brian,” Stefanski said in 2024. “He’s going to work for Brian. I can’t wait for Brian to boss him around.
The dream of every kid is to boss their parents around. Happy for those guys.” Organizationally, the Falcons did not stand in the way of this family move.
With Callahan’s wealth of experience and proven track record, fans and analysts alike are excited about his potential impact on the Falcons’ offensive line and overall performance in the upcoming seasons.