Atlanta Falcons History

The Atlanta Falcons are in their fifty-ninth season, playing their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, Georgia since 2017. The Falcons are led by head coach Raheem Morris since 2020.

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Franchise Award Winners

During their existence, they have had two people win Coach of the Year: Dan Reeves, (1998); Mike Smith, (2008).

During their careers, multiple players have won awards for the team: Billy Johnson won the Comeback Player of the Year in 1983; Dave Hampton won the Comeback Player of the Year in 1975; Al Richardson won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1980; Buddy Curry won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1980; Claude Humphrey won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1968; Matt Ryan won the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2016 and the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008.

Atlanta Falcons by the Decades

1960s

The Atlanta Falcons' inaugural season was 1966. During the decade, the Falcons had a record of 12-43-1 during the regular season and not a single game in the playoffs. They played their home games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Falcons ranked 9th in the East division with a win percentage of 21% and ranked 4th in the Coastal division with a win percentage of 23%.

1970s

During the decade, the Falcons had a record of 60-81-3 during the regular season and 1-1 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Falcons ranked 2nd in the NFC West division with a win percentage of 43%.

1980s

During the decade, the Falcons had a record of 57-94-1 during the regular season and 0-2 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. They won one division title. The Falcons ranked 4th in the NFC West division with a win percentage of 38%.

1990s

During the decade, the Falcons had a record of 72-88-0 during the regular season and 3-3 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (1990-1991) and Georgia Dome (1992-1999). They won one division title. The Falcons ranked 3rd in the NFC West division with a win percentage of 45%.

2000s

During the decade, the Falcons had a record of 75-84-1 during the regular season and 2-3 in the playoffs. They played their home games at Georgia Dome. They won one division title. The Falcons ranked 6th in the NFC West division with a win percentage of 34% and ranked 3rd in the NFC South division with a win percentage of 50%.

2010s

During the decade, the Falcons had a record of 89-71-0 during the regular season and 4-5 in the playoffs. In fact, the eighty-nine wins represents the most wins in a decade for the Falcons. They played their home games at Georgia Dome (2010-2016) and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (2017-2019). They won three division titles. The Falcons ranked 2nd in the NFC South division with a win percentage of 56%.

2020s

During the decade, the Falcons had a record of 27-44-0 during the regular season and not a single game in the playoffs. They played their home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They won zero division titles. The Falcons ranked 3rd in the NFC South division with a win percentage of 38%.

Atlanta Falcons Head Coaching History

Head Coach Years Record Win percentage Playoff record
Raheem Morris 2020, 2024 6-9-0 40.0% 0-0
Arthur Smith 2021-2023 21-30-0 41.2% 0-0
Dan Quinn 2015-2020 43-42-0 50.6% 3-2
Mike Smith 2008-2014 66-46-0 58.9% 1-4
Bobby Petrino 2007 3-10-0 23.1% 0-0
Emmitt Thomas 2007 1-2-0 33.3% 0-0
Jim L. Mora (Jr.) 2004-2006 26-22-0 54.2% 1-1
Wade Phillips 2003 5-11-0 31.3% 0-0
Dan Reeves 1997-2003 49-60-1 45.0% 3-2
June Jones 1994-1996 19-29-0 39.6% 0-1
Jerry Glanville 1990-1993 27-37-0 42.2% 1-1
Marion Campbell 1974-1976, 1987-1989 22-63-0 25.9% 0-0
Jim Hanifan 1989 3-13-0 18.8% 0-0
Dan Henning 1983-1986 22-41-1 35.2% 0-0
Leeman Bennett 1977-1982 46-41-0 52.9% 1-3
Pat Peppler 1976 4-10-0 28.6% 0-0
Norm Van Brocklin 1968-1974 38-57-3 40.3% 0-0
Norb Hecker 1966-1968 6-35-1 15.5% 0-0

Franchise history

Franchise history guide

Seasons with a championship win Seasons with a conference championship

Franchise facts