At a Glance
- Falcons fired coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot after two consecutive 8-9 seasons.
- Moves announced hours after a 19-17 win over the Saints.
- Owner Arthur Blank cited unmet field results and need for new leadership.
- Why it matters: The decision ends a long losing streak and sets the stage for a new era in Atlanta.
In a decisive move that stunned fans, the Atlanta Falcons announced on Sunday night that coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot would be relieved of their duties. The announcement followed a 19-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints and ended the team’s eighth straight losing season.
Owner’s Decision
Owner Arthur Blank issued a statement praising Morris and Fontenot’s personal affinity and hard work but emphasizing the need for new leadership. Blank said the results on the field had not met expectations.
Arthur Blank stated:
> “I have great personal affinity for both Raheem and Terry and appreciate their hard work and dedication to the Falcons, but I believe we need new leadership in these roles moving forward.”
> “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. I wish Raheem and Terry the absolute best in their future pursuits.”
Coaching and GM Legacy
Morris, who returned to the Falcons after a stint as interim coach in 2020, finished his three-season tenure with a 16-18 record. Fontenot, named GM before the 2021 season, oversaw a 36-48 record but produced standout rookie talent in 2025.
Raheem Morris said:
> “You know, my expectation is always to be back, right?”
> “I’m going to coach this football team as long as he allows it.”
> “You can’t worry about those things. The boss is sitting right there. All those things – this is a business, what we do. I know it’s fun for you guys to talk about it, but those decisions will always be made at a proper time. Those decisions will always be made, utilize whatever is best for the Atlanta Falcons.”
Jalon Walker praised Morris:
> “Morris did ‘a great job of keeping the culture here strong. I commend him. All of our trials and tribulations this season, we’ve found a way, we’ve made a way.”
Chris Lindstrom added:
> “Yeah, I think coach Rah really fosters a connection with one another. I think, really, we have that across the team and across all three phases. When you have that, when things aren’t going right, there’s still belief in what we want to achieve and belief in one another. I think it’s also respect and love for one another, too. So, when it’s easy to pull off the gas, you don’t, because you care about the guys around you. The fan base deserves it, and we all know that. So, I was really proud of our guys to be able to finish the season that way.”
Drake London commented:
> “That’s above my pay grade. I can’t make those decisions. I love everybody who’s on this team, everybody who makes this team tick. I love everybody.”
| Draft pick | Position | Rookie achievement |
|---|---|---|
| James Peace Jr. | Defensive End | Led NFL rookies in sacks |
| Jalon Walker | Defensive End | Led NFL rookies in sacks |
| Xavier Watts | Safety | Led all rookies with five interceptions |
Search for New Leadership
Blank hired consulting firm Sportsology to study the Falcons and will begin a search for a new coach and GM immediately. Executive search firm ZRG Partners will assist with the coach search while Sportsology helps with the GM search. No timeline has been set, and the searches will run concurrently.
Key Takeaways
- Falcons end two consecutive 8-9 seasons and a long losing streak.
- New leadership will be sought for both coaching and GM positions.
- The search process involves Sportsology and ZRG Partners, with no set timeline.
With the Falcons now in transition, the organization is poised to rebuild and aim for a return to playoff contention.
