Producer, singer, and songwriter Chris Brown and R&B Playmaker Anthony “Ant” Wilson have announced the additions of R&B songstress Ashanti, fresh newcomer Fridayy, the legendary Tank, iconic DJ Mannie Fresh, the velvety vocalist Bryson Tiller, Power 105’s DJ Envy, the soulful 112, and hitmaker Jermaine Dupri to the already star studded Tycoon Music Festival lineup.

Now in its fifth year, Tycoon Music Festival, headlined by Breezy, with sets from Mario, Monica, and Ginuwine, revealed its all R&B roster in honor of Valentine’s Day. Theconcert, produced in collaboration with Live Nation, will be MC’d by Atlanta’s own DC Young Fly, who is returning as host. The highly anticipated concert will take place at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on February 13th.

Past festivals included performances from R&B and Hip Hop greats including Kendrick Lamar, Young Thug, Fabolous, and 50 Cent. Ticket holders were givenaccess to additional activities including comedy shows and exclusive parties. This year promises to be larger and grander with surprise guests. Tickets are on sale now.

“We’re excited for Tycoon Music Festival and to present an idyllic lineup of R&B legends who’ve delivered timeless music. From Breezy, to Monica, to Mario, to Fridayy and everyone in between, this year’s Tycoon Music Festival is a showcase of the best in R&B,” said Anthony “Ant” Wilson.

To secure tickets for the show, visit Ticketmaster.com.

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One year after announcing her highly anticipated return to the road with her ninth concert tour, Together Again, today five-time GRAMMY®️ Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee Janet Jackson reveals she will be adding 35 dates to the run, featuring a stop in Atlanta at the award-winning State Farm Arena on Sunday, July 21. In addition, Nelly will join Jackson on tour across all dates as her special guest.

Ms. Jackson’s Together Again 2024 Tour builds on the success of the 2023 run, the icon’s highest selling trek of her career which featured 36 sold out shows and received rave reviews from fans and press. Okayplayer said “Janet has still got it, serving as our beloved sex symbol, superstar, and Queen of Pop that no one has come close to emulating.” The Chicago Tribune confirmed, “Being a performer, a showstopper, a true delight is not just what Janet Jackson does. It is who she is.” And the Boston

Globe claimed, “Jackson is a killer live act.”

Produced by Live Nation, the new leg of this tour will start in summer 2024 visiting North American arenas and amphitheaters in Los Angeles, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more; kicking-off in Palm Desert, CA at Acrisure Arena on June 4th and wrapping up in Phoenix, AZ at Footprint Center on July 30th.

The Together Again Tour will offer everyone the chance to reunite with Ms. Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for three of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums – 25 years of “The Velvet Rope”, 30 years of “janet”, and 35 years of “Rhythm

Nation.” featuring her biggest chart-topping hits. In addition, fans can expect the three-time GRAMMY®️ winner and Diamond-selling Hip-Hop sensation Nelly to deliver a powerhouse performance, showcasing his greatest hits and cherished fan favorites spanning the last two decades.

Presales began on Wednesday, January 17th at 10 AM local time running throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning today, Friday, January 19th at 10 AM local time on LiveNation.com. For tickets to the show at the award-winning State Farm Arena, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, Meet & Greet and photo op with Janet Jackson, pre-show VIP lounge, collectible VIP concert ticket & more. For more information, visit VIPnation.com.

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Trae Young scored 36 points and his Atlanta Hawks held on to beat the San Antonio Spurs 109-99 at State Farm Arena on Monday afternoon. Atlanta almost blew a thirty-five point lead during the second half.

“I think obviously we did a good job in the first half, the attention to detail and the focus we had was huge for us,” Young said. “In the second half, I just think we got too relaxed.”

Speaking of the thirty-five point lead, Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama failed to score a point in the first half. In the second half, he scored 26 points

“Our team has learned they need to throw the passes,” said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich of Wembanyama’s ability to score near the basket.

Jalen Johnson had 16 points, 10 rebounds and six steals. His game has been rising as of late with stellar performances against the Sixers and Wizards. However, the talk after the game was the lackluster play in the second half of games which results in many blown leads.

