Atlanta Falcons: Difference between revisions

| current = 2025 Atlanta Falcons season

| stadium = [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]],<br />[[Atlanta|Atlanta, Georgia]]

| uniform = Atlanta Falcons Uniforms 2023-Present.png

| colors = Black, red, silver, white<!-- Please DO NOT change the HTML color code for red. It is officially #A71930, per https://static.nfl.com/static/content/public/static/wildcat/assets/img/logos/teams/ATL.svg. Thank you. --><ref>{{cite news|title=Atlanta Falcons go back to black, unveil new uniforms|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-go-back-to-black-unveil-new-uniforms|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|date=April 8, 2020|access-date=April 8, 2020|archive-date=April 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410004928/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-go-back-to-black-unveil-new-uniforms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Falcons unveil new uniforms, helmet ahead of 2020 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-unveil-new-uniforms-helmet-ahead-of-2020-0ap3000001108685 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2020-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409071826/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001108685/article/falcons-unveil-new-uniforms-helmet-ahead-of-2020 |archive-date=2020-04-09 |url-status=live |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |access-date=April 8, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|chapter=Atlanta Falcons Team Capsule|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf#page=147|title=2022 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|date=July 20, 2022|access-date=July 8, 2024}}</ref><br />{{color box|#000000}} {{color box|#A71930}} {{color box|#A5ACAF}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}

| coach = [[Raheem Morris]]

| ceo = [[Rich McKay]]

| president = Greg Beadles

| general manager = [[Terry Fontenot]]

}}

In their 57 years of existence, the Falcons have compiled a record of 390–503–6 ({{nowrap|380–489–6}} in the regular season and {{nowrap|10–14}} in the playoffs), winning division championships in [[1980 Atlanta Falcons season|1980]], [[1998 Atlanta Falcons season|1998]], [[2004 Atlanta Falcons season|2004]], [[2010 Atlanta Falcons season|2010]], [[2012 Atlanta Falcons season|2012]], and [[2016 Atlanta Falcons season|2016]]. The Falcons have appeared in two [[Super Bowl]]s, the first during the 1998 season in [[Super Bowl XXXIII]], where they lost to the [[1998 Denver Broncos season|Denver Broncos]] {{nowrap|34–19,<ref name="atlantafalcons2">{{cite news|last=Hubbuch|first=Bart|title=Queens-born owner models Falcons after hometown team|url=https://nypost.com/2012/01/07/queens-born-owner-models-falcons-after-hometown-team|newspaper=[[New York Post]]|date=January 7, 2012|access-date=January 22, 2017|archive-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704000038/http://nypost.com/2012/01/07/queens-born-owner-models-falcons-after-hometown-team/|url-status=live}}</ref>}} and the second 18 years later, a {{nowrap|34–28}} overtime loss to the [[2016 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]] in [[Super Bowl LI]]. They are the oldest major professional sports team in America with no championships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nivison |first=Austin |date=November 2, 2023 |title=Falcons are oldest major sports franchise without a league championship after Rangers' World Series win |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/falcons-are-oldest-major-sports-franchise-without-a-league-championship-after-rangers-world-series-win/ |access-date=November 2, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref>

With everyone running in different directions, some local businessmen ([[Cox Communications|Cox Broadcasting]]) worked out a deal and were awarded an AFL franchise on {{nowrap|June 8, <!--1965,-->}} contingent upon acquiring exclusive stadium rights from city {{nowrap|officials.<ref name="atlgeta">{{Cite news |date=June 9, 1965 |title=Atlanta gets AFL berth |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=32pQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5649%2C1275283 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=3, part 2 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref><ref name="nhodsbr">{{Cite news |date=June 9, 1965 |title=No-holds-barred war set by grid leagues |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OOhMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7296%2C4341116 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505013051/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OOhMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7296%2C4341116 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Rome News-Tribune |location=(Georgia) |page=11 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>}} NFL [[History of the NFL Commissioner|Commissioner]] [[Pete Rozelle]], who had been moving slowly in Atlanta matters, was spurred by the AFL interest and headed on the next plane down to Atlanta to block the rival league's claim on the city of Atlanta.<ref name="AtlantaFalcons1"/><ref name=sivmsur/><ref name=nhodsbr/> He forced the city to make a choice between the two leagues;<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 22, 1965 |title=NFL stakes Dixie claim, Atlanta, '66 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xyhQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0AwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7221%2C1859727 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=10 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref> by June 30, the city picked Rankin Smith and the NFL.<ref name=sivmsur/><ref name="nwwfst">{{Cite news |date=July 1, 1965 |title=NFL wins 'war' for Atlanta stadium |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2MMVAAAAIBAJ&pg=1613%2C78312 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=2, part 2 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>

