Arthur Blank appoints new Falcons president and CEO
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Atlanta Falcons president and CEO Greg Beadles speaks to the media as Raheem Morris was introduced as the head coach on Feb. 5, 2024. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons will undergo significant changes after the team wrapped its eighth consecutive losing season.
Why it matters: The shakeup comes days after Falcons owner Arthur Blank fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot Sunday following the team's season-ending game against the New Orleans Saints (which it won).
- Long-suffering fans are also fed up with a team that often ends the first half with a winning score, but blows the lead and eventually loses in the second half.
Driving the news: Greg Beadles will serve as president and CEO of the Falcons, Blank said Monday in a letter to fans posted on the team's website.
- He succeeds Rich McKay, who Blank said has "taken on a new, expanded role" within Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment.
- Blank said McKay will shift his attention to this year's FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Super Bowl, planned renovations at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the construction of a new training facility for the National Women's Soccer League franchise that will begin playing in 2028.
Zoom in: Blank said the Falcons will use ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group to conduct a national search to fill the head coach and general manager positions.
- The team "will also leverage insights from others across the football landscape with a keen eye for where the NFL game is today and where it's going to help us fill those two critical roles," Blank said.
- The president of football, a new position for the organization, will work with the head coach and general manager on all decisions related to the Falcons.
- Whoever assumes the role will oversee the head coach and general manager, will be responsible for all final decision making powers and will report to Blank.
What they're saying: Moving forward, every decision made by the Falcons will be to build a team that can maintain success and compete in championships, Blank said.
- "I am confident that our new football structure and leadership will have us contending again soon," he said. "We are laser-focused on filling these key roles and others with outstanding talent and empowering them correctly ahead of this critical offseason."
What we're watching: Our friends at the AJC have a deeper dive on what ails the Falcons, including their quarterback conundrum and whether more changes are needed at the top.