“I really think is probably those first five minutes of the half,” Johnson explained. I know a lot of the times you know when we get good lead in the first half, we call a timeout because they go on a run. We got to just cut back on that allowing that to happen.”

Killer Mike performed during the MLK Day festivities at State Farm Arena. Each head coach explained the significance of playing in the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s hometown.

“To be able to play on this day is an incredible honor to be able to celebrate Dr. King,” said Hawks coach Quin Snyder, who said, “obviously the significance of this day in this city is something really good and really good to be part of.”

Popovich added MLK Day is “even more meaningful and appropriate because of the lack of leadership we seem to have in the world right now.”

The Hawks will face the Orlando Magic this Wednesday at 7:30pm.

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Friday morning, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local Union 613, hosted their annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast at their Pulliam St. headquarters. Senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock were in attendance. They were joined by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman. Additionally, Ambassador Andrew Young and Wanda Cooper-Jones, the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, were in attendance. 

Dr. King was a supporter of labor unions. He traveled to Memphis against the advice of his closest advisors because he wanted to argue for the improvement of working conditions for sanitation workers. Echol Cole and Robert Walker were crushed by a faulty garbage truck compactor as they sought shelter from a rainstorm in the back of the truck on February 1, 1968. After that, 1,300 Black sanitation workers formed a union and went on strike.

“That is why Negroes support labor’s demands and fight laws which curb labor. That is why the labor-hater and labor-baiter is virtually always a twin-headed creature spewing anti-Negro epithets from one mouth and anti-labor propaganda from the other mouth,” King said in a speech in December 1961.

King ultimately led a march on Beale Street on March 28, 1968, that turned violent when police and protesters clashed. On April 3rd, 1968, he would deliver his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech at the Mason Temple in Memphis which essentially foretold his death the following day at the Lorraine Motel.

Those historical facts were not lost on the minds of the attendees of Friday’s brunch. 

“Three years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, and four years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, which integrated public accommodations, they were still forced to live in segregated settings,” said Senator Warnock. I think that’s important to underscore because we tell ourselves a simple story about the movement. We say that a long time ago there was segregation. Dr. King had a dream, everybody got it, and we lived happily ever after. But then workers in 1968 couldn’t get inside the truck. Their bodies were literally crushed. And this is why the labor movement is so important because poor people, working people are still often crushed by the machinery of power.”

The IBEW 613 is characterized as Georgia’s House of Labor. In 2023, members celebrated the contributions of Dr. King, and those who traveled with him: Andrew Young, John Lewis, Ralph David Abernathy and others. Each collectively made sacrifices to the principles of freedom, equality and justice for his life and his contributions.  

“Dr. King told laborers that work that serves humanity as dignity at work,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “That is partly why we are working so hard to make sure that Atlanta is a city of opportunity for all and while we are working so hard to make sure our city lives up to its true promise and where our residents can not just survive, but that they can thrive.”

There were also celebrations inside Georgia’s House of Labor. For example, Teamsters unions ratified a new five-year contract on August 22nd. The deal raises pay, eliminates a two-tier wage system for drivers, provides another paid holiday and ends forced overtime. When the deal was announced, it calmed fears that a work stoppage could have skyrocketed shipping costs during the Christmas shopping season. 

Another example is the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the Teamsters, and Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is in a strong position because they believe the movie and television studios cannot withstand another strike in 2024. Why? Each union showed solidarity with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) to pursue its strategy of shutting down productions early in its 148-day strike. Crew unions, the writers and actors unions all banded together around a common goal.

As a result, the 60,000 members represented by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, reached a tentative three-year deal in November with executives from top entertainment companies including Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery and Universal.

Lastly, the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) new agreement with General Motors grants a 25% increase in base wage through April 2028 and will cumulatively raise the top wage by 33%, compounded with estimated cost-of-living adjustments to over $42 an hour. After the UAW ratified a new labor agreement with Stellantis (the company that manufactures Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram Trucks), labor  members will receive a 25% raise, the starting wage for new employees increased 67% and the top wages will increase 33% compared to their pre-strike levels.  

Which brings everyone back to Dr. King’s embrace of Organized Labor. Thurmond essentially said everyone cannot be 100% for him, even though he works with many people in the room.

