The Falcons are shaking up their front office in a major way. Atlanta’s Director of Pro Personnel Steve Sabo is leaving the organization, the franchise announced on Monday.
The Falcons released a statement that said it was a mutual decision between Terry Fontenot and Sabo. In the statement, Sabo noted that “it’s time for a new opportunity.” Sabo’s statement, in full:
“After 12 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, I am looking to the future as Terry Fontenot and I have mutually decided it’s time for a new opportunity. I’ve been fortunate to fill a variety of roles on both the college and pro sides for the organization, from area scout to director of college scouting to director of player personnel and pro director, and I am grateful for that.”
The past 12 seasons have been a great ride with multiple playoff appearances including the run to Super Bowl LI in the 2016 season, among so many other victories and memories. I have truly enjoyed my time in Atlanta and look forward to the future with my family.”
Sabo had been with Atlanta for 12 seasons in several roles. He was the Director of Player Personnel for one season and spent six seasons as the Falcons Director of College Scouting under former general manager Thomas Dimitroff. Sabo was one of the few holdovers from the previous regime, but clearly, Fontenot wasn’t satisfied with his performance.
Mutual separations can really mean anything, but I believe Fontenot gave Sabo the opportunity to stay on board in a lesser role, which Sabo ultimately declined. Obviously, these are just my feelings. However, Fontenot held a similar role when he worked in New Orleans for the Saints. So either he’s going to assume more responsibility in this area, or Fontenot has someone he’s previously worked with that he wants to bring on in the same role Sabo held.
Either way, it seems to me that Fontenot wasn’t satisfied with Sabo. Being a good general manager is about delegating work to subordinates, so I would be shocked if Fontenot didn’t elevate or bring in another pro personnel guy to take over Sabo’s duties.
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