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Atlanta, January 5, 2026 – The Atlanta Falcons are undergoing yet another overhaul, parting ways with both head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after failing to reach the postseason.
The Falcons have been stuck in a frustrating cycle of mediocrity for years. Morris posted an 8-9 record in each of his two seasons, following three consecutive 7-win seasons under Fontenot. That five-year stretch wasn’t disastrous enough to warrant a complete teardown, but it wasn’t nearly good enough to contend. Atlanta hasn’t seen playoff action since 2017, and remarkably, has had a different starting quarterback each of the last five seasons.
Despite finishing with a four-game winning streak, a surge that ultimately wasn’t enough to save their jobs, there are glimmers of hope for the Falcons. Bijan Robinson has quickly established himself as a star, and the defense is showing promise with young edge rushers Jalon Walker and james Pearce Jr., along with standout safety Xavier Watts. the team finished 8-9,tied for first place in the NFC South,despite being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention nearly a month prior.
The Falcons aren’t far from contention, but they aren’t close enough, and with no first-round draft pick this year, improvements will need to come through free agency, later-round draft picks, and internal development. A new head coach is paramount.
Five Potential Falcons head Coaches
Table of Contents
- Five Potential Falcons head Coaches
- 1. ejiro Evero (Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator)
- 2. Ryan Shula (Denver Broncos passing game coordinator)
- 3. Klint Kubiak (Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator)
- 4. mike LaFleur (Rams offensive coordinator)
- 5. Kliff Kingsbury (Washington Commanders offensive coordinator)
The Cleveland Browns are expected to move on from their head coach, but the Falcons are expected to look at a wide range of candidates.
1. ejiro Evero (Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator)
Evero interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs last year and is expected to be a popular candidate again. He’s a defensive-minded coach who has a proven track record of success, having served as the defensive coordinator for the Panthers and previously with the Rams. He’s known for his ability to create pressure and disrupt opposing offenses.
2. Ryan Shula (Denver Broncos passing game coordinator)
Shula, 39, has quickly risen through the coaching ranks, demonstrating a knack for developing draft picks – a skill that would be valuable given the Falcons’ young defensive core.The Sean McVay coaching tree has produced several successful coaches, and Shula could be the next branch to flourish.
3. Klint Kubiak (Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator)
If Blank prefers a first-time head coach with an offensive background, Klint Kubiak could be a strong contender. The Falcons are already familiar with Kubiak, as he previously served as the New Orleans Saints’ offensive coordinator last year.
The son of longtime NFL coach Gary Kubiak, Klint has learned from a variety of respected offensive minds, including his father, Stefanski, Kevin O’Connell, and Kyle Shanahan. He’s implemented an effective, play-action-heavy scheme in Seattle that has elevated the play of quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-njigba. His experience with a top-tier defense in Seattle could also be an asset.
4. mike LaFleur (Rams offensive coordinator)
both Rams coordinators deserve consideration. Mike LaFleur – younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur – has worked under McVay, Shanahan, and alongside Mike McDaniel.He also has prior experience in Atlanta, serving as an offensive assistant in 2015 and 2016 under Shanahan, when the Falcons reached the NFC Championship game. That connection is a meaningful plus.
LaFleur hasn’t been a primary play-caller, but his experience under McVay is invaluable, and the Rams’ offense has been outstanding this season.
5. Kliff Kingsbury (Washington Commanders offensive coordinator)
Kingsbury opted not to pursue head coaching opportunities last year, but he’s likely to be a candidate this offseason. The 2025 commanders offense wasn’t as effective as hoped, but it’s tough to place blame solely on Kingsbury, given that Jayden Daniels played in only seven games and shared the field with Terry McLaurin for just three.Washington managed to produce effective offense with Marcus Mariota, and Kingsbury’s scheme wasn’t entirely unsuccessful despite the team’s injury woes.
Kingsbury, 46, has head coaching experience at both the college and NFL levels. He’s called plays for multiple top-10 scoring offenses,a feat
