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Falcons hire Alex Van Pelt as quarterbacks coach

Former Rams senior offensive assistant was a prolific passer in college and worked with new coach Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland.
The Falcons have hired former Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, pictured during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium on Aug. 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Images/TNS)
The Falcons have hired former Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, pictured during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FirstEnergy Stadium on Aug. 21, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Jason Miller/Getty Images/TNS)
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
Jan 31, 2026

Alex Van Pelt, who was the Rams’ senior offensive assistant last season, was hired as the Falcons quarterbacks coach, the team announced Saturday.

Van Pelt, 55, who played at Pittsburgh and broke Dan Marino’s records for passing yards, attempts and completions in college, was on the Browns staff from 2020-23 with new Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski.

He was the Patriots’ offensive coordinator in 2024.

He’s also been with the Bills (2006-09), Bucs (2010-11), Packers (2012-17) and Bengals (2018-19).

In addition, Michael Bearden was hired as a coaching fellow/offensive assistant. He was with the Browns last season as part of Cleveland’s Bill Willis Coaching Fellowship.

Tanner Engstrand, former Jets offensive coordinator last season, is being hired as the passing-game coordinator, according to NFL Media.