The decision came just hours after the Falcons concluded their 2025 campaign with a 19-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Despite finishing the season on a four-game winning streak, the late surge was not enough to save the leadership duo after the team was eliminated from playoff contention weeks prior.
The “Eight-Year Itch”: Why the Move Was Made
The Falcons finished with an 8-9 record for the second consecutive year under Morris, extending the franchise’s streak of losing seasons to eight.
- Morris’ Tenure: Finished with a 16-18 record over two seasons. While he was praised for keeping the locker room competitive during a 4-9 start, the lack of early-season consistency ultimately proved fatal.
- Fontenot’s Tenure: The GM’s five-year run (37-48 record) was defined by high-end skill player drafting—Pitts, London, and Robinson—but criticized for the handling of the quarterback position, specifically the heavy investment in veteran Kirk Cousins followed by drafting Michael Penix Jr.
- The Tiebreaker Sting: Atlanta finished in a three-way tie for the NFC South lead with Tampa Bay and Carolina, but lost the division crown to the Panthers due to tiebreaker rules.
“The results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans,” Arthur Blank said in an official statement. “I have great personal affinity for Raheem and Terry… but I believe we need new leadership moving forward.”
The “Don-roe” Era Begins: Front Office Rumors
With the GM and Head Coach spots vacant, speculation is mounting regarding a massive structural shift in Flowery Branch.
- The Matt Ryan Factor: Multiple reports, including from Fox Sports, suggest former MVP Matt Ryan is in “significant talks” to join the front office. His role could mirror that of Chris Spielman in Detroit—acting as a liaison between ownership and football operations.
- The Consulting Firms: Blank has hired ZRG Partners to lead the head coach search and Sportsology Group for the general manager search, signaling a desire for a “top-to-bottom health check.”
- The “Big Fish” Targets: With a roster featuring young stars like Bijan Robinson and Drake London, Atlanta is considered a premier destination. Rumors are already swirling around high-profile names like Brian Flores, Klint Kubiak, and even the “wild card” return of Jon Gruden.
Potential Coaching Candidates (Early Shortlist)
| Name | Current Role | Why They Fit |
| Klint Kubiak | Seahawks OC | The architect of a top-10 offense; fits the “Shanahan tree” style fans crave. |
| Brian Flores | Vikings DC | A culture-setter who demands accountability; could elevate a talented defense. |
| Mike LaFleur | Rams OC | Another McVay disciple who could maximize the skill players already on the roster. |
| Jeff Ulbrich | Falcons DC | Potential internal promotion; high familiarity with the building and players. |