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4w ago

Falcons Fire Coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot in Organizational Reset

Owner Arthur Blank follows a Sportology audit with a full leadership search.

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline during the game against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn looks on during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 04: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The dismissals were announced hours after a 19-17 win over the Saints that completed a four-game streak to end the season.
  • Atlanta finished 8-9 for the second straight year and missed the postseason for the eighth consecutive season, the NFL’s second-longest drought behind the Jets.
  • Fontenot departs after five seasons without a winning record, drawing scrutiny for signing Kirk Cousins in 2024 before drafting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall.
  • Despite leadership changes, the defense surged to a franchise-record 57 sacks in 2025, with first-round rookie James Pearce Jr. tallying 10.5, per Reuters.
  • Sportology has been reviewing football operations and reports say Matt Ryan has discussed a potential Chris Spielman–style role that is not finalized, as Atlanta begins coach and GM searches with media linking candidates such as Joe Brady, Klint Kubiak, Mike LaFleur, Mike McCarthy, Ejiro Evero and Brian Flores.