The Atlanta Falcons have officially dismissed wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard. The shake-up came after a bleak two-game stretch, the last of which saw the Falcons lose 30-0 to the Carolina Panthers.

Head coach Raheem Morris described Hilliard’s termination as “performance-based.”

Speaking to The Athletic, Morris said, “It was a tough decision, hard for me, hard for the organization, hard for Ike’s family, but a decision I felt we needed to make at this time, and we did. You always have to do what you feel is best for the team. Obviously, it’s tough because of who the man is.”

Raheem Morris chose to part ways with Hilliard despite knowing him since their time with the Buccaneers in 2005. Hilliard joined to improve a talented receiver room when he was hired on February 1, 2024. Under his direction, Drake London had a 100-catch, 1,271-yard, 9-touchdown season in 2024, and Darnell Mooney nearly had a 1,000-yard season.

As the 1-2 record suggests, 2025 has been a different story. Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for 605 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in three games. That lone receiving touchdown came from running back Bijan Robinson. With a catch rate of 50%, the receiver group has only managed 336 yards on 31 catches after 3 weeks. 

“It reminds you that this league has no loyalty. It’s football. This is a day-to-day job. You have to come and pay your dues every day. I’m not saying Hilliard wasn’t paying his dues because he was the best coach I ever had. That’s just part of the game.” Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud told The Athletic.

Maybe Hilliard was paying his dues as McCloud said, but that shutout against the Panthers proved a bit too costly.

“When you lose 30-0, urgency better kick in, or none of us are going to be here,” said Darnell Mooney, who also informed that the receiver corps got the news of Hilliard’s firing via a text message from the coach himself. 

And as far as them wanting to be ‘here’ is concerned, letting go of Hilliard was the first of many steps that have been taken to get the Falcons on track as they get ready to face a Commanders team with its own set of worries.

Falcons to face a bruised and battered Commanders team after coaching shake-up

After a rocky 1-2 start, the Atlanta Falcons face the Washington Commanders this Sunday in a must-win game. Jayden Daniels, Washington’s main quarterback, is out due to a knee injury going into the game, so Marcus Mariota starts again. Terry McLaurin, a veteran receiver, will also be out for the Commanders because of a quadriceps injury. Noah Brown also remains sidelined.

In light of recent changes, Atlanta sees the game as an opportunity to start over. In an attempt to improve communication with Michael Penix Jr., the Atlanta Falcons moved offensive coordinator Zac Robinson from the coaches’ booth to the sidelines. Following Hilliard’s firing, T.J. Yates has taken over as coordinator of the passing game.

Injuries are a major concern for the Falcons, too. KhaDarel Hodge (groin) and A.J. Terrell (hamstring) will not play for Atlanta. 

And with a defense that is tied for the 7th position in sacks (9), per ESPN, and Mariota being a dual-threat, the Commanders are still a problem. To win this game, the Falcons need to rely on Bijan Robinson (again), force Mariota to make premature throws, and get their receiving corps in line.