The Atlanta Falcons, facing nearly a decade of decline, ushered in another major reset late Sunday night by dismissing head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The move underscores the franchise’s urgent need to reverse its trajectory after back-to-back disappointing seasons.
The firings came just hours after Atlanta closed its season with a 19–17 home victory over the New Orleans Saints, finishing 8–9 for the second straight year. Despite ending with a four-game winning streak and signs of cohesion, ownership determined the results were not enough. The Falcons have not posted a winning record in eight seasons, and last reached the playoffs in 2017, the NFL’s second-longest postseason drought.
“I have great personal affinity for both Raheem and Terry and appreciate their dedication to the Falcons,” owner Arthur Blank said. “Moving away from people who embody our values is tough, but the on-field results haven’t met expectations. I wish Raheem and Terry the best in their futures.”
Fontenot, who joined the Falcons in 2021, leaves after five seasons without a playoff appearance. Morris, hired in January 2024, departs with a 16–18 record over two years. Team officials said searches for both positions will begin immediately, signaling Atlanta’s intent to act quickly as the NFL coaching carousel accelerates.
Before their departures became official on Monday, Morris and Fontenot addressed the team in an emotional meeting to mark their exit. Long snapper Liam McCullough described the moment as difficult for both players and coaches. “It was hard for a lot of guys,” McCullough said. “They’re great people, and they have a massive amount of respect with the guys on this team. There were tears that were shed — players, coaches, Rah, and Terry as well.”
Several Falcons players publicly supported the leadership duo after Sunday’s win, hoping for continuity. Wide receiver Drake London advocated for Morris’s return. “I want Rah back with all my heart,” London said, echoing safety Jessie Bates III and running back Bijan Robinson.
The shakeup extended beyond staff. Blank announced Greg Beadles is now president and CEO, while Rich McKay transitions out. Atlanta will also hire a new president of football operations from outside, who will oversee both the GM and head coach.
“Greg will continue oversight of all business affairs of the Falcons and collaborate closely with the new president of football to ensure all resources and operational support are working toward the goal of a winning product on the field,” Blank said. According to NFL Network reporting, former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is expected to be a leading candidate for the newly created football leadership role.
Fontenot’s tenure featured aggressive roster moves and managing salary-cap issues, including moving on from Ryan. However, failure to stabilize the quarterback position defined his tenure. Since Ryan, Atlanta has cycled through Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, Kirk Cousins, and Michael Penix Jr. without a long-term solution.
The 2024 offseason encapsulated that uncertainty: Atlanta signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth at least $100 million guaranteed during the spring, then selected Penix with the No. 8 overall pick six weeks later. Cousins helped the Falcons to a 6–3 start in the 2024 season, but struggled down the stretch and was benched late in the year. Penix showed flashes of promise but was inconsistent before suffering a torn left ACL in Week 11 of the 2025 season, an injury expected to sideline him for nine to 12 months.
Morris, 49, arrived with championship credentials from his run as Rams defensive coordinator, including a Super Bowl win. He previously joined the Falcons’ staff in 2015 and served as interim head coach in 2020. His only previous head-coaching job was with the Buccaneers, where he went 17–31 from 2009 to 2011.
This decision underscores that late-season momentum is no longer considered sufficient for the Falcons. With foundational questions left unresolved and sweeping changes underway, Atlanta must now turn this reset into meaningful progress—a challenge the franchise has struggled to meet for nearly 10 years.