“But we got to do more than celebrate,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “We have to rededicate ourselves to finishing the unfinished work before us.  It’s a difference than being unified, as opposed to being unanimous. And see, when you’re out of power at the state level, we have to recognize that the only time we really need to be unified and you unanimous is when we are holding those who oppose us.”

Senator Ossoff echoed similar sentiments.

“Our purpose is to lift up those who build and make things, those who labor and each day those who have built this nation as we undertake historic efforts to rebuild America’s infrastructure,” said Ossoff. “We serve those who will benefit from that infrastructure and those who are building as we reinvigorate American industry and manufacturing.”

As the aroma of bacon, grits, potatoes and waffles filled the air at the IBEW 613, Senator Warnock left everyone with one distinct message.

“So as you remember Dr. King, let us remember the key words: He said that anybody can be great because everybody can serve,” said Senator Warnock. “You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. So thank you organized labor.”

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Georgia State Representative Imani Barnes has made a quick and swift impact during her brief time as a legislator. The Democrat from Tucker has introduced legislation that would require the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) to establish a grant program for creating emergency psychiatric assessments, treatment and healing units in hospitals. This is House Bill 913, also known as the “EmPATH Georgia Act.”

“Maintaining accessible and affordable health care remains at the forefront of the General Assembly’s priorities, and with this legislation, it is my hope that we can continue to build on that foundation and establish available avenues for any and all Georgians struggling with mental health concerns and access to psychiatric care,” said Rep. Barnes. “I am eager to partner with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we work to create a therapeutic alliance and improved emergency department throughput in all hospitals throughout the state.”

The legislation has been co-signed by the Georgia House Minority Leader, James Beverly, State Representatives Mary Margaret Oliver, Gregg Kennard, Dr. Michelle Au, and Sam Park. 

According to the bill, it would provide intensive crisis treatment that shall include an evaluation by a psychiatrist within 24 hours of an individual’s admission a health care facility. Another provision in Barnes’s legislation provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to individuals on a voluntary and involuntary basis in a community based setting as an alternative to emergency department admission, inpatient hospitalization, and other higher levels of care. 

Last year, House Bill 520 would have recruited more mental health workers, helped people who bounce between hospitals, jails and homelessness, and studied other needs. It failed to cross the finish line on Day 40 of the 2023 legislative session. The Senate version of the measure removed language that would have barred insurers from withholding certain drugs and mandated a housing plan for certain mentally ill homeless people, regardless if an individual has a criminal record. 

Additionally, Barnes has introduced the “Safe Teens Act,” that would authorize local boards of education and other public school governing bodies to offer driver education as an elective course. This is formally known as House Bill 914. 

“Research indicates that motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of death for young drivers aged 15 to 20,” said Rep. Barnes. “With this proposed legislation, it is my intent to ensure all young drivers in Georgia are given the opportunity to equip themselves with the necessary tools and resources to be properly educated on driver safety.”

Currently, drivers education classes are private courses in the State of Georgia ranging from $39.99 to $50. 

“Young drivers are often distracted or inexperienced, thus leading to increasing reports of reckless or impaired driving,” continued Rep. Barnes. “ As a member of the House Committee on Higher Education, I am passionate about giving Georgia’s students access to all forms of education and, in this case, driver safety. It is my hope that this legislation will make Georgia’s roads safe and open doors for young drivers across the state to learn how to be safer and smarter when operating a motor vehicle on Georgia’s roads and highways.”

Barnes introduced legislation in 2023 that would have provided free breakfast and lunch programs for all public school students in this state, who qualify for reduced price meals under federal and state guidelines. Currently, families at or below 130% of the federal poverty line can receive free lunch. Families between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty line can receive a reduced-price lunch. Within these guidelines, a family with three children must earn less than $32,318 in order to receive free lunches. 

This legislation was vetoed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. However, the state school board stepped in by approving $6.3 million in federal funds to support Rep. Barnes’s legislation. However, this is not law. Rep. Barnes plans to reintroduce the legislation during the 2024 session. 

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Governor Brian Kemp voiced his support for school vouchers, the completion of the Atlanta Police and Fire Training Center, pay raises for public school teachers and state employees, and a tepid support of healthcare expansions during his annual State of the State Address. 

