The Atlanta Falcons have made sweeping changes at the top, firing head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot just hours after concluding their 2023 NFL season with a 19-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
A Decision Driven by Unmet Expectations
The moves, announced late on Sunday night, follow a second straight 8-9 campaign under Morris and extend the franchise's run of losing seasons to eight. Despite a late surge of four consecutive wins that left the Falcons in a three-way tie for the NFC South lead, the team had already been eliminated from playoff contention. The division title ultimately went to the Carolina Panthers due to a superior record within the division.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank, in a statement, expressed personal regard for both men but stated the need for new leadership. "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," Blank said. "The results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans."
The End of Brief Tenures
Morris, who compiled a 16-18 record over his two full seasons, had publicly expressed hope of returning for a third year. After the win against the Saints, with Blank in attendance at his postgame press conference, Morris stated, "I'm going to coach this football team as long as he allows it." However, the optimism that surrounded the Falcons at the start of the season, with hopes of a first playoff berth since 2017, ultimately proved insufficient to secure his position.
Fontenot's exit concludes a four-year tenure as general manager that began in 2021. The team's overall record during his time was 36 wins and 48 losses. His final draft class in 2025, however, showed significant promise, with first-round picks James Peace Jr and Jalon Walker leading all NFL rookies in sacks, and third-round selection Xavier Watts topping the rookie charts with five interceptions.
Search for New Leadership Begins
The Falcons organisation confirmed that concurrent searches for a new head coach and general manager will begin immediately. This marks a pivotal moment for the franchise as it seeks to reverse nearly a decade of underperformance and rebuild a competitive roster.
The decision underscores the high-stakes nature of the NFL, where even a late-season rally and a .500 record in a weak division are not enough to guarantee job security when postseason ambitions fall short.
