The Falcons’ season ended in disappointing fashion, leading to many questions about whether Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot would’ve been let go after just one year together, but it became clear quickly that Arthur Blank would be bringing both back.
That hasn’t stopped the calls for both men’s jobs. There are a lot of ultimatums being put on the 2025 season by fans, with a postseason berth being the only thing that will save Morris and Fontenot’s jobs in 2026. The Athletic’s Josh Kendall, the Falcons beat reporter, talked about Fontenot’s job security in his most recent mailbag.
“Team owner Arthur Blank hasn’t spoken publicly about Fontenot’s job status, but it’s logical to assume that even if he’s not happy with what he sees, he would be hesitant to make such a significant shakeup given that he’s 82 and doesn’t want to start over again in his most high-profile business venture,” wrote Kendall.
There’s no way the Falcons owner is content with the club’s 2024 campaign. The seventh consecutive season without a playoff appearance sticks in the craw of fans. Of course, it bothers the guy who writes all the checks. It seems Fontenot realizes what’s at stake, though, as Kendall references an earlier quote.
“This is a critical offseason for all of us,” Fontenot said. “We all understand that.”
Simply put, the Falcons GM hasn’t done enough. His first draft class in Atlanta has all but dissipated, with the only member looking at a second contract being fourth-round pick Drew Dalman.
The highest-drafted tight end in league history is seemingly headed for free agency next offseason unless he can turn things dramatically around in 2025 with Michael Penix, which is ironically the only reason Fontenot could keep his job. I can count the number of “good” transactions the Falcons have done under Fontenot’s tutelage, and Penix is the biggest one.
Headlined by Kirk Cousins, the poor decisions in the draft have left the Falcons in a position where there is a very narrow road forward to success, which is obviously a playoff berth.
“At the moment, the totality of Fontenot’s tenure was enough for Blank to keep him in charge. We’ll see how long that lasts. Now, on to our other top questions,” Kendall concluded.
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Photographer: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
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