The AFL's original expansion plans in June 1965 were for two new teams {{nowrap|in [[1966 American Football League season|1966]],<ref name="msafltadd">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1965 |title=AFL to add 2 teams in '66 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3mpQAAAAIBAJ&pg=7400%2C1110883 |work=Milwaukee Sentinel |page=3, part 2 |agency=UPI|via=Google News}}</ref><ref name="sr">{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1965 |title=American Football League will expand in 1966 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WWtWAAAAIBAJ&pg=7320%2C2064194 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505013057/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=WWtWAAAAIBAJ&pg=7320%2C2064194 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=16 |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>}} in Atlanta and {{nowrap|Philadelphia.<ref name="pfldojap">{{Cite news |last=Hackleman |first=Jim |date=June 20, 1965 |title=Pro football leagues duel over juicy Atlanta plum |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xShQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5397%2C1442669 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505013036/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xShQAAAAIBAJ&pg=5397%2C1442669 |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2020 |work=Spokesman-Review |location=(Spokane, Washington) |page=4, sports |agency=Associated Press|via=Google News}}</ref>}} It later evolved into the [[1966 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] in 1966 and the [[1968 Cincinnati Bengals season|Cincinnati Bengals]] in [[1968 American Football League season|1968]]. The NFL had planned to add two teams in {{nfly|1967}}; the competition with the AFL for Atlanta forced the first to be added a year early in {{nfly|1966}}. The odd number of teams (15) resulted in one idle team (bye) each week, with each team playing 14 games over 15 weeks (similar to {{nfly|1960}}: 12 games over 13 weeks). The second expansion team, the [[1967 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]], joined the NFL as planned in 1967 as its sixteenth franchise.

The Atlanta Falcons franchise began when it was approved to begin play in 1966 by a unanimous vote of the NFL club owners on June 21, 1965.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 1965 |title=NFL Votes Franchise To Atlanta |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XNpIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=ZgENAAAAIBAJ&pg=1170%252C6219289 |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240918005219/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=XNpIAAAAIBAJ&pg=1170%2C6219289&sjid=ZgENAAAAIBAJ |archive-date=2024-09-18 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=The Morning Record|via=Google News|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Rozelle granted ownership nine days later on June 30 to 40-year-old [[Rankin Smith Sr.]], an executive vice president of Life Insurance Company of Georgia. He paid $8.5 million, the highest price in NFL history at the time for a franchise.<ref name="AtlantaFalcons1"/> Rozelle and Smith made the deal in about five minutes and the Atlanta Falcons brought the largest and most popular sport to the city of Atlanta.

