The former Giants struggled due to a lackluster passing game against the Falcons.
In light of Sunday’s 30-0 loss to the Panthers, the Falcons have dismissed wide receiver coach Ike Hilliard, as announced late Monday night.
TJ Yates, who was the game coordinator, has been elevated to take over the responsibilities.
As the Falcons (1-2) started the season, there was optimism about the potential of first-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. stepping in after Kirk Cousins, but his performance so far has been underwhelming.
Penix has managed just 605 yards over three games, with a single touchdown and two interceptions.
With Bijan Robinson leading the receiving corps—he’s caught 14 passes for 164 yards, and he stands as the only player to score a touchdown—it’s evident that more help is needed. That’s not exactly a comforting sign.
Drake London, a former high draft pick, has been frustrating for fantasy football managers, recording only 16 catches for 159 yards. Meanwhile, Rayleigh McLeod III and Darnell Mooney accounted for 135 receiving yards combined.
In the recent loss, London and Mooney tied with a total of 172 yards on 18 completions out of 36 attempts against a struggling secondary.
Last season, those two receivers combined for impressive stats: 164 catches, 2,263 yards, and 14 touchdowns, with London himself boasting a 100-1,271-9 record.
The Falcons’ rocky start has led them to part ways with Hilliard, who was brought onboard after Raheem Morris took the coaching helm in 2024.
Before that, he had coaching stints with the Steelers, Commanders, and Bills.
Originally drafted by the Giants with the No. 7 pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, Hilliard wrapped up his playing career with the Buccaneers after spending his early years with Big Blue from 1997 to 2004.
During his time with the Giants, he accumulated 368 catches for 4,630 yards and 27 touchdowns, playing in 14 games for the 2000 team, which famously lost to the Ravens in the Super Bowl.
Yates took over Hilliard’s role before being named to the passing game coordinator position.
Looking ahead, the Falcons are hoping to steer clear of a 1-3 start, as they face the Commanders this Sunday, with Washington currently favored by 2.5 points, according to DraftKings.
