Atlanta, GA, January 5, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons have made a bold decision to part ways with Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot following another disappointing season. With both individuals dismissed, the franchise aims to initiate a leadership overhaul and begin searching for new figures to guide the team into a new era. Morris finished with an overall record of 16-18, while Fontenot’s tenure as GM saw the Falcons compile a 37-48 record without a playoff appearance. Owner Arthur Blank stated these changes were necessary to meet organizational expectations.
Atlanta
Falcons Initiate Leadership Overhaul, Dismissing Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot
In a significant shift for the franchise, the Atlanta Falcons have parted ways with Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot. The decisions were announced late Sunday, January 4, 2026, marking a decisive move following the team’s conclusion of another season without a playoff berth. This leadership change signals the commencement of a new era for the organization, as the search for their successors is set to begin immediately and concurrently for both pivotal roles.
Transition in Coaching Leadership
Raheem Morris, who was named the Falcons’ head coach on January 25, 2024, concluded his tenure after two full seasons at the helm. His period as permanent head coach saw the team achieve an 8-9 record in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Across these two seasons, his overall record stood at 16-18, with the Falcons unable to secure a playoff appearance. This was Morris’s second stint with the Falcons, having previously served as interim head coach for the final 11 games of the 2020 season, where the team posted a 4-7 record. Prior to assuming the head coaching role, Morris had a distinguished career as a defensive coordinator, notably contributing to the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory.
Management Restructuring Underway
Alongside the coaching change, General Manager Terry Fontenot has also been dismissed from his position. Fontenot, appointed on January 19, 2021, served for five seasons. During his time overseeing the team’s roster construction, the Falcons compiled an overall record of 37-48 and similarly failed to reach the postseason. Fontenot holds the distinction of being the first Black general manager in the history of the Atlanta Falcons franchise. His tenure included significant decisions such as the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins to a substantial contract and the selection of Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Context of the Decisions
The changes come after the Falcons finished their 2025 season with an 8-9 record, marking the second consecutive season with this outcome under Morris’s leadership. For the franchise, this extends a streak of losing seasons to eight and continues a playoff drought that has persisted since 2017. Despite concluding the 2025 season with a four-game winning streak, the team was ultimately eliminated from playoff contention, with the Carolina Panthers securing the NFC South division title due to tiebreakers.
In a statement, Falcons Owner and Chairman Arthur Blank acknowledged the difficult nature of these decisions, expressing appreciation for Morris’s and Fontenot’s hard work and dedication. He emphasized that the on-field results had not aligned with the expectations of the organization or its fanbase, necessitating new leadership for the future.
The pursuit of new individuals to fill both the head coach and general manager roles will commence immediately. This simultaneous search underscores a comprehensive commitment to redefine the team’s strategic direction and rebuild its competitive foundation, seeking to instill a renewed sense of purpose and bring forth the success that has eluded the franchise in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened with the Atlanta Falcons’ leadership?
- The Atlanta Falcons have dismissed Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot.
- When were Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot dismissed?
- They were dismissed on Sunday, January 4, 2026, hours after the team concluded its season.
- What was Raheem Morris’s record as Head Coach?
- As permanent Head Coach for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Raheem Morris had an overall record of 16-18 with no playoff appearances.
- What was Terry Fontenot’s record as General Manager?
- During Terry Fontenot’s five-year tenure as General Manager, the Falcons compiled an overall record of 37-48 with no playoff appearances.
- What led to these changes?
- The decisions followed the team’s second consecutive 8-9 finish under Morris and an eighth consecutive losing season for the franchise, with results not meeting expectations.
- Is the search for new leadership underway?
- Yes, the search for new individuals to fill both the head coach and general manager roles will begin immediately and concurrently.
Key Features of the Falcons’ Leadership Change
| Role | Individual Dismissed | Tenure Dates | Overall Record During Tenure | Playoff Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Raheem Morris | Jan. 25, 2024 – Jan. 4, 2026 (permanent HC) | 16-18 (2 seasons) | None |
| General Manager | Terry Fontenot | Jan. 19, 2021 – Jan. 4, 2026 | 37-48 (5 seasons) | None |
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