At a Glance
- Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 season.
- Owner Arthur Blank said results failed to meet expectations.
- ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group will lead the concurrent searches.
- Why it matters: It marks a decisive shift toward rebuilding the franchise.
The Atlanta Falcons announced a sweeping offseason overhaul, terminating head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after a disappointing 8-9 season. Owner Arthur Blank highlighted unmet expectations, while the team plans to recruit new leadership with the help of ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group.
Coaching and Management Shake-Up
The team’s decision to part ways with both the head coach and general manager signals a comprehensive rebuild. Owner Arthur Blank emphasized that the organization’s values and expectations were not met on the field.
Arthur Blank stated:
> “The decision to move away from people who represent the organization so well and have a shared commitment to the values that are important to the organization is not an easy one, but the results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans and leadership,” owner Arthur Blank said in a statement.
> “I wish Raheem and Terry the absolute best in their future pursuits.”
Performance History
- Under Raheem Morris, the Falcons went 8-9 in both seasons he coached.
- Under Terry Fontenot, the franchise finished 36-48 with no winning seasons or playoff appearances.
| Coach | Seasons | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Raheem Morris | 2 | 8-9 |
| Terry Fontenot | 4 | 36-48 |
The team ended the season on a four-game winning streak, tying the division record, but the 8-9 Carolina Panthers secured the NFC South for a playoff spot.
Season Context and Outlook
Had the Falcons not lost to the Jets earlier, they would have made the playoffs. The team’s future hinges on filling key positions, including the quarterback role after Michael Penix Jr.’s season-ending injury. Despite the lack of a first-round pick this year, the Falcons remain attractive due to their talent and division position.
Key Takeaways
- Falcons fired both head coach and GM after a disappointing 8-9 season.
- Owner Arthur Blank cited unmet expectations as the reason for the shake-up.
- New leadership searches will be led by ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group.
The Falcons face a challenging rebuild as they seek new leadership and a path back to the playoffs.