Governor Kemp also made contrasts from his administration to President Biden’s administration and Blue States, in his biggest signal yet that he could become a player in national politics in years to come. 

“My commitment to the people of our state is very simple: an upfront promise to put hard working Georgians first,” Kemp said. “Our priorities like education, public safety, and health care, but also keep the government efficient, responsible and accountable. The federal government may have abandoned those principles. But here in Georgia, thanks to the partnership between my administration and the General Assembly, we deliver real results for the people of our state ahead of schedule and under budget. Thanks to a strong and calm and conservative fiscal management of state revenues.”

Those revenues have resulted in an $11 billion surplus, despite falling tax revenues. During his speech, Kemp proposed a 4% cost of living increase for public employees and a $2,500 raise for teachers.

In the midst of that, Kemp offered his support for school vouchers. During his address, Kemp said the free market drives competition and innovation that results in a better product for the consumer. He also believed the same principles hold true for education.

“I believe we have run out of ‘next years,’ ” Kemp said during his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Georgia House and Senate. “I firmly believe we can take an all-of-the-above approach to education, whether it’s public, private, homeschooling, charter or otherwise.”

During last year’s legislative session, eighteen Republicans voted against a plan that would create $6,500 vouchers. At the time, Democrats hated the idea because the funding for the vouchers would come directly from the Georgia State Budget. They also made the argument the move would fundamentally destroy Georgia’s K-12 public education system. 

“He is using his political power to block Medicaid expansion and defund public schools,” said Rep. Billy Mitchell, D-Stone Mountain, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus.

Next, Governor Kemp applauded Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum for their efforts in fighting crime. Kemp used the moment to voice his support for the full completion of the Atlanta Police and Fire Training Center, to rapturous applause in the House Chamber. 

“While the mayor and I come from different political parties and don’t agree on everything, we do agree on the importance of reducing crime and keeping our citizens safe,” Kemp said. “Bipartisan majorities of both chambers, the mayor, and myself all agree on the critical need for the completion of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center.”

On January 18, 2023, The Georgia Bureau of Investigation alleged environmental activist Manuel “Tortuguita” Terán fired the first gunshot from inside a tent after ignoring officers’ orders and refusing to come out, hitting Georgia State Trooper Jerry A. Parrish. Terán was subsequently shot and killed. Parrish was recognized during Kemp’s State of the State address after recovering from his injuries. Since then, sixty-one protesters of the site they dubbed as “Cop City” were charged by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr under the state’s RICO Statute and the trial is scheduled to begin this month. 

“As long as I’m your governor, there will be no gray area or political double talk: We support our law enforcement officers. We support our firefighters and first responders,” Kemp said.

The first phase of the Atlanta Police and Fire Training Center is set to open later this year.

“That is why last year, thanks to the work of the General Assembly, I was proud to sign a budget that included a $6,000 pay raise for state law enforcement officers,” Kemp said. “That pay raise was a recognition of the contributions these brave men and women make as they put their lives on the line, day in and day out.”

Regarding healthcare expansion, the Democrats said Georgia Republicans know they have policies that are indefensible. During the Georgia Chamber’s annual Eggs and Issues legislative breakfast, Georgia House Speaker, Jon Burns, said the House’s top priority would be increasing access, lowering cost and creating better outcomes for Georgia families will be a top priority. Moreover, during Eggs and Issues, Governor Kemp proposed $50 million that would help fund the creation of a medical school at the University of Georgia because he said the state has had trouble recruiting healthcare professionals. 

“With these new assets on the way we will further address the growing need for healthcare professionals in our state and ensure that we are doing everything that we can to address the challenges across the healthcare spectrum, from workforce to cost to access to quality,” said Kemp. 

Democrats seized on the fact rural healthcare in Georgia is largely non-existent. The current inability to access equitable and quality healthcare that is within minutes from residents in rural Georgia is woefully unacceptable. Additionally, the closures of the Atlanta Medical Center in 2022 and Wellstar’s closure of its care center in East Point on January 12th, also presents challenges to individuals in Fulton County needing care. 

