The Atlanta Falcons won their last regular-season game over the Saints, breaking their four-game winning run by 19-17. 

Yet, despite finishing the season strong with four wins in a row, the Falcons have parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot just hours later. 

Atlanta’s owner, Arthur Blank, believed that it was time for a considerable shakeup within the organization: “I have great personal affinity 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.”

His reason for taking a tough step was straightforward: the result did not meet their and the fans’ expectations.

“The decision to move 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 those of our fans and leadership.”

Morries’s two-year tenure with the Falcons was rather disappointing. He failed to take the team into the postseason, with a 16-18 record. They were one of the worst-ranked teams in touchdowns (36, 26th) and points scored (353, 24th). Meanwhile, Fontenot spent five seasons as Atlanta’s general manager, failing to reach the playoffs in all those years. 

Running Back Bijan Robinson was openly in favour of Raheem Morris 

Just minutes after the Falcons’ win over New Orleans, Bijan Robinson and Drake London took part in the press conference. 

The 23-year-old running back openly displayed support for head coach Raheem Morris despite consecutive poor seasons.

“Me and Raheem man, like that’s my dude, man," Robinson noted, while also acknowledging that in the end, it was " Arthur Blank’s decision." But he did not end the conversation without reinstating his support, stating, "I’ll support Raheem no matter what. I love him as a big brother, father figure, coach, everything and just go from there.”

Robinson was incredible this season, becoming the Falcons’ all-time leader for scrimmage yards in a single season with 2298. In 17 games, he scored 7 touchdowns for 1478 rushing yards and had 4 receiving scores for 820 yards. 

While Arthur Blank decided against retaining Morris and Terry Fontenot, he has since revealed that they are already on the lookout for new personnel.

Falcons fans, what do you think about this decision? Let us know your take in the comment section!

Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Joyita Das