The Atlanta Falcons entered this season with expectations that felt more grounded than hopeful - a talented roster, a wide-open NFC South, and a head coach in Raheem Morris who knew the building and the players. But now, with a 5-9 record and seven losses in their last nine games, the air has all but gone out of the dome. The Falcons are officially out of playoff contention for the eighth straight year, and it's hard to ignore the growing sense that the franchise could be heading for another coaching change.
This season hasn’t just been disappointing - it’s been deflating. With a roster many believed was ready to compete, Atlanta has instead stumbled through a campaign marred by inconsistency, injuries, and missed opportunities. The recent upset win over the Buccaneers in primetime gave fans a brief flicker of hope, but the broader picture remains unchanged: the Falcons have looked like a team stuck in neutral, unable to find rhythm or identity, and that reflects directly on the head coach.
Raheem Morris, in his first full season back as a head coach, has struggled to get the most out of a group that, on paper, should be better than its record. The Falcons have talent - especially on defense - but they haven’t played like a cohesive unit. Whether it’s been questionable in-game decisions, underwhelming offensive production, or the inability to close out games, Atlanta has looked like a team searching for answers it can’t seem to find.
That’s why, as the offseason approaches, all signs point toward change. And one name that keeps surfacing is a familiar one: Dan Quinn.
Quinn, currently the head coach in Washington, is having a rough go in his second season with the Commanders. His team sits at 3-10, losers of eight of their last nine, and the momentum from last year’s playoff run has completely evaporated. Still, despite the struggles in D.C., Quinn’s name carries weight in Atlanta - and for good reason.
He’s the last coach to take the Falcons to the postseason and, of course, the man who led them to Super Bowl LI. That run, while ending in heartbreak, remains the high-water mark for the franchise in the last decade. And while things eventually unraveled under his watch, Quinn has always been respected for his leadership and ability to connect with players.
What makes the idea of a Quinn reunion intriguing is the current state of the Falcons’ defense. Unlike his previous tenure, when the defense often lagged behind the offense, this version of the Falcons has shown flashes of real potential on that side of the ball - particularly when it comes to generating pressure. That could be a key selling point for a defensive-minded coach like Quinn, who built his reputation on fast, aggressive units.
There’s also the matter of familiarity. Owner Arthur Blank has never shied away from leaning into relationships and past connections when making big decisions. If Quinn becomes available - and that appears likely given the Commanders’ trajectory - he could be viewed as a stabilizing force for a franchise that’s once again searching for direction.
That said, Quinn’s recent track record isn’t without blemishes. His handling of quarterback Jayden Daniels in Washington has raised eyebrows.
After Daniels missed three games with a dislocated elbow, he re-injured it in his return against the Vikings in Week 14. Rather than shut him down immediately, Quinn held him out of that game, and the Commanders were blown out 31-0.
The decision to delay ending Daniels’ season - despite being out of playoff contention - has drawn criticism, and understandably so. It’s the kind of misstep that can sour a fanbase quickly, especially after the highs of a surprise playoff run just a year earlier.
Still, Quinn remains a respected coach around the league. He’s shown he can lead a team deep into the postseason, and he’s done it with less talent than what Atlanta currently has on its roster. If the Falcons do decide to move on from Morris - and the writing seems to be on the wall - Quinn could be a name to watch closely.
The Falcons have built a foundation that’s ready for the next step. The question is whether they have the right person to lead them there. If not, don’t be surprised if the organization turns to a familiar face to try and finish what he started.