Atlanta Falcons fired coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday following the team's win over Saints– the team announced. The suspension marks an unceremonious end to Morris' two-year reign during his second stint as the franchise's helmer.
Fontenot completed his fifth season in Atlanta after joining the Falcons in 2021.
“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,” said Falcons owner Arthur Blank. “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.”
Morris, who also served as Atlanta's interim coach in 2020, posted back-to-back 8-9 records during his most recent tenure with the Falcons. He owns a 37-56 record as a head coach, including his time with the team. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Falcons signed in 2024. Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal just to draft a quarterback. Michael Penix Jr.. eighth place overall, a stunning event that even dumbfounded cousins. But Cousins, coming off a torn Achilles, struggled and the team turned to Penix with three games left.
Penix entered the 2025 season as the team's starter, although Cousins was still on the roster. Penix has had its ups and downs in the past tore the cruciate ligament in Week 11—his third serious knee injury since the start of his college career—and Cousins completed season with four wins in a row.
Ultimately, however, it wasn't enough to save Morris' job or lift Atlanta out of its recent period of mediocrity. The Falcons haven't made the playoffs since 2017 and have won seven or eight games in seven of the eight seasons since then.
In the 2025 draft, the team selected Jalon Walker 15th overall and traded with Los Angeles Rams choose James Pierce Jr.. 26th overall, hoping that adding two edge rushers in the first round will improve a lackluster passing game and help the team overcome its adversity. While the pass rush did improve significantly, the defense remained average overall and the Penix-led offense was too inconsistent.
This puts Atlanta in a strange position. There are some clear cornerstones of the franchise, led by a superstar running back. Sesame Robinson and wide receiver Drake Londonas well as talented young defensemen in Walker, Pierce and the defensive backs. Xavier Watts. There is a solid supporting cast, including a solid offensive line and several other pieces on defense. But serious questions remain at quarterback as Penix remains largely unproven and the team could move on from Cousins' contract with relative ease if it so chooses.
Perhaps most importantly, the Falcons will not receive a 2026 first-round draft pick in the trade to draft Pierce. Atlanta also has some big decisions to make in free agency, headlined by the tight end position. Kyle Pittswho is about to hit the market after his best seasons since 2021 and, at 25 years old, could be the player Atlanta wants to keep.
