New Top Position, New GM, New Coach… New QBs–And, Fans Hope, New Results
At the conclusion of the 2025 season, and after almost a decade of missing the playoffs, the Atlanta Falcons cut ties with coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, making room for a new coach and general manager along with a new position–president of football operations. That post went to Matt Ryan, the franchise’s most successful quarterback in its history.
There’ll be work to do for everybody. While the roster is undeniably talented, the Falcons haven’t lived up to fan expectations for years, unfortunately owning one of the NFL’s longest playoff drought records.
After the Falcons once again saw their season end with more losses than wins, owner Arthur Blank decided Morris’s head needed to roll alongside that of Fontenot, satisfying fans who believed Morris’ approach to leading the team was not providing results. It’s unclear how much runway that Blank is willing to give new head coach Kevin Stefanski: The Falcons have employed 3 coaches since losing to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 51 in 2017–4 if you count Morris’ interim season, in which he also posted a losing record. Fans will be watching. And hoping.
But even as the Falcons strive for a full rebound and a return to glory, persistent questions remain, and at the top of the list is the quarterback position. Who will play under center until potential franchise QB Michael Pennix heals from a season-ending injury, one that is likely to sideline him for at least the first few games of the 2026 season?
Enter Tua Tagovailoa, the former college great and Miami Dolphin who has had a few scary on-field concussions throughout his playing career. Tua signed a one-year contract with the Falcons this month. And a few days ago, the Falcons signed veteran Trevor Siemian to the QB squad.
After being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2015, Siemian has played for seven different squads, has accrued a 15-18-1 record as a starter, and now Atlanta will become his eigth NFL home.
Some Falcons fans believe Tua may succeed with what Atlanta offers. He most recently got acquainted with the team last Fall, when he picked apart the Falcons defense with a 4 touchdown performance that ended in a 34-10 Miami rout of the Falcons.