Falcons Fire Coach After 30-0 Loss to Panthers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Atlanta Falcons have fired wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard one day after their 30-0 defeat to the Carolina Panthers. Offensive passing game coordinator T.J. Yates will take over Hilliard’s responsibilities, the team announced on Monday.

This loss marks the Falcons’ worst defeat in recent memory, with their offense failing to make any significant progress during the game. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. struggled throughout, throwing two interceptions, one of which resulted in a pick-six. This performance was considered one of the worst of his young career.

Penix has not thrown a touchdown pass to a wide receiver or tight end this season, with his lone touchdown coming from a checkdown to running back Bijan Robinson that resulted in a 50-yard gain in Week 1. The Falcons have now scored just one touchdown over their last eight quarters.

Hilliard, now 49, had been with the Falcons for two seasons. Prior to joining Atlanta, he was the wide receivers coach for the Washington Commanders and the New York Giants. Yates, 38, has been with the Falcons since 2021 and was the team’s wide receivers coach last season before becoming quarterbacks coach.

Following the game, Penix acknowledged the team’s need for better execution. He said, “Having two turnovers, you’ve got to take care of the ball… we’ve got to execute better to help us be in a better position to win.”

As the Falcons look forward, they aim to improve under Yates’s leadership as they work on finding solutions to their offensive woes.