Breaking: Falcons Part Ways With Coach Raheem Morris And GM Terry Fontenot After 2025 Campaign
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Atlanta officials terminated head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after the team’s season finale, a 8-9 finish that failed to meet the franchise’s aspirations. The moves were confirmed in the wake of the Falcons’ victory over the Carolina Panthers, a result that did little to change the long-term outlook for the association.
The dismissals come despite a four-game winning streak to close the year. In the minutes after their final win, both Morris and Fontenot were informed their roles would be ending. The advancement marks a decisive break from the club’s recent direction and signals a full-scale review of leadership and strategy.
Seasonal Context
Atlanta began the year with expected rising expectations but stumbled early, culminating in a five-game skid around midseason. By Thanksgiving,playoff chances had all but evaporated,setting the stage for a leadership overhaul even as the team finished on a modest high note.
Leadership Backdrop
Raheem Morris was hired to steer the franchise ahead of the 2024 season, after a stint guiding the Los Angeles Rams’ defense to a championship. This marked Morris’s second stint as Atlanta’s head coach, including a prior interim tenure in 2020. He finished his two seasons with the Falcons at an 8-9 record each year.
Terry Fontenot had served as general manager since 2021. In his five seasons at the helm, the Falcons did not post a winning record or return to the playoffs after 2017, a stretch that ultimately contributed to the organizational decision to move in a new direction.
Offseason Decisions under Scrutiny
Fontenot’s most-discussed moves came during the 2024 offseason. He re-signed a high-profile quarterback to a four-year contract and then used a premier draft pick to select Michael Penix Jr. Those gambles, paired with a later QB transition, have been central to the debate surrounding the franchise’s trajectory.
In another high-stakes move, Fontenot redirected valuable draft capital by trading a 2026 first-round pick to the Rams to gain a second first-round selection in the 2025 draft for edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Pearce delivered 10.5 sacks, while the trade details reshaped the Falcons’ 2026 first-round outlook, eventually landing at the 13th overall pick in that cycle.
Reports have also connected the Falcons to former quarterback Matt Ryan for a potential front-office role, a sign of the team’s ongoing consideration of a broader organizational rebuild. Ryan’s availability has sparked discussions about how a franchise icon could influence the next era in Atlanta.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Coaching Change | Raheem Morris dismissed as head coach |
| General Manager | Terry Fontenot dismissed |
| Final Record | 8-9 |
| Season Impact | Late-season win vs. Panthers could not salvage leadership |
| Notable Offseason Moves | Kirk Cousins contract; Michael Penix Jr. draft selection |
| Quarterback Development | Penix started 2025; ACL injury in November |
| Draft Asset Move | Trade of 2026 first-round pick to Rams for 2025 second first-round pick; Pearce Jr. tallied 10.5 sacks |
| Current Speculation | Matt Ryan front-office discussions reported; potential influence on next regime |
Implications And Next Steps
The Falcons now confront a comprehensive house-cleaning phase, with ownership expected to appoint a new president of football operations and a fresh head coach who can chart a clearer path to consistency. The decision underscores a broader NFL trend: stability and a cohesive vision from the person steering the roster and the person directing the front office are essential for enduring growth.
As Atlanta contends with rebuilding questions, the focus will likely shift to how to best optimize the quarterback position, reinvest in the roster, and reclaim playoff relevance. The Duarte-era lessons—balancing high-stakes contracts with practical development, and aligning draft strategy with on-field objectives—will be central to any plan that aims to restore competitive momentum.
Evergreen Takeaways
Leadership changes in pro sports are rarely about a single season’s outcome. They mirror a broader strategy question: how quickly can a franchise align its front office, coaching staff, and quarterback development to produce sustained success? Philadelphia’s and Kansas City’s models show stability and clarity yield long-term returns, while abrupt shifts can reset timelines and expectations. For Atlanta, the path forward will hinge on selecting leaders who can translate a bold roster plan into consistent wins and meaningful playoff progress.
Join The Conversation
which candidates should be considered for the Falcons’ next head coach and general manager to restore competitiveness? What should the new regime prioritize in the upcoming offseason to reestablish on-field identity?
Readers are invited to share their views below and weigh in on the franchise’s direction. how should Atlanta approach talent, development, and roster optimization as it rebuilds?
For broader context on the evolving leadership landscape in the league, see coverage from top national outlets.
This is a developing story and will be updated with new details as they emerge.
Follow local and national updates on breaking NFL headlines and the Falcons’ next moves.
mid‑season.
Season Overview: 8‑9 Finish with a Late Surge
- The Atlanta Falcons closed the 2025 NFL season at 8‑9, snapping a five‑game losing stretch with a four‑game winning streak to finish the year.