For the 2007 season, the [[2007 Atlanta Falcons season|Falcons]] were forced to start [[Joey Harrington]] at quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-04-09 |title=Falcons add QB Harrington as backup for Vick |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2830712 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> On December 11, 13 games into his first NFL season as head coach, Bobby Petrino resigned without notice to coach at the [[Arkansas Razorbacks football|University of Arkansas]], leaving the beleaguered players only a note in the locker room.<ref name="u444">{{cite web | last=Battista | first=Judy | title=Petrino Quits the Falcons to Coach the Razorbacks | website=The New York Times | date=2007-12-12 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/sports/football/12falcons.html#:~:text=A%20miserable%20year%20for%20the,best%20job%20in%20the%20N.F.L. | access-date=2024-08-24}}</ref> Secondary Coach [[Emmitt Thomas]] was named interim coach for the final three games of the season on December 12. The Falcons ended the year with a dismal 4–12 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 Atlanta Falcons Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/2007.htm |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Despite having another rough season, the Falcons still had an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs at the end of the regular season. The Falcons hosted the [[Carolina Panthers]] in their regular season finale, with the winners clinching the [[NFC South]] division. Unfortunately, the Falcons lost in a 34–3 blowout as Matt Ryan threw two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns and got sacked six times. The Falcons finished the season 6–10, marking the second consecutive losing season for the team.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2014 |title=Panthers use opportunistic defense to crush Falcons, win NFC South |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554404 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321085908/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554404 |archive-date=March 21, 2015 |access-date=March 21, 2015 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}</ref> The following day, Mike Smith was fired after seven seasons as head coach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons fire coach Mike Smith |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith-0ap3000000451246 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2014-12-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317094252/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000451246/article/atlanta-falcons-fire-coach-mike-smith |archive-date=2015-03-17 |url-status=live |last1=Patra |first1=Kevin |access-date=March 21, 2015}}</ref> The Falcons would soon hire Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator [[Dan Quinn (American football)|Dan Quinn]] as the team's 16th head coach.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stites|first1=Adam|title=Dan Quinn named Atlanta Falcons head coach|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/25/7545535/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-head-coach|website=SB Nation|date=January 25, 2015|publisher=[[Vox Media, Inc.]]|access-date=March 21, 2015|archive-date=March 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312012710/http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2015/1/25/7545535/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> The Falcons had the 8th overall pick in the [[2015 NFL draft]] with which they selected [[Vic Beasley]], a defensive end from Clemson University.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Fitzgerald|first1=Matt|title=2015 NFL Draft Results: Complete List of Picks, Analysis of Major Storylines|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2454988-2015-nfl-draft-results-complete-list-of-picks-analysis-of-major-storylines|website=Bleacher Report|publisher=Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.|access-date=May 24, 2015|archive-date=May 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524222537/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2454988-2015-nfl-draft-results-complete-list-of-picks-analysis-of-major-storylines|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Falcons entered the 2023 seasons with heightened expectations after drafting [[Texas Longhorns football|Texas]] running back [[Bijan Robinson]] with the eighth overall pick of the [[2023 NFL draft|2023 draft]] and making significant improvements in free agency, including signing [[Jessie Bates]] and [[Calais Campbell]] to improve their defense.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Flick |first=Daniel |date=March 31, 2023 |title=Calais OFFICIALLY Signs With Falcons to 'Surprise Some People!' |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/news/atlanta-falcons-official-sign-calais-campbell-free-agency-baltimore-ravens-surprise |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> However, the team finished with a 7–10 record for the third consecutive season, although they had been in contention for a playoff spot until the final day of the season before a 48–17 loss to the [[New Orleans Saints]] on January 7, 2024.<ref name="z604">{{Cite web |last=Vivlamore |first=Chris |date=2024-01-07 |title=How the day unfolded: Falcons eliminated from playoffs after drama-less day |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/how-the-day-unfolded-falcons-eliminated-from-playoffs-after-drama-less-day/UOVUPHSYEBENTAUB2ICCLGHXCQ/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> The following day, Smith was fired after three years as head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-08 |title=Atlanta Falcons part ways with head coach Arthur Smith |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-part-ways-with-head-coach-arthur-smith |access-date=2024-07-24 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref>

