Navigating Collaboration: The Unified Approach of Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot in Building the Atlanta Falcons
Raheem Morris descended the stairs slowly, with his left arm extended, hand clasped with that of his youngest son, Jalen.
It was 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, and the Morris family was setting out to attend a Madden event—an invaluable moment for father and son to share quality time.
Sporting the same bright yellow polo he wore earlier that morning at his media availability, Raheem opened the door for Jalen, and together, they disappeared into the Da Vinci Lawn on the backside of the Ritz-Carlton in Orlando.
No cameras. No microphones. Just genuine bonding.
Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, who has worked closely with Morris for two months, has already witnessed this side of Morris. He has also observed the professional side during free agency and the head coaching interview process.
For Fontenot, who retained his position despite Atlanta’s decision to part ways with head coach Arthur Smith after the season, Morris has only strengthened his conviction since assuming the role in late January.
“Step one coming out of the season—hire the right head coach, hire the right leader of men—and, man, I’m very excited about that. I know we did that with Raheem,” Fontenot expressed on March 26 at the annual owners meetings. “He’s special, and you all know it.
“But the more and more, everything we go through, he just keeps showing you why he is who he is.”
Morris and Fontenot have prioritized collaboration since becoming colleagues. During Morris’ introductory press conference on February 5, the term “collaboration” was mentioned 22 times, with 15 references coming from Morris himself.
This isn’t just talk—it’s genuine.
When Morris was in the process of relocating his family to Atlanta, he frequently communicated with Fontenot via phone calls or FaceTime, sometimes as early as 5 a.m. Recently, their families even went on vacation together.
However, nothing demonstrates collaboration quite like the Falcons’ roster transformation following Morris’s arrival.
The new coaching staff, most of whom started on February 13, spent the first week evaluating the roster. Subsequently, the assistant coaches collaborated with Fontenot and the rest of the personnel staff to identify the profiles and prototypes needed to fit Atlanta’s new era.
Fontenot described this process as meticulous.
“We start with a one-sheeter outlining all the traits we’re looking for, along with clear examples of those players,” Fontenot explained. “Then we watch film, highlighting examples of the traits we desire for each position.
“And we review film of our current players, discussing what we like and what we don’t like.”
After assessing the entire roster, the Falcons evaluated free agency before reconvening for a similar discussion focused on identifying potential targets.
Frequent discussions enabled the front office to recognize players who fit the team’s scheme. While talent acquisition is crucial, it’s equally important for players to align with the team’s vision to maximize their potential impact.
Atlanta’s free agency period primarily focused on offense, highlighted by the acquisitions of quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Darnell Mooney. Further moves are anticipated during the 2024 NFL Draft, but for now, Fontenot appreciates the effort expended to integrate several new faces into a cohesive unit.
“We have a profile and prototype of what we’re looking for,” Fontenot emphasized. “The coaching staff hit the ground running, identifying the traits needed for each position. When we transitioned to free agency, the process was seamless.”
Fontenot credits Morris for facilitating the transition and the subsequent successful free agency period.
Why?
Morris’s leadership, evident in his interactions with Jalen at the Ritz-Carlton, extended to the collaborative efforts of staff members, including offensive, defensive, and special teams coordinators, as well as assistant general manager Kyle Smith and director of player personnel Ryan Pace.
“The communication has been outstanding,” Fontenot praised. “Raheem sets the tone with his constant communication, which then filters down to the coaching staff. They’re in constant dialogue with Kyle, Ryan, and the entire staff.
“We’re working together to bring in players who align with our vision. It’s been a seamless process.”
For Morris, the respect and impact are reciprocal.
Since his introduction, Morris has commended the talent Fontenot has assembled since assuming the role of general manager in January 2021.
Identifying Kirk Cousins as a potential game-changer and leading negotiations, Fontenot also played a pivotal role in persuading the veteran quarterback to join the Falcons.
“Terry’s done an excellent job of promoting our team,” Morris acknowledged. “When you consider the talent we have—Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and our offensive line—it’s evident. They’ve effectively conveyed our vision and showcased the opportunities available to players here.
“Their efforts have been instrumental in shaping our future.”
Atlanta’s decision-makers are optimistic about ending a six-year playoff drought. With talent, opportunity, and a favorable NFC South, the organization is poised for success.
Crucially, the relationship
between the Falcons’ top decision-makers remains robust and collaborative—a foundation for sustained progress and achievement.
