A heartfelt message from Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Atlanta Falcons, addresses the recent setbacks and outlines a bold plan for the future.
The Disappointment and the Drive for Change
Arthur acknowledges the team's underperformance, taking full responsibility. He emphasizes the need for a higher level of competition, sharing the deep frustration felt by both the organization and the dedicated fan base.
The Heart of the Franchise
The fans and the community are the lifeblood of the Falcons. Their unwavering support and belief in the team, despite recent challenges, have not gone unnoticed. Arthur understands that this commitment deserves a championship-caliber team, and he aims to deliver on that promise.
A Comprehensive Review and a New Era
To address the issues, a thorough assessment of the entire football operation was conducted. The result? Significant changes are on the horizon. A new head coach and general manager will be appointed for the 2026 season, but that's just the beginning of a transformative journey.
An Honest Review and a Fresh Start
The review process was an in-depth analysis of the team's structure, decision-making processes, and internal communication. It identified areas for improvement, and now, the Falcons are ready to implement these changes.
Key Changes and a Collaborative Approach
- Leadership Search: The hunt is on for exceptional leaders to fill the head coach and general manager roles. ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group are assisting in these searches, ensuring a thorough and strategic process.
- New President of Football: An external leader will be appointed to set the vision and identity for the team. This individual will oversee the head coach and general manager, with final decision-making authority. They will work closely with the club's president and CEO to align football and business operations, ensuring success on and off the field.
- Succession Planning: Greg Beadles steps into the role of president and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, succeeding Rich McKay. Greg will continue to oversee business affairs and collaborate with the new president of football to ensure a winning product on the field.
- Organizational Changes: The new leadership, guided by the president of football, will implement further improvements across the football operation. Sportsology will assist with the front office restructure.
A New Role and a Focus on the Future
Rich McKay, with over five years of succession planning, has taken on an expanded role within the Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment organization. He will now dedicate his full attention to critical initiatives, including major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Super Bowl, stadium renovations, and the launch of a new NWSL franchise. Rich's expertise and leadership will be invaluable in these endeavors.
Building Trust and a Winning Culture
Arthur understands that trust is earned through actions. He promises honesty, effort, and accountability in every decision made, with the clear objective of building a team that consistently competes for championships. He is confident that the new football structure and leadership will bring the Falcons back to contention soon.
A Commitment to Excellence
The Falcons operate in a football-proud city and state, and Arthur takes the responsibility of leading this franchise personally. Despite missing the playoffs this year, he believes in the team's solid core and exciting young talent, making these open positions highly appealing to top leaders.
Gratitude and a Promise
Arthur expresses his gratitude for the fans' loyalty and support, even during challenging times. He feels the urgency to get it right and is committed to making the necessary tough decisions and investments to deliver the results the fans deserve. The success of the Atlanta Falcons is deeply important to the community, and Arthur is determined to take every step necessary to achieve that success.
A Thank You and a Call to Action
Arthur thanks the fans for their unwavering support and assures them that he is dedicated to taking whatever actions are needed to deliver the best for the team and the community. The future of the Atlanta Falcons looks bright, and with these changes, the organization aims to restore the team to its rightful place among the league's elite.
