Atlanta Falcons Move On From Raheem Morris

The Atlanta Falcons have decided to make a significant change in leadership, parting ways with head coach Raheem Morris after just two seasons. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Morris was fired following an underwhelming season that saw the team miss the playoffs for an eighth straight year.

Challenges Faced During Morris' Tenure

Morris, who originally joined the Falcons as head coach before the 2024 season, had previously served as the team's interim head coach during the 2020 campaign. He finished his second stint with an 8-9 record in both years of his leadership, marking a disappointing season that ultimately prompted the team's decision to move in a different direction.

The faltered 2025 season was marred by injuries and inconsistency. After a promising start with three wins in their first five games, the Falcons fell into a five-game losing streak. The situation worsened when young quarterback Michael Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall in 2024, suffered a season-ending ACL injury after just nine games. This setback forced the Falcons to revert to veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had previously been benched for Penix. Cousins managed to throw for 1,721 yards, with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions over ten games, but it was not enough to secure Morris' position.

Looking Ahead: Potential Replacements

In light of Morris' exit, the Falcons now face the crucial task of finding a new head coach capable of leading to the development of Penix and ending the team's lengthy playoff drought. With Morris likely to attract interest from other teams, whether he pursues a head coaching position or returns to being a defensive coordinator remains to be seen.