Kwaghterna GarshaguAs the 2024 NFL season wraps up, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Atlanta Falcons’ coaching staff and front office are facing tough questions about their future. The biggest debate centers around Raheem Morris, who took over defensive play-calling duties earlier in the season but has failed to turn the unit into a consistent strength. With rumors swirling that defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake is on the chopping block, the Falcons’ front office must consider whether the team’s defensive struggles fall solely on the shoulders of Lake, or if Morris’s shift to the lead role is more than just a short-term experiment gone wrong.
After a promising start to the season, Morris’s defense slid into mediocrity, and the Falcons fell under .500 shortly after he assumed play-calling duties. Some fans are frustrated, suggesting that Morris’s “character guy” reputation may not be enough to save his position. Critics, including those in the Falcons fanbase, argue that Morris is more of an opportunist than a proven defensive mastermind. And now, as Jimmy Lake faces the heat for defensive inefficiency, it’s hard to overlook the irony that Morris might escape blame for the same issues he inherited—and then failed to correct.
This has led to growing calls for change in the Falcons’ front office, with many suggesting a bold, high-profile overhaul for the franchise’s future success. Speculation is swirling that the Falcons should look to bring in a dynamic leader in Jon Gruden to become the head coach, despite his controversial departure from the NFL several years ago. Gruden’s ability to motivate players, mixed with his offensive mind and reputation for building up solid defenses, could provide the Falcons with the direction they desperately need.
On the management side, many are advocating for the Falcons to do whatever it takes to bring Brett Veach—currently the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs—over to Atlanta. Veach has been credited with building one of the most potent rosters in the NFL, particularly on offense, and fans believe he could be the mastermind to rejuvenate the Falcons’ franchise. If Veach is interested in taking on the challenge, the Falcons should reportedly be willing to offer him whatever salary he demands to leave the Chiefs and lead Atlanta’s roster rebuild.
Additionally, there’s a groundswell of support for keeping current offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Robinson has been praised for his development of rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder and his ability to work with Atlanta’s offensive weapons like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Tyler Allgeier. Robinson has shown promising signs as a play-caller, and many believe he deserves the chance to continue developing the offense in the long term.
One name that keeps coming up as part of any defensive coaching change is Ryan Nielsen, who served as the Falcons’ defensive line coach before leaving for a job with the New Orleans Saints. Under Nielsen’s watch, the Falcons’ defense had made considerable strides, particularly with their front seven. His return as the defensive coordinator could stabilize a unit that has struggled since his departure, providing continuity and a defensive identity that the Falcons have lacked in recent years.
In terms of the team’s roster, it’s important to note that general manager Terry Fontenot is not viewed as the primary problem. Under his leadership, the Falcons have accumulated a strong roster, including stars like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Jessie Bates, and an emerging group of playmakers like Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud. While there have been some draft missteps—namely the selection of tight end Kyle Pitts, whose inconsistency has raised questions about his fit in the offense—Fontenot is not to blame for the defense’s woes or the inability to fully develop talent across the roster.
The biggest takeaway from all this is that while the roster is packed with potential, the Falcons have yet to figure out how to consistently execute on both sides of the ball. It’s clear that Terry Fontenot has made positive strides in reshaping the team’s talent base, but until the Falcons can find the right combination of leadership and coaching, their playoff aspirations may continue to fall short.
This offseason is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in the Falcons’ recent history. As the team weighs its options, the pressure will mount on Arthur Blank and his executives to make the right decisions. Gruden, Veach, Robinson, and Nielsen could be the key figures who help turn this franchise into a perennial contender—but whether they can overcome the challenges currently facing the Falcons remains to be seen.
The upcoming months will undoubtedly be full of intrigue, with many eyes on how the team moves forward and whether they can make the right calls to finally deliver consistent success.
Musa
