Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot were not planning on burning any bridges as they parted ways with the Atlanta Falcons organization.
The Falcons opted to clean house on Sunday following their season finale win over the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. The team relieved Morris and Fontenot of their duties as head coach and general manager, respectively.
Before their formal exit, Morris and Fontenot did something that not all fired coaches and executives do. The duo addressed the players one final time to say their goodbyes. According to Falcons reporter Terrin Waack, Morris and Fontenot held their last team meeting on Monday morning at the team’s practice facility.
The two departing figures were reportedly the only ones who spoke, with most folks in the room getting emotional during the session.
“It was hard for a lot of guys,” long snapper Liam McCullough said of the meeting. “They’re great people. They have a massive amount of respect with the guys on the team. So, there were tears that were shed – players, coaches; Rah and Terry as well. Just hearing their message to the players, we wish them the best.”
The message from Morris and Fontenot was simple. Linebacker Josh Woods told reporters afterwards that both just wanted to say goodbyes and wish everyone well. The pair also expressed how proud they were of the team for finishing the 2025 season strong.
The Falcons closed the 2025 campaign on a four-game win streak, but missed the playoffs by a single game. That one game may have been the difference in Morris and Fontenot keeping their jobs, as the team would have been playoff-bound for the first time since the 2017 season.
Morris, however, may not remain unemployed for much longer. The veteran coach already has a job interview lined up with an AFC squad.
