The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of a disappointing 3-6 season, despite having high expectations. There was a path paved for an NFC South title and playoff berth with the heavy investments at key positions over the last two years.

With a significant underperformance, it’s shaping up for the Falcons to hit a complete reset and fire head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The Falcons have struggled to finish games, and the roster lacks depth in areas that hold them back.

As Falcons fans look ahead to 2026, Ryan Roberts and I have produced a blueprint to fix the franchise and help it progress next season. With a talented quarterback in Michael Penix, multiple weapons like Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London, and defensive playmakers like James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker, and A.J. Terrell, there is a realistic shot for Atlanta reaching the playoffs next year.

In this blueprint, we each pitched a new head coach and GM. We also pitched who they should draft with their first draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a free agent they must sign.

Falcons Head Coach Candidates

Ryan: Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders OC

I’m not typically a fan of retreads, but my top priority is getting the best out of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. If you can’t, then this is an organization that may need to consider a complete rebuild seriously. What Kingsbury has done with Jayden Daniels when healthy the last two years has been impressive. If you can pair him with a good general manager and defensive coordinator, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach has a chance to be a lot more successful this time around.

Joe: Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks OC

Hiring an offensive coordinator as the next head coach must be the priority. This roster is loaded with unmaximised superstars at every offensive position. Kubiak has become one of the hottest names in coaching searches because of how effectively he’s schemed for quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Both players are among the best at their positions in 2025 because Kubiak understood how to get the most out of their skills. Kubiak, working with Penix, Robinson, Pitts, and London, could produce one of the best offenses in the NFL.

Falcons GM Candidates

Ryan: Ed Dodds, Indianapolis Colts assistant GM

Dodds is highly respected in league circles, having been instrumental with the Seattle Seahawks as a senior personnel executive. He has been with the Indianapolis Colts under Chris Ballard since 2017 and now holds the title of assistant general manager. With roots as a scout, Dodds’ eye for talent would be a great addition.

Joe: Alec Halaby, Philadelphia Eagles assistant GM

Considering how successful the Philadelphia Eagles have been at drafting, making trades, and signing free agents, it might be smart to hire someone from there. Halaby is a young, rising star in the NFL and has been under the operation of Howie Roseman his entire career, since he started with the Eagles in 2007.

Falcons 2026 NFL Draft Picks

Ryan: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

With Banks’ season having been derailed due to injury, most have forgotten just how physically gifted he is. The Falcons need to get more impactful on the interior of the defense. The 6-6, 330-pound behemoth has every tool to become a dominant force. His upside is still tremendous.

Joe: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

With the Falcons’ first pick not coming until the second round, this selection will have limited impact. The offense needs a speedster to join their receiver room to play off of the size they have from London and Pitts. Concepcion is an explosive deep threat with shifty route-running ability, capable of providing juice every time he catches a pass. He’s been massive for Texas A&M’s offense, ranking among the best in the country this season. Additionally, given how the receiver class is shaping up, Concepcion will likely be available in this range.

Falcons 2026 Free Agents

Ryan: Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Shaheed was just traded from the New Orleans Saints at the trade deadline, but he is still set to become a free agent after the season. Also a dynamic return man, Shaheed has become one of the better deep threats in the NFL over the last couple of years. London has developed into a tremendous possession receiver. Adding some speed to complement him would be huge.

Joe: Greg Newsome II, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Finding a solid second outside starting cornerback is a priority this offseason. Selecting one in the second or third round may be risky, so signing a free agent with a reliable track record is the better route. Newsome has been a consistent defensive back in his career with the Cleveland Browns and was recently traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. They hopefully wouldn’t have to break the bank for Newsome and could get tremendous value out of a signing like this.

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Wendell Ferreira