Falcons Reportedly Make Multiple Firings, Including Head Coach Raheem Morris

The Atlanta Falcons are firing head coach Raheem Morris, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Sources: Raheem Morris is out as the Falcons head coach. pic.twitter.com/TQEaaQ79oQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 5, 2026

Morris first joined the Falcons in 2015 as assistant head coach and passing game coordinator, later shifting to wide receivers coach and then defensive coordinator by 2020. That year, he stepped up as interim head coach after Dan Quinn’s dismissal, guiding the team to a 4-7 record in 11 games. Morris then left Atlanta for the Los Angeles Rams, serving as defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023 and contributing to their Super Bowl victory in 2021.

He returned to the Falcons as head coach in 2024, posting an 8-9 record but missing the playoffs. This season followed suit with another 8-9 finish, ending on a four-game winning streak that included a 19-17 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Despite player support for his return, the Falcons have handed Morris the axe.

His career head coaching tally stands at 37-56, including stints with the Buccaneers and Falcons. Prior to Atlanta, he held positions with Washington and helped develop defenses across multiple teams.

Morris wasn’t the only Falcons leader fired on Sunday, however. Schefter also reported that the Falcons are firing general manager Terry Fontenot.

Falcons also fired GM Terry Fontenot. pic.twitter.com/lKdu8VfEWl

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— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 5, 2026

Fontenot began his NFL front-office career with the New Orleans Saints in 2003 as a scout, rising through roles including director of pro scouting and eventually vice president/assistant general manager of pro personnel over 18 seasons. He contributed to the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory and multiple division titles.

In January 2021, Fontenot became the Falcons’ general manager, the first Black GM in franchise history. He drafted talents like Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson, signed Kirk Cousins to a major deal in 2024, and selected Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall that year. In 2025, he focused on defense, trading up for edge rusher James Pearce Jr. and drafting players who helped set a franchise record of 57 sacks.

The Falcons posted losing records each year under Fontenot: three 7-10 seasons followed by 8-9 in 2024 and 2025, totaling 37-48 with no playoff appearances.