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The Atlanta Falcons were supposed to turn the corner with head coach Raheem Morris at the helm, but it's been nearly two full seasons and they have yet to take that next step. Morris is 15-18 overall entering Sunday's season finale against the New Orleans Saints.
After winning three straight games, though, Morris' seat seems to have cooled down considerably. While the team has already been eliminated from playoff contention, the Falcons' recent winning streak has shaken up the NFC South division race.
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If Atlanta wins on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers will NFC South champs. If the Falcons lose, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will clinch their fifth straight division title. But will a late-season winning streak be enough for Morris to save his job?
As we approach another Black Monday, NFL insiders have been gathering intel on each coaching situation. Let's see what those around the league are hearing about Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Falcons owner Arthur Blank is expected to bring in a consulting firm to evaluate everything. Russini even suggested that the team may keep Morris and move on from Fontenot in the offseason.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini on Morris, Fontenot:
That work is expected to be weighed alongside the organization’s internal evaluations: two seasons (and a 15-18 record) under coach Raheem Morris, five seasons under Fontenot, how this year has unfolded, the perceived state of the roster and the franchise’s overall team-building approach. Many around the league expect the Falcons to move on from Fontenot and stick with Morris as coach. One potential added voice to the mix? Former quarterback Matt Ryan, who is in talks to return to the organization in a front-office role. -- Dianna Russini, The Athletic
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also put out a feature discussing NFL coaches on the hot seat. Fowler said the Falcons haven't given up on Morris, but Arthur Blank clearly wanted to see more from the team over the last two years.
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ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on Raheem Morris' future:
The Falcons have not quit on Morris, who has railed off three consecutive wins to make his case for a third year in Atlanta. But that doesn't ensure his return. Morris would most likely need to make staff changes if he does stay. Special teams has been a bugaboo, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s development hasn't proceeded as hoped. -- Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Over at NFL.com, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero released a new hot-seat breakdown. The Falcons have been a disappointment, but it sounds like Morris may have bought himself some goodwill with that upset win over the Rams.
NFL Network insiders on Falcons' offseason:
And for as disappointing as the Falcons were even a month ago, they’ve found a spark down the stretch, playing hard for head coach Raheem Morris and winning three games in a row with formerly demoted veteran Kirk Cousins at quarterback. The reason owners wait to see the entire product is to learn how a team responds to adversity. And with all eyes on them, Atlanta beat the Los Angeles Rams on national TV on Monday night. It gives Blank a lot to think about as he weighs the futures of Morris, who has three years left on his contract, and GM Terry Fontenot, who has one. -- Ian Rapoport & Tom Pelissero, NFL.com
The Falcons will close out the season against the Saints at 1 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Once the team makes a decision on Morris and Fontenot, it will be on to free agency for Atlanta. Some key players, including tight end Kyle Pitts and linebacker Kaden Elliss, will be free agents.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: NFL insiders on Raheem Morris' job status
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