==== Raheem Morris years (2024–present) ====

On January 25, 2024, the Falcons announced Raheem Morris's return to the organization, this time as the 19th head coach in Falcons history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waack |first=Terrin |date=January 25, 2024 |title=Raheem Morris named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/raheem-morris-hired-head-coach-announcement-arthur-blank |access-date=January 26, 2024 |website=AtlantaFalcons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> During the early months of his tenure, Morris faced scrutiny and criticism for his questionable player selection decisions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Scott |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Falcons coach Raheem Morris compares himself to Taylor Swift after NFL Draft pick scrutiny |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/falcons-coach-raheem-morris-compares-himself-taylor-swift-nfl-draft-pick-scrutiny |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=FOX News}}</ref>

In an effort to replace the aging Georgia Dome and potentially host a future [[Super Bowl]], team owner Arthur Blank proposed a deal with the city of Atlanta to build a new state-of-the-art stadium not far from where the Georgia Dome is located. Blank will contribute $800 million and the city of Atlanta will contribute an additional $200 million via bonds backed by the city's hotel/motel tax towards the construction of a retractable roof stadium. Blank will contribute additional money for cost overruns if it is needed. The team will provide up to $50 million towards infrastructure costs that weren't included in the construction budget and to retire the remaining debt on the Georgia Dome. In addition, Blank's foundation and the city will each provide $15 million for development in surrounding neighborhoods. Though the total cost of the stadium was initially estimated to be around $1 billion,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 7, 2013 |title=Atlanta Falcons, city officials agree on financing terms for new $1 billion stadium |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9028345/atlanta-falcons-city-officials-agree-financing-terms-new-1-billion-stadium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408214042/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9028345/atlanta-falcons-city-officials-agree-financing-terms-new-1-billion-stadium |archive-date=April 8, 2014 |access-date=February 17, 2014 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> the total cost was revised to $1.5 billion according to Blank.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Saporta |first=Maria |date=April 13, 2015 |title=New Falcons stadium cost 'rises up' – again – another $100 million |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2015/04/13/new-falcons-stadium-cost-rises-up-again-another.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417165642/http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2015/04/13/new-falcons-stadium-cost-rises-up-again-another.html |archive-date=April 17, 2015 |access-date=May 24, 2015 |website=Atlanta Business Chronicle}}</ref> In March 2013, the Atlanta City Council voted 11–4 in favor of building the stadium.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2013 |title=Atlanta City Council approves Falcons stadium funding |url=http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/21667196/atlanta-city-council-could-vote-on-new-falcons-stadium#axzz2tZQLx7YR |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222100730/http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/21667196/atlanta-city-council-could-vote-on-new-falcons-stadium#axzz2tZQLx7YR |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |access-date=February 17, 2014 |website=My Fox Atlanta}}</ref> The retractable roof [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]] broke ground in May 2014, and became the third home stadium for the Falcons and the first for the new [[Atlanta United FC]] [[Major League Soccer]] club upon opening in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Green |first=Josh |date=2019-01-31 |title=Five years after Mercedes-Benz Stadium broke ground, is Atlanta's Westside revival working? |url=https://atlanta.curbed.com/atlanta-photo-essays/2019/1/31/18201601/super-bowl-liii-atlanta-gentrification-poverty-blank |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Curbed Atlanta |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:NFC-Throwback2-Uniform-ATL.PNG|thumb|150px|Falcons uniform: 1971–1989]]

The Atlanta Falcons' colors are black, red, silver and white.<ref>{{cite AV media|date=February 13, 2013|title=Evolution of the Falcons' colors|url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/video/evolution-of-the-falcons-colors-9571993|access-date=March 30, 2017|publisher=NFL Enterprises|website=AtlantaFalcons.com}}</ref> When the team began play in [[1966 Atlanta Falcons season|1966]], the Falcons wore red helmets with a black falcon crest logo. In the center of the helmet was a center black stripe surrounded by two gold stripes and two white stripes. These colors represented the two college rival schools in the state of Georgia; rival schools [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets]] (white and gold) and the [[Georgia Bulldogs]] (red and black). Although the gold was removed after several seasons, the white remains to this day. They wore white pants and either black or white jerseys. At first, the falcon crest logo was also put on the jersey sleeves, but it was replaced by a red and white stripe pattern four years later. They switched from black to red jerseys in 1971, and the club began to wear silver pants in 1978. The facemasks on the helmets were initially gray, becoming white in 1978, and then black in 1984; the team wore black face masks until its 2020 redesign.

