Atlanta Falcons announce new general manager

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have hired Terry Fontenot as the team’s new general manager.

The announcement comes just days after announcing Arthur Smith as the team’s next head coach.

Channel 2 Sports Director Zach Klein will have reaction to the new hire on Channel 2 Action News at Noon

Fontenot comes to Atlanta from the New Orleans Saints, where he has spent the last 18 years of his career. Fontenot just completed his first season as the Saints’ vice president/assistant general manager for pro personnel.

“When we started this process we were focused on finding someone that not only has a track record of identifying key building blocks that result in successful teams, but also someone who focuses on cohesive relationships within the building. We feel very strongly that we’ve found that individual in Terry Fontenot,” said Arthur Blank, the Falcons owner and chairman.

“In his past positions, he has shown the ability to make strong decisions and judgments that result in championship-caliber teams, while also understanding a variety of viewpoints and respecting a collaborative process throughout. Landing a leader of Terry’s stature, I believe our organization, players, fans and community will have confidence in our approach throughout this process as I am certain Terry will represent them and the expectations they have to a high level.

“I’d like to thank Rich McKay and so many across our organization that played a vital role in the comprehensive and well-coordinated process that resulted in Terry joining our family.”

The Falcons have been searching for a head coach after firing Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff in October after the team got off to a 0-5 start.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, GM Thomas Dimitroff fired Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons owner and chairman, announced today that Dan Quinn will no longer be the head coach of the team. Blank also fired general manager

Cox Media Group