Terry Fontenot on what he’s learned during tenure as Falcons GM

The Falcons have a new head coach following Arthur Smith’s termination.

Raheem Morris inherits a much better situation than his predecessor, but he will suffer the same fate if he follows the path Smith took at the quarterback position.

Putting his eggs in Desmond Ridder’s basket ultimately cost Smith his job, evident in his pitch to Arthur Blank for a fourth season that a new quarterback would unlock the potential of the offense.

It was a moronic move to put his faith in a third-round pick, but I do think Arthur Smith believed he’d get a fourth season, enabling him to upgrade the position if Ridder didn’t workout.

Regardless, Raheem Morris has to know that he can’t make the same mistake of a half measure at the position. A quarterback can cover up deficiencies on the roster or that player can accentuate them.

Despite the coaching change, there was continuity in the front office as Terry Fontenot survived. Rightfully so too because the Falcons GM has done a lot of great things over his tenure. In fact, I’d argue that he deserves more power and responsibility.

I think what makes him such a great general manager is how he summarized what he’s learned since earning the title in 2021 in an interview with Steve Wyche and James Palmer.

“You can people at different phases of their career and the key is to continue to learn and always God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason because we always need to be learning and listening and evolving,” Fontenot said. “Every year is going to be different but I think specifically sitting in this seat you need to make sure you surround yourself with really smart people and listen to and learn from them. That’s what I’m always trying to do.”

Always evolving is important in any aspect of your life, especially your career. The Falcons GM is clearly intelligent and values learning. It’s partially why he’s good at his job.