The Atlanta professional football team is poised for a comprehensive organizational overhaul.
The club disclosed its decision to dismiss both its lead strategist, Raheem Morris, and its chief executive of player personnel, Terry Fontenot, late on Sunday. This action occurred even after their victory against the New Orleans Saints in the final regular season game, concluding Morris’s two-year tenure guiding the squad.
This choice was made in light of the team’s latest 8-9 seasonal outcome under Morris, extending their streak of losing campaigns to eight. Over his two seasons at the helm, Morris achieved a 16-18 win-loss record with the organization.
“My personal regard for both Raheem and Terry is considerable, and I value their efforts and devotion to the Falcons. However, I am convinced that a change in leadership for these positions is necessary moving forward,” stated owner Arthur Blank. “It is never simple to part ways with individuals who have served the organization commendably and shared its core principles. Nonetheless, the performance outcomes on the playing field have fallen short of what we and our supporters anticipated, as well as the standards set by our management. I extend my sincerest wishes for Raheem and Terry’s success in their future endeavors.”
After concluding the 2024 campaign with an 8-9 record, expectations were high for the Falcons to demonstrate progress in 2025. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., selected in the prior year’s initial round, was slated to become the undisputed starting signal-caller, and the franchise dedicated its first four selections in the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster its underperforming defensive unit.
Nevertheless, the Atlanta squad’s momentum dwindled following an initially encouraging period. For the initial five weeks of the season, Atlanta held a 3-2 standing, positioning them well within contention for a playoff berth. Yet, the team subsequently endured a five-game losing streak, and even with a surge later in the season, the Carolina Panthers eventually secured the division title due to a three-way deadlock, extinguishing Atlanta’s aspirations for the postseason.
Raheem Morris’ tenure leading the Atlanta Falcons has concluded. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
During that period of consecutive defeats, the Falcons’ vulnerabilities became evident in multiple aspects. Although Penix displayed glimpses of potential, he frequently demonstrated areas requiring further development. He averaged just over one scoring pass per start and recorded a modest 60.1% completion rate during his inaugural season as the primary signal-caller. Atlanta’s defensive unit, though showing minor improvement, failed to make significant strides. Having ranked 23rd in points conceded in 2024, the squad showed only marginal betterment in 2025, despite substantial draft investments in defensive talent.
The campaign seemed doomed by Week 11, when Penix was placed on the injured reserve list due to a knee ailment. Nevertheless, even with this setback, the Falcons orchestrated a late-season comeback, securing three consecutive victories towards the end, which positioned them to achieve an eight-win season again as they approached Week 18.
In spite of their late-season surge, the franchise’s ownership assessed the entirety of the 2025 campaign and concluded that a fresh start was necessary. This decision entailed releasing Morris, who did not achieve a single winning record during his two-year tenure with the club.
This dismissal represents the second occasion Morris has been removed from a head coaching position. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers terminated his employment in 2011 subsequent to his accumulation of a 17-31 record with that organization. Across six seasons in a head coaching capacity, Morris has only one winning season listed on his professional summary. Consequently, he may find himself restricted to defensive coordinator opportunities once the off-season commences.
Morris has demonstrated proficiency as a defensive coordinator and could serve as a significant asset for any coaching staff seeking to revitalize their defense. Should he excel in such a capacity, it is conceivable that Morris might once more become a contender for a head coaching role in the future.
Fontenot recently concluded his fifth year serving as the chief executive of player operations for the Falcons. Under his leadership, the organization achieved only a single winning season and never qualified for the postseason. His overall record stood at 36-48. With him at the helm, the Falcons traded away veteran quarterback Matt Ryan and, without success, attempted to acquire Deshaun Watson during his final period with the Houston Texans while he faced legal challenges. Watson ultimately joined the Cleveland Browns. Ryan subsequently indicated his belief that he would have remained a Falcon had the team not pursued Watson.
Additionally, the Falcons secured Kirk Cousins with a $180 million contract, subsequently choosing Penix as the eighth overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft shortly thereafter, a decision that perplexed numerous observers.
Following this action, the Falcons are once again actively searching for a new lead strategist. Although the squad possesses several talented players, the quarterback situation continues to be a significant challenge. Having missed approximately half of the 2025 season due to injury, Penix presents a considerably larger uncertainty than anticipated after completing his sophomore year in the professional league.
Experienced player Kirk Cousins has not displayed his previous form since recovering from a torn Achilles in 2024, yet he warrants recognition for guiding the team to victories late in the 2025 campaign. Cousins remains bound by contract with the Falcons for an additional two seasons, though the organization holds a potential clause for early termination during the upcoming offseason. The incoming head coach for the Falcons will be tasked with deciding if Cousins should remain and if additional support ought to be acquired to challenge Penix.
Although the forthcoming Falcons’ strategist might desire to initiate a new era with a freshman signal-caller, such an endeavor could be problematic. Subsequent to the previous year’s transaction that brought James Pearce Jr. to the team, the Falcons lack a first-round choice in the 2026 NFL Draft.
