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Atlanta Falcons didn't have to think much about his future when the season ended on Sunday.
The team didn't even wait Black Mondayas he fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday night.
The Falcons hired Morris ahead of the 2024 season over Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, Jim Harbaugh, Mike McDonald and Ben Johnson.
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Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
But Morris' results weren't what the Falcons wanted: 8-9 seasons in a row.
“I have great personal affection 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,” owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “The decision to step 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 the expectations of our fans and management. I wish Rahim and Terry all the best in their future endeavors.”
Oddly enough, the team's record is the same as that of the division champion. Carolina PanthersThat left the Falcons just one win away from making the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. One of those losses came to the New York Jets, who would have received the first overall pick in 2026 instead of the second if the result of that game had been overturned.
Atlanta won their last four games, but it wasn't enough for them, Morris or Fontenot.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Brett Davis/Imagn Images)
Morris previously held the position Los Angeles Ramsdefensive coordinator who won a Super Bowl with them. Before moving to Los Angeles, he held numerous positions with the Falcons, including serving as their interim head coach in 2020.
Morris initially replaced Arthur Smith, who had been the team's head coach for three seasons. Smith is now the offensive coordinator. Pittsburgh Steelerswho will clinch the playoffs by beating the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.
The Falcons may be kicking themselves for choosing Morris over several others. Vrabel won the AFC East in his first season with the New England Patriots, Johnson won the NFC North in his first year with the Chicago Bears, and Harbaugh returned to the playoffs with the team Los Angeles Chargers.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, center, stands with his team wearing an Apalachee High School jersey following the recent school shooting before an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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The Falcons should have several names available as they desperately try to get the most out of them. Michael Penix Jr.who will enter his third NFL season in September.
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