Falcons reportedly fire head coach Raheem Morris after two seasons; Atlanta conclude season 8-9 after four consecutive wins
Global Desk January 05, 2026 06:00 PM
Synopsis

Atlanta Falcons have reportedly sacked head coach Raheem Morris. This decision comes after two seasons with the team. The Falcons finished the recent campaign with an 8-9 record. They won their last four games. Ownership seeks a fresh direction for the franchise. This move signals a broader leadership overhaul. The team will now begin a new head-coaching search.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris walks off the field after an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints.
The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly fired head coach Raheem Morris after two seasons, despite a late surge to close the year, according to multiple media reports. Atlanta finished the 2025 campaign with an 8-9 record, winning its final four games and showing signs of momentum on both sides of the ball. Morris, who was hired to stabilize a rebuilding roster, oversaw incremental improvement but ultimately fell short of returning the franchise to the playoffs. The move signals ownership’s desire for a fresh direction as the Falcons evaluate their quarterback situation, reset expectations, and begin a new head-coaching search ahead of the offseason this winter period.

According to NFL Network, as cited by Yahoo Sports, the Falcons reportedly dismissed Morris on Sunday night following a Week 18 victory over the New Orleans Saints. NFL Network later added that Atlanta also decided to move on from general manager Terry Fontenot, signaling a broader leadership overhaul within the organization. The decision follows another 8-9 finish for the Falcons under Morris, extending the franchise’s streak to eight straight losing seasons. Morris compiled a 16-18 record during his two-year tenure in Atlanta.

The Falcons’ season seemed all but over for Falcons in Week 11 when quarterback Michael Penix Jr., last season's first-round pick, was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Even so, Atlanta put together a late surge, but ownership reportedly reviewed the season in its entirety and determined a fresh start was needed. That evaluation led to Morris’ dismissal after he failed to produce a winning record in either of his two years as head coach.


According to Yahoo Sports, the move marks the second head-coaching dismissal of Morris’ career. He was previously fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 after posting a 17-31 record. Across six seasons as an NFL head coach, Morris has recorded only one winning campaign. Given that track record, he is likely to draw interest primarily for defensive coordinator roles when the offseason coaching openings begins.
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