Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank made headlines this week following the dismissal of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot shortly after the team’s season concluded on January 7, 2024. During a press conference on Thursday, Blank expressed interest in former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who was let go by the Ravens just days earlier.
Regarding Harbaugh, Blank stated, “He would certainly be a person we would be interested in talking to, assuming he has interest in talking to us,” as reported by Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Although there are rumors linking Harbaugh with the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins, he is not expected to engage in interviews until the following week at the earliest.
Leadership and Future Directions for the Falcons
Blank highlighted the importance of leadership in the upcoming hiring process, emphasizing that the future president of football operations will lead the search for both a new head coach and general manager. The Falcons are reportedly considering franchise legend Matt Ryan for this role. However, the organization must first conduct in-person interviews with at least two external minority candidates to comply with the Rooney Rule.
As the Falcons navigate this pivotal moment, discussions surrounding the team’s quarterback situation are equally pressing. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is projected to be a first-round draft pick in 2024, is currently recovering from surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. His readiness for the start of the 2026 season remains uncertain.
Amid these developments, the Falcons have also decided to restructure the contract of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, which was originally signed in March 2024. The team is expected to release Cousins with a post-June 1 designation before the March 13 deadline.
Outlook for Penix and the Falcons
In response to questions about Penix’s future, Blank conveyed optimism regarding the young quarterback’s recovery. “The surgeon felt 1000 percent secure in the medical procedure they went through, and they really felt his knee was going to be better than it was before,” Blank remarked, as quoted by Matt Urben of Falcons Wire. He added, “He’s on a successful rehab program. We look forward to having Michael back. He’s had good surgery. We’ve spoken with the medical staff. It seems to have gone well.”
As the Falcons prepare for a new chapter, the leadership changes and focus on quarterback health will be crucial for the team’s future success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these strategic decisions unfold in the coming weeks.