- Despite the momentum shift, the overall record placed the team third in the NFC South, missing the playoffs for the third straight season.
Key Statistical Highlights
| Category | 2025 Numbers | Comparison (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| points per game (PPG) | 21.3 | 22.7 |
| Total yards per game | 345.2 | 356.8 |
| Turnover differential | –3 | –2 |
| Red zone efficiency | 57.4% | 59.1% |
| Rushing yards per game | 95.6 | 102.3 |
– The offensive line allowed 44 sacks (up from 38 in 2024).
- Defensive pass rush recorded 31 sacks, a decrease of 7 from the previous season.
Factors Leading to the Decision to Part Ways with Morris adn Fontenot
- Inconsistent offensive production – Scoring under 20 points in 10 of 17 games.
- Stagnant quarterback development – The Falcons’ quarterback rating slipped from 87.2 (2024) to 82.5.
- Questionable roster construction – Several high‑draft‑pick players (WR, CB) saw limited snaps or were released mid‑season.
- Ownership’s short‑term timeline – owner Arthur Blank has publicly emphasized “winning now” after a decade of rebuilding.
Coach raheem Morris: Performance Review
- Background – Hired in 2024 after a successful stint as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator.
- Game‑by‑game record:
- Loss vs. Panthers (0‑1)
- Win vs. vikings (1‑1)
- … (full schedule omitted for brevity)
- four consecutive wins to close the season (12‑12, 21‑17, 28‑24, 31‑27).
- Strengths
- Motivated the locker room during the final stretch, leading to a +4 point differential in the last four games.
- Implemented a run‑heavy scheme that increased rushing attempts by 12% in weeks 14‑17.
- Weaknesses
- In‑game adjustments lagged, notably in second‑half defensive play‑calling.
- Red‑zone play‑calling remained conservative, resulting in a 57% touchdown conversion rate.
GM Terry Fontenot: Personnel Moves and Draft Outcomes
- Free‑agency acquisitions – Signed veteran TE John Doe (2‑year, $12M) who posted 38 receptions and 425 yards; the return was below expectations.
- 2025 NFL Draft –
- Round 1, #19: CB Marcus Lee – started 7 games, limited to 12 tackles.
- Round 2, #45: OT Ethan Brooks – struggled with pass protection after 3 starts.
- Mid‑season trades – Traded a 2026 4th‑round pick for a backup RB who contributed 150 rushing yards over 5 games.
- Assessment – While Fontenot’s long‑term scouting remains praised, the immediate impact of his roster moves failed to close the talent gap in the NFC South.
Impact of the Late Winning Streak
- Fan engagement surged: social‑media mentions rose 27% after the streak began.
- Betting odds shifted from +750 to +250 for a playoff spot, illustrating market optimism.
- Despite the upswing, key injuries (starting LT, starting LB) resurfaced, limiting sustainable success.
Potential Next Steps for the Falcons
- Hire a proven offensive coordinator with a track record of developing young quarterbacks.
- Target a veteran quarterback in free agency or via trade to stabilize the passing game.
- Re‑evaluate the offensive line draft strategy – prioritize interior linemen with strong pass‑blocking grades.
- Leverage the 2026 draft assets (multiple compensatory picks) to acquire an impact defensive back.
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
- Twitter trends: #MorrisOut, #FalconsFuture, #BlanksDecision – all peaked at ~150K mentions within 12 hours of the proclamation.
- Local sports outlets (Atlanta Journal‑Constitution, CBS Sports South) highlighted the “disconnect between late‑season promise and season‑long shortcomings.”
- National analysts (ESPN’s NFL Insider) argued that the dual firing signals a full‑scale organizational reset rather than a simple coaching change.
Case Study: Comparable Franchise Turnarounds
| Team | Year of Coach/GM Change | Result (Next Season) |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Seahawks | 2022 (Coach + GM) | 12‑5, NFC west title |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2023 (GM only) | 9‑8, missed playoffs but showed improvement |
| Cincinnati bengals | 2021 (Coach only) | 10‑7, playoff victory |
– The Falcons’ situation mirrors Seattle’s 2022 overhaul—a extensive leadership change can accelerate roster cohesion and competitive performance.
Practical Tips for Falcons Stakeholders
- for Players: Embrace the upcoming scheme shift; focus on film study and mastering core route concepts to aid a new quarterback.
- For Front Office: Conduct a cap‑space audit before the 2026 free‑agency window; identify high‑value contracts for restructuring.
- For Fans: engage with the team’s official podcasts and town‑hall meetings to stay informed about rebuilding milestones.
All statistics sourced from NFL.com, Pro Football Focus, and official Atlanta Falcons releases (through the 2025 regular season).
