Tag: Terry Fontenot

10 takeaways from Arthur Smith’s introductory press conference

The Falcons introduced the team’s new head coach, Arthur Smith, on Tuesday afternoon and there is quite a bit to unpack.

The Falcons introduced the team’s new head coach, Arthur Smith, on Tuesday afternoon and there is quite a bit to unpack. Despite being one of the top coaching candidates available, fans really haven’t heard much from Smith until today.

During the press conference, Smith answered questions about his decision to take the job, the current state of the roster and his philosophy as Atlanta’s head coach. Here are 10 quick takeaways from Smith’s introductory presser.

Arthur Smith on Matt Ryan: ‘We’re gonna play to Matt’s strengths’

After three years of the Falcons’ offense failing to live up to expectations, the team went out and hired Arthur Smith, the former Titans offensive coordinator, to be the new head coach.

After three years of the Falcons’ offense failing to live up to expectations, the team went out and hired Arthur Smith, the former Titans offensive coordinator, to be the new head coach.

Maximizing the talents of former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan will be the key to Smith’s success in Atlanta. In 2019 and 2020, Smith turned quarterback Ryan Tannehill from an average passer to a legitimate top-10 QB.

During a video interview released by the team prior to Smith’s introductory press conference on Tuesday afternoon, he talked about his intentions to tailor the offense around the things Ryan does well. Smith also said he won’t force the Falcons QB to do what worked well with Tannehill.

“Just because we did something with Ryan, doesn’t mean we’re gonna do the same thing with Matt,” Smith stated. “We’re gonna play to Matt’s strengths, just like we tried to play to Ryan’s strengths. But I’m obviously, looking forward to getting in there and coaching Matt when the time comes.”

Watch the full interview with Smith below, as shared by the team on Twitter.

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Arthur Smith on Falcons’ roster: ‘There’s so many good pieces here’

Just as Smith was set to begin his introductory press conference, the team released a video of his first public interview since taking over as coach.

The Atlanta Falcons got their first taste of new head coach Arthur Smith on Tuesday. Just as Smith was set to begin his introductory press conference, the team released a video of his first public interview since taking over as coach.

Smith talked about a variety of things, including his excitement to work with quarterback Matt Ryan, his relationship with new general manager Terry Fontenot, and the overall talent level on the team.

“There’s so many good pieces here,” said Smith. “It’s gonna take the entire team. That’s gonna be the big thing — we’re gonna look for guys that are great teammates and we’re gonna hold our best players accountable.”

Smith continued on, discussing the inevitable change coming to the roster this offseason.

“What the roster looks like today is not what it’s going to look like in June, and certainly not what it’s going to look like in September when we line up in Week 1,” Smith explained.

“We’ll find the best 48 to go out there on Sunday, or Monday, or Thursday, or Tuesday or whatever day they tell us to play.”.

Watch the full interview with Smith below, as shared by the team’s Twitter account and check back for updates after the press conference.

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Twitter reacts to Falcons hiring Terry Fontenot for GM

Today marks a new beginning for the Atlanta Falcons, hiring general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith to help the franchise get back on track after missing the playoffs three years in a row

Today marks a new beginning for the Atlanta Falcons, hiring general manager Terry Fontenot to pair with new head coach Arthur Smith in an effort to get the franchise back on track after missing the playoffs three years in a row.

Fontenot, the former Saints vice president/assistant general manager of pro personnel, officially agreed to terms on Tuesday and will introduced by the Falcons later in the afternoon. Despite coming from Atlanta’s biggest rival, fans seem genuinely excited about the future of the team with Fontenot leading the way.

Let’s check out some of the best Twitter reactions to Tuesday’s news.

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Saints to acquire compensatory draft picks once Falcons hire Terry Fontenot

The New Orleans Saints will receive a pair of compensatory draft picks after losing personnel VP Terry Fontenot to the Atlanta Falcons.

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It’s going to be tough for the New Orleans Saints front office to absorb the loss of personnel executive Terry Fontenot, but his rise to become the next Atlanta Falcons general manager does bring a slight silver lining: several compensatory draft picks.

Because the NFL implemented a new incentive to its minority candidates hiring policy, teams that lose those candidates to head coach or general manager positions will received two third-round draft picks in the next two years. It’s a way of encouraging teams to develop more prospects for other franchises to consider. Fontenot, who is Black, qualifies the Saints for that bonus.

For New Orleans, that means extra third rounders in both 2021 and 2022. The Saints are also expected to receive a 2021 third-round comp pick after Teddy Bridgewater signed with the Carolina Panthers last offseason. After trading their own initial pick in that round (which would have slotted in around No. 84), they’ll instead be making selections at the end of it, near pick No. 100. The exact draft order will be announced later this offseason.

Sure, they’d rather have Fontenot helping them identify talented free agents and additions to the roster. But they’ve made good use of their selections in the third round before, and these resources will be needed considering how close the team’s bookkeeping is running against the salary cap.

Recent Saints draft picks in the third round include Tre’Quan Smith (who caught two touchdown passes in the Saints’ playoffs loss), Alvin Kamara, Alex Anzalone, and Trey Hendrickson, as well as rookies Zack Baun and Adam Trautman. The Saints also have a history of trading these picks to move up the board, so keep that in mind as we move closer to the 2021 NFL draft.

