The offseason is underway, and the Atlanta Falcons are getting started with their organizational changes and getting ready for the future, after an 8 and 9-season, missing the playoffs, although they did end the season with a four-game win streak. They fired head coach Raheem Morris after their last game of the season against the New Orleans Saints, in which they won 19-17. They also fired tenured general manager Terry Fontenot.
Arthur Blank Speaks on Organizational Changes
It was reported by Terrin Waack of the official team site that Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank addressed the fans on Thursday in his end of season press conference, talking about the steps they are taking to turn the team around and how important the fans are by saying,
“We owe it to them to step up and make the right decisions on their behalf,” Blank said. “I always view the fans as sitting on my shoulders all of them and looking at the decisions that I’m involved in and any thoughts that I’m sharing.
“What are the views of the fans? Doesn’t mean they drive the franchise but means they’re obviously the reason one of the major reasons we’re here.”
Blank also discussed the future of the team and the additions they’d make. Such as the hiring of a head coach, president of football, and general manager. It was reported that they will prioritize hiring a president of football first before hiring the other vacancies, with Blank Saying,
“We’re hiring the president of football first. That’s the goal. Over the next couple of days, we have a series of interviews set up. We want to get that person in their seat and have them lead the interviews for the head coach and general manager position going forward.”
Blank also spoke on the season and being eliminated from the playoffs, even though the Falcons are talented, with him stating,
“I felt that given the quality of the young players that we have on offense and defense, and some seasoned veterans that are excellent as well, that we needed to move forward both in terms of the changes to head coach and general manager. Very tough decisions. It’s a performance-driven league. All sports are. Certainly, the NFL is no different than that.”
There have been some rumors about former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan being a part of the staff, as it was confirmed by Blank that he will interview for the president of football operations role. Ryan quarterbacked the team for 14 seasons, taking them to Super Bowl 51.
