The Falcons introduced Raheem Morris as their new head coach on Monday, but there was a notable figure missing — Arthur Blank. Morris was joined by Terry Fontenot and Greg Beadles.
The franchise’s owner didn’t attend the press conference because of what a spokesman described as “a minor medical issue.”
Firstly, we hope that Blank isn’t dealing with anything serious and is healthy for an exciting 2024 campaign. He does intend to travel to Las Vegas to speak to reporters about the offseason during the Super Bowl lead-up.
He’s got a lot of questions to answer whenever he does appear in front of the media.
Though we’ve heard from Greg Beadles, Brett Jewkes and more about the process that led to Raheem Morris, I’m eager to hear if Blank can add anything more.
Past Morris, Blank needs to be asked about the expectations for the Falcons in 2024, especially what the franchise’s plan is at the quarterback position. Morris didn’t shy away from expectations, saying the immediate goal is to win the NFC South and eventually the Super Bowl. However, I want to know Blank’s expectations for the upcoming season.
The Falcons owner also needs to answer for the process that led away from Bill Belichick, who was considered the favorite for the job. Someone needs to ask about the reports and rumors of internal pushback because of what hiring Belichick could mean for people’s jobs inside Flowery Branch.
There’s quite the mystery about what really transpired behind the scenes, and Blank has the opportunity to quash any falsehoods. From a fan’s perspective, it looked like a circus of a coaching search, despite Jewkes saying it was thorough and well run.
Blank needs to be asked what happened between the firing of Arthur Smith and the hiring of Raheem Morris that led to Rich McKay sitting next to him at one press conference and entirely out of football operations at another.
Most of all, the Falcons owner needs to give transparent answers.
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Photographer: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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