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Falcons name Saints executive Terry Fontenot their general manager

The Atlanta Falcons named Terry Fontenot their general manager, ending his 17-year run in the New Orleans Saints front office.

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This move was expected, but that doesn’t lessen its impact. The Atlanta Falcons announced Tuesday that Terry Fontenot will be their next general manager, ending his 17-year run with the New Orleans Saints front office. Fontenot climbed the ladder in New Orleans and most recently served as vice president of player personnel, as well as assistant general manager to Mickey Loomis. He’ll be replacing longtime Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

He predominately worked on the pro scouting side of the show, evaluating veteran free agents and players around the league that might interest the Saints. His work factored into the big personnel decisions — like signing All-Pro linebacker Demario Davis — as well as the more-mundane weekly tryouts in New Orleans. He’ll be missed.

Losing Fontenot to a division rival stings a little more, but it’s good to see him get this opportunity. He’s earned the shot at running his own team and calling his own shots, and he’ll get to do that once paired with first-year Falcons coach Arthur Smith. The Athletic’s Jeff Duncan reports that the Saints intend to replace Fontenot with a candidate already on staff, likely pro personnel scout Michael Parenton. College scouting director Jeff Ireland, the Saints’ other assistant general manager, is also expected to remain in New Orleans.

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Falcons agree to terms with Terry Fontenot for GM position

The Atlanta Falcons have named a new general manager, hiring the vice president of the New Orleans Saints, Terry Fontenot, to fill the vacancy left by Thomas Dimitroff back in October.

The Atlanta Falcons have named a new general manager, hiring the vice president of the New Orleans Saints, Terry Fontenot, to fill the vacancy left by Thomas Dimitroff back in October.

After reports that the team had selected Fontenot last week, the move was made official on Tuesday morning following the Saints’ loss to the Buccaneers in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Fontenot helped build an extremely talented Saints roster that has been the class of the NFC South for nearly five years. The Falcons fired Dimitroff, who served as the team’s GM since 2008, along with former head coach Dan Quinn following an 0-5 start in 2020. After an exhaustive search, Fontenot was considered one of two favorites.

The other finalist was Brad Holmes, the director of college scouting for the Los Angeles Rams, who has since been hired as the Detroit Lions’ new general manager.

With Fontenot and new head coach Arthur Smith in place, the team is ready to kick off what is sure to be an exciting offseason in Atlanta.

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Report: Panthers OC Joe Brady among finalists for Falcons’ head coach job

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady could be jumping ship to join an NFC South rival.

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady could be jumping ship to join an NFC South rival. According to a report by D. Orlando Ledbetter at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Brady is one of a few finalists to land the head coach position with the Atlanta Falcons. The others who are in the mix are Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

In related news, New Orleans Saints executive Terry Fontenot is considered the favorite to be named their next general manager. That could be significant news as Fontenot and Brady have been linked to Atlanta’s openings as a potential one-two punch. No official announcement has come yet, though.

If he doesn’t land the Falcons job, Brady still has other options. He has also interviewed with the New York Jets, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles for their open head coach jobs.

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Report: Falcons pick Saints VP Terry Fontenot as next GM, but can’t sign him yet

NFL Network reports New Orleans Saints personnel executive Terry Fontenot is the favorite for the Atlanta Falcons general manager position.

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NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Atlanta Falcons are closing in on their next general manager, with New Orleans Saints vice president of pro personnel Terry Fontenot emerging as the favorite for their vacancy. But there’s a catch: Fontenot cannot sign with a new team until the Saints’ season is over, either by playoffs elimination or winning the Super Bowl.

Losing Fontenot would be a big blow to the front office. He’s done a great job of evaluating prospects at the pro ranks, both as free agents from other NFL teams and standouts in the CFL, as well as startup leagues like the XFL and AAF. He’s earned the assistant general manager title after years of hard work in New Orleans, and he’s now on the verge of running his own team.

Additionally, because Fontenot is a minority candidate being hired to a general manager position, the Saints would receive third-round compensatory draft picks in 2021 and 2022. That’s reliant on Atlanta sealing the deal, of course.

It’s just a shame he’ll likely be doing so across the division. But the Falcons haven’t been able to beat the Saints, so the only strategy left to them is trying to hire up-and-comers from New Orleans..

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Report: Terry Fontenot the favorite for Falcons GM opening

The Atlanta Falcons have not officially made a hire for their general manager vacancy, but it appears the team has locked in on Saints vice president/assistant GM Terry Fontenot for the position.

The Atlanta Falcons have not officially made a hire for their general manager vacancy, but it appears the team has locked in on Saints vice president/assistant GM Terry Fontenot for the position.

According to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Fontneot is the “favorite” to land the Falcons GM job.

The team may not hire Fontenot any time soon, though. Rapoport said Atlanta will wait for Saints to wrap up their playoff run before officially giving him the job. New Orleans takes on Tampa Bay this weekend and has won both regular season matchups between the two teams.

As for the Falcons’ head coach vacancy, the team brought in Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for a second interview on Wednesday. Stay tuned for more interview updates throughout the week.

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