Falcons Fire Wide Receivers Coach Ike Hilliard After Historic Shutout Loss

The Atlanta Falcons fired wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard following a 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers, a defeat that underscored ongoing offensive struggles including a lack of touchdown passes to wide receivers and poor quarterback play. Hilliard, who joined the Falcons in 2024 and previously coached wide receivers in the NFL and college, was let go due to performance issues within the receiving group marked by drops and inconsistent routes. Passing game coordinator T.J. Yates, who has been with the Falcons since 2021 and served as wide receivers coach and quarterbacks coach, will take over wide receiver coaching duties for the remainder of the 2025 season. The Falcons' offense has faced significant challenges, including quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s interceptions and the team's recent inability to score through the passing game. Despite Hilliard's dismissal, his past success, particularly with the Falcons' receivers in 2024, suggests he will likely find new coaching opportunities soon. The coaching change is part of broader efforts by the Falcons to address their offensive difficulties early in the 2025 season.