Falcons Part Ways with Morris and Fontenot After Disappointing Season

By Rob Redding

Editor & Publisher

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2025, 8 p.m. — The Atlanta Falcons have fired Black head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot after back-to-back underwhelming seasons, ending their tenure immediately following a narrow 19-17 home victory over the New Orleans Saints to close out 2024.

Owner Arthur Blank released a statement expressing respect for both leaders but emphasizing the need for new direction. He said, "The results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans. We thank Raheem and Terry for their dedication and wish them the best moving forward."

The Falcons finished the season 8-9, capping off an eight-year playoff drought which is the second-longest in the NFL. Despite a late-season push with four straight wins, Atlanta struggled to find consistency, especially at quarterback. The organization is already launching searches for new coaching and front-office leadership.

Players like Drake London and Jessie Bates III hope Morris stays on for a third year, but the front office’s focus is on building a winning future. Meanwhile, Greg Beadles has been promoted to team president and CEO, with plans to hire a new president of football operations.

Atlanta’s struggles this season were emblematic of deeper issues, including a lack of stability at quarterback following Matt Ryan’s departure and a defense that couldn’t sustain success. Fontenot, who joined in 2021 after a lengthy stint with the Saints, faced criticism for not fully resolving the team’s quarterback issues, as five different starters including Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr. failed to solidify the position.

Despite their recent struggles, many players remain optimistic about the future. “I want Rah back with all my heart,” said wide receiver Drake London. But for now, the Falcons’ leadership is in flux, marking a new chapter for the franchise.

Rob Redding is the author of Black Power in the Age of Artificial Supremacy Featuring Redding-Shim Kwet Yung out on Amazon.com now. He is the bestselling author of 17 books. He is the host of Redding News Review Unrestricted and creator of ReddingNewsReview.com. He is also an emerging visual artist who lives and teaches at two colleges in New York City.