The Atlanta Falcons didn't hesitate at the end of the 2025 season to part ways with GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris, making this a pivotal offseason. Whether or not the Falcons can end a streak or irrelevance that dates back to 2017 will entirely depend on what owner Arthur Blank decides in the coming weeks of the offseason.
With this in mind, let's take a look at what a perfect offseason would look like when it comes to rebuilding Atlanta's coaching staff. Starting with hiring the most qualified coach on the market that several teams will be chasing, these Falcons have a clear argument as the best potential landing spot.
1. Head Coach: John Harbaugh
What the Falcons badly need more than anything is an adult in the room capable of making simple in-game adjustments and demanding accountability. This clearly wasn't Raheem Morris, who, while beloved by his players, was not as capable of making the needed adjustments to turn things around in Atlanta. Harbaugh is a proven winner, having come out on top in over 60 percent of his games with the Ravens and winning over 50 percent of his playoff matchups.
Add in the fact that the former Baltimore head coach is a Super Bowl winner, and there is every reason for the Falcons to chase a proven leader. The only caveat here is pointing out the league is growing increasingly younger at the position, and Harbaugh is 63 heading into the 2026 season. Still, in what is an underwhelming head coach market, there isn't one name more proven or qualified to turn Atlanta's franchise drought around.
Harbaugh can step in, lean on strong coordinators, and trust his staff, having shown an incredible ability to delegate in Baltimore. The Ravens made a mistake parting ways with one of the league's most consistent coaches, and the Falcons are in the perfect position to take advantage.
2. Offensive Coordinator: Mike McDaniel
The recent firing of the former Miami Dolphins head coach opens up the exciting possibility for a reunion. McDaniel was with the Falcons during the 2015 and 2016 seasons when the franchise was last truly considered a contender. The coach worked his way up Kyle Shanahan's staff even after leaving the Falcons, eventually becoming the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. McDaniel's offensive creativity is exactly what the offense needs to take pressure off Bijan Robinson.
This isn't to suggest that the coordinator won't lean on the back, but rather to point out his ability to create a far more balanced attack. It is also important to note that McDaniel is likely to garner his fair share of head coaching interest and will have his pick of landing spots if he settles for a coordinator job.
No question, if the Falcons could have their pick of play callers for the 2026 season, it should be McDaniel. While McDaniel may be ill-suited for a head coaching role, he is a great offensive mind who would breathe much-needed creativity into what was a boring 2025 offensive attack.
3. Defensive Coordinator: Jeff Ulbrich
Retaining Ulbrich might be viewed as a debatable decision; however, there is no denying the results in the pass rush. Atlanta's defense ranked second in the league in getting to the quarterback, trailing only the AFC's top-seeded Denver Broncos. The season wasn't perfect defensively, but there are promising young pieces, and Ulbrich's unit consistently held up its end of the bargain. The coordinator has earned his spot on the 2026 coaching staff.
For the Falcons, this is all about maintaining their defensive stability in an upheaval. Young pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both showed consistent growth under the tutelage of Ulbrich, adding to the case to keep the coach in place.
Another important point that should not be forgotten is that Ulbrich led a consistent defense despite issues with injuries at cornerback and linebacker, specifically, leaving the Falcons short-handed. No question, Ulbrich should be allowed to return to Atlanta's staff, no matter who the new head coach might be.