Falcons Front Office Shake-Up: CEO Rich McKay 'No Longer Involved' in Operations
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank's decision to hire head coach Raheem Morris on Thursday night wasn't the organization's only leadership change.
Per release, CEO Rich McKay is no longer involved in the Falcons' day-to-day football operations.
"It is hard to quantify the positive things Rich has done to impact our organization over the last 21 years, laying a strong foundation for our football team and getting Mercedes-Benz Stadium built and functioning as one of the best in the world, chief among them," Blank said.
With the change, Morris and Fontenot will report directly to Blank regarding the Falcons' daily operations. Last season, Fontenot and since-fired head coach Arthur Smith reported to McKay, who was the middleman between the staff and Blank.
Feb 4, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons chief executive officer Rich McKay speaks during Super Bowl LIII handoff ceremony at Georgia World Congress Center.
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
McKay, who's long been perceived as Blank's righthand man and was present for head coaching interviews this year, will remain the CEO of Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) while continuing to represent the Falcons on the NFL's Competition Committee.
In his role, McKay oversees all business operations surrounding the Falcons and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, among others under the AMBSE umbrella, and he's set to add more to his plate shortly.
"In the coming weeks, (McKay) will add direct oversight of Atlanta United, with its CEO, Garth Lagerwey, reporting directly to him," the release said. "He'll also join the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation board as an associate director.
"AMBSE President Tim Zulawski and Falcons President Greg Beadles, as well as senior leaders of AMBSE's shared services, will continue to report to him."
The release confirmed Beadles will remain the Falcons' President, overseeing all day-to-day business operations with the organization.
As such, attention turns back to McKay - who, despite losing his power with the Falcons, will be taking on larger responsibilities across the AMBSE.
"While he'll no longer be involved in day-to-day football operations, Rich's role will broaden in our organization," Blank said, "and I'll continue to trust him with some of the most important work we're engaged in across the Blank Family of Businesses."
