Big news out of the ATL this morning as the Atlanta Falcons announced that they have hired Terry Fontenot as their new General Manager.
Fontenot goes to Atlanta after spending 18 years with the New Orleans Saints, the last year as their vice president/assistant general manager of pro personnel.
The Falcons had their eyes on the long time Saints executive but could not sign him due to league rules, which stated that he couldn’t sign with a new team until the Saints’ season was over. It ended this past Sunday with a 30-20 home loss to Tom Brady and the Bucs.
Fontenot, a four-year player with the Tulane football team (1999-2002) and a team captain, began his career as a marketing intern with the Saints before moving into the scouting department. He then worked his way up the ranks, and also attended the highly regarded Stanford Business School’s Executive Education NFL-Stanford Program for Managers, which is known for developing promising executives.
“I always say that to guys, even I say it to my kids: Everything you approach you have to approach it the right way because you don’t know what is going to come after that,” Fontenot said in an interview with the New Orleans Saints podcast.
Falcons team owner Arthur Blank is excited and anxious to bring Fontenot on board, particularly because they had him at the top of the list for a while but couldn’t make the move while the Saints were still playing.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
Fontenot had strong feelings about leaving the Saints but is excited to make the move to Atlanta.
“Over the last 18 years I have been honored and blessed with the opportunity to learn and grow within a great organization,” said Fontenot. “I don’t have the words to express my thanks and gratitude to the late Mr. Benson, Mrs. Benson, Mickey Loomis, Dennis Lauscha, Coach Payton and the entire Saints family. Without their mentorship and guidance, I would not be in the position I am today, and we are thankful for everything they have provided our family for nearly two decades.
“Because of their leadership and the opportunities they provided me, I have been selective on what direction my career would take, with a focus on organizations that aligned with my principals and goals. With the Atlanta Falcons, I have found the perfect opportunity for my family’s next steps. I feel honored and thankful that Arthur Blank and Rich McKay have given me this privilege and I look forward to working alongside the two of them, Arthur Smith and our entire organization as we strive together to reach our competitive goals and give our fans the performances they deserve. My family and I are thrilled to make our new home in Atlanta and look forward to meeting our fellow Falcon fans.”
Fontenot now becomes the NFL’s fourth Black GM, joining the Dolphins’ Chris Grier, the Browns’ Andrew Berry, and the Lions’ newly hired Brad Holmes.