It was revealed in January 2020 that the Falcons will change uniforms for the [[2020 NFL season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons to have new uniforms for 2020 season |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001096746/article/atlanta-falcons-to-have-new-uniforms-for-2020-season |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2020-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124013434/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001096746/article/atlanta-falcons-to-have-new-uniforms-for-2020-season |archive-date=2020-01-24 |url-status=dead |last1=Shook |first1=Nick |access-date=January 22, 2020}}</ref> The ensuing design featured the return to black as the primary home uniform color for the first time since 2003. Both the primary home and road uniforms featured the "ATL" abbreviation in red above either white or black numbers with red drop shadows. The white and black tops are usually paired with either white or black pants. The alternate uniform featured a red/black gradient design and also featured the "ATL" abbreviation in white above white numbers with black drop shadows. Black pants are only used with this uniform. All three uniforms feature red side stripes. The current throwback uniform was also retained. In addition, the Falcons switched to matte helmets with the enlarged falcon logo and gray facemasks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Falcons unveil new uniforms, helmet ahead of 2020 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-unveil-new-uniforms-helmet-ahead-of-2020 |website=[[National Football League]] |date=2020-04-08 |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |access-date=October 9, 2020}}</ref> The red/black gradient alternates only lasted three seasons before it was removed from the uniform rotation in 2023.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hecken|first=Phil|title=Uni Watch 2024 NFL Uniform Preview — NFC South|url=https://uni-watch.com/2024/09/05/uni-watch-2024-nfl-uniform-preview-nfc-south/|publisher=Uni Watch|website=UniWatch.com|date=September 5, 2024|access-date=September 6, 2024}}</ref>

The Falcons share a less-intense divisional rivalry with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] since the NFL realignment in 2002. The two had been regional opponents but very little had linked any further animosity towards the two as the Buccaneers played in the former [[NFC Central]] before the realignment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2010 |title=SI.com – Photo Gallery – Top 10 New NFL Rivalries |url=http://images.si.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/12/15/gallery.newrivals/content.6.html |access-date=December 27, 2022 |archive-date=August 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817012329/http://images.si.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/12/15/gallery.newrivals/content.6.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ikic |first=Adnan |date=September 18, 2021 |title=Falcons vs. Buccaneers: a look at the series history |url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2021/9/18/22672493/falcons-vs-buccaneers-a-look-at-the-series-history-week-2-2021 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=The Falcoholic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Series History: Buccaneers-Falcons |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/series-history-buccaneers-falcons-17997318 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=www.buccaneers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The two teams would find themselves competing over staff and players alike, particularly during the 2000s after the Falcons had lured general manager [[Rich McKay]] after winning [[Super Bowl XXXVII]] the season prior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Henry |first=George |date=December 16, 2023 |title=Falcons hire McKay as GM |url=https://www.gadsdentimes.com/story/news/2003/12/16/falcons-hire-mckay-as-gm/32328445007/ |access-date=2024-05-24 |website=Gadsden Times|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref> McKay's ties with Tampa extend into his family as his father [[John McKay (American football)|John McKay]] was head coach of the Buccaneers for nine seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=October 28, 2015 |title=Falcons Lead Bucs in All-Time Series |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/falcons-lead-bucs-in-all-time-series-16177808 |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Buccaneers.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Beheler |first=Christopher |date=November 21, 2012 |title=Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A History of Violence |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1417342-atlanta-falcons-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-a-history-of-violence |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=Pete |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/865093417 |title=The draft : a year inside the nfl's search for talent|via=WorldCat |date=2013 |publisher=St. Martin's Press |isbn=978-1-4299-1001-9 |oclc=865093417}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Choate |first=Dave |date=September 15, 2021 |title=What is the defining moment of the Falcons-Buccaneers rivalry? |url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2021/9/15/22673546/what-is-the-defining-moment-of-the-falcons-buccaneers-rivalry |access-date=December 27, 2022 |website=The Falcoholic |language=en}}</ref>

