Terry Fontenot Named Falcons' New GM After Being with Saints for 18 Years

The Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday morning that Terry Fontenot has been hired as their new general manager.

Fontenot provided his reaction in the Falcons' announcement:

"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."

Arthur Blank, the Falcons owner and chairman, also released a statement on Fontenot's hiring:

"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."

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported Sunday that Fontenot was expected to be hired.

Fontenot replaces Thomas Dimitroff, who was fired in October along with head coach Dan Quinn after the Falcons got off to an 0-5 start. He is potentially the second member of the New Orleans Saints organization to leave on the heels of their 30-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Schefter reported the Detroit Lions are expected to hire Dan Campbell, New Orleans' assistant head coach and tight ends coach, as their next head coach.

Fontenot has spent the entirety of his professional career with the Saints, where he began as a marketing intern before he adopted a similar job with the scouting department. He rose to pro scouting assistant and player personnel assistant roles before he began a seven-year stint as a pro scout. 

He was promoted to his current role of vice president/assistant general manager this season following time spent as the director of pro scouting. 

During his time with the Saints, the team has brought in stars such as Alvin Kamara, Marshon Lattimore and Mark Ingram II while producing 63 Pro Bowl selections and a 2009 Super Bowl championship.