| [[Arizona Cardinals|St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals]] || 16 || 16 || 0 || {{winpct|16|16|0}} || W 20-19 || January 1, 2023 || [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]] || 0–1 postseason

| [[Buffalo Bills]] || 7 || 6 || 0 || {{winpct|7|6|0}} || L 15–29 || January 2, 2022 || [[Highmark Stadium (New York)|Highmark Stadium]] ||

| [[Dallas Cowboys]] || 12 || 17 || 0 || {{winpct|12|17|0}} || W 27-21 || November 3, 2024 || [[AT&T Stadium]] || 0–2 postseason

| [[Washington Commanders]] || 10 || 15 || 1 || {{winpct|10|15|1}} || L 30–34 ||October 3, 2021 || Mercedes-Benz Stadium || 0–1 postseason

! Total || 393|| 455 || 6 || {{winpct|393|455|6}} || || || || 10–14 ({{winpct|10|14|0}})

| '''78''' || [[Mike Kenn]] || [[Tackle (American football)|T]] || 1978–1994 || 2008

In their history, the Atlanta Falcons have had 18 head coaches. Five coaches have served in interim roles<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Atlanta Falcons Head Coaches|url=http://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/history/head-coaches.html|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=AtlantaFalcons.com|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521053013/https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/history/head-coaches.html|archive-date=May 21, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons Coaches |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/atl/coaches.htm |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

|Raheem Morris || 2024–present || 8–9 {{Small|({{winpct|8|9}})}}||  

The Falcons' flagship radio station is [[WZGC (FM)|WZGC]] 92.9 The Game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ho |first=Rodney |date=August 26, 2014 |title=92.9/The Game becomes a Falcons affiliate |url=http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com/2014/08/26/92-9the-game-becomes-a-falcons-affiliate/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827090937/http://radiotvtalk.blog.ajc.com/2014/08/26/92-9the-game-becomes-a-falcons-affiliate/ |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |access-date=October 19, 2014 |website=Radio & TV Talk with Rodney Ho |publisher=Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> [[Wes Durham]], son of longtime [[North Carolina Tar Heels]] voice [[Woody Durham]], is the Falcons' play-by-play announcer, with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and pro football veteran, [[David Archer (quarterback)|Dave Archer]] serving as color commentator.<ref name="z104">{{cite web | last=Ufnowski | first=Amy | title=Wes Durham | website=ESPN Press Room U.S. | date=2024-05-09 | url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/wes-durham/ | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref><ref name="x946">{{cite web | title=Friend of the show and Atlanta Falcons Color Analysts Dave Archer gives his thoughts on the draft | website=Omny.fm | date=2024-04-27 | url=https://omny.fm/shows/crenshaw-clarkson/friend-of-the-show-and-atlanta-falcons-color-analy | access-date=2024-08-23}}</ref>

In the regular season, the team's games are seen on Fox's O&O affiliate [[WAGA-TV|WAGA]]. When the Falcons challenge an AFC team, CBS affiliate [[WANF]] will air those games while Sunday night games are televised on [[WXIA-TV|WXIA]], the local NBC affiliate.

| [[Clemson, South Carolina|Clemson]] || [[WCCP-FM]] || 104.9 FM<ref name="u075">{{cite web | last=Choate | first=Dave | title=Atlanta Falcons radio network affiliate stations | website=The Falcoholic | date=2022-10-31 | url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/23431646/atlanta-falcons-radio-network-affiliate-stations | access-date=2024-08-02}}</ref>

* [https://www.nfl.com/teams/atlanta-falcons/ Atlanta Falcons] at the [[National Football League]] official website

* [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUXSZMIiUfFSzzgEL4N9aYBXPmGVen3zW The History of the Atlanta Falcons], [[Secret Base]], ''YouTube''