“We need a people-centered legislative plan,” Mitchell said. “Instead the governor has kept his head in the sand. He is using his political power to block Medicaid expansion. Each year they block Medicaid expansion, it costs Georgians $3 billion. The people of Georgia are being misled. They’re flushing literally billions of dollars of taxpayer dollars down the drain.”

Georgia is one of ten states that has not agreed to expand the Medicaid program.

“This isn’t just a policy oversight, it is a moral failing,” said Georgia State Senator Nabilah Islam Parkes, a Democrat from Lawrenceville. Hundreds of thousands of our people are left without adequate health care. Consider this: a modest investment of less than 1% of this state budget would fully expand Medicaid and unlock new federal funding. This move would not just be a lifeline for those in need of health care. It would be a catalyst for economic growth, projected to generate over $65 billion in new economic activity in Georgia over a decade and support more than 56,000 new jobs across the state.”

While Kemp was completing his address, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget released a $37.5 billion mid-year budget request and a $36.1 billion spending proposal for fiscal 2025. The legislature’s budget writing committees will meet for three days next week to review the two budgets.

“In an election year, I don’t expect us all to agree on every issue,” Kemp said. “But in the middle of all that, I ask that we also remember Georgia is different for a reason. That our success is not an accident, but the result of resilient people who elected their leaders to keep state government efficient, responsive and accountable.” 

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Jalen Johnson had 25 points and 16 rebounds in a huge performance against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Coupled with a key three pointer down the stretch in overtime, the Atlanta Hawks snapped a two-game losing streak, winning 139-132 at State Farm Arena. It was the first win the Hawks had in three tries against the Sixers.

Joel Embiid was held out due to injury. Also, former Tennessee State swingman Robert Covington was held out due to swelling in his ankle.

The Hawks won the first game of a five-game homestand. They’ll return to the court Friday night against the Indiana Pacers.

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On Tuesday, Jan. 2, U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams told the Russell Center she’d be hosting a guest here in Atlanta and would like to visit the campus. Her guest would be the U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Two days later, Jeffries and Williams would visit the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs. They were joined by Georgia State Representative Inga Willis, a Democrat from Atlanta. Leading the tour was the President and CEO of the Russell Center, Jay Bailey. 

During the tour, Jeffries learned the Russell Center recently took their cadre of entrepreneurs based in their incubation center to Colombia to drive economic development in Afro-Caribbean communities. He also discovered the ways which RICE has been able to leverage partnerships with companies such as Mastercard, Wells Fargo, Wal-Mart and more in order to drive more than $600 million in investment directed towards Black entrepreneurs under their stewardship.

Jeffries came away impressed with the Russell Center’s high and comprehensive level of providing services and resources to Black-owned businesses and Black entrepreneurs in every stage of a business’s life cycle. But it’s nothing new to the City of Atlanta. 

With Atlanta’s first Black mayor, Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr. and the trailblazing businessman, Herman J. Russell, is a through line over the last 50 years of Black leadership in the public and private sectors. Jeffries was asked if the federal government could take what is done here, and replicate this in cities like Chicago, Charlotte, Nashville, Memphis and elsewhere?

“There’s been a real commitment, led by President Biden and vice president Harris, to lean into the growth and development of Black entrepreneurship and economic opportunity,” Jeffries said. “And in many ways, the model and the example here at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, is one that should be capable of being emulated and replicated so that the growth and opportunity that we will continue to see here in Atlanta isn’t limited just to this part of the country, but can be built out in other parts of the country. 

One of the things I said to Jay, was that I’m looking forward to try to connect some of the leaders of New York City including Mayor [Eric] Adams, who has a vision of trying to conduct himself in a manner similar to former mayor Maynard Jackson and to experience what is being done here in Atlanta, through RICE, as a way of perhaps bringing Mayor Adams his vision to life in New York City.”

Jeffries also said during his speech to the assembled stakeholders at RICE when Black businesses succeed, America succeeds. According to a study conducted by Pew Research, majority Black American-owned businesses made up the greatest share of all classifiable firms in the District of Columbia, Georgia and Maryland. Additionally, Nearly six-in-ten Black adults (58%) say supporting Black businesses, or “buying Black,” is an extremely or very effective strategy for moving Black people toward equality in the United States. 

Additionally, There were an estimated 161,031 Black or African American-owned businesses with $183.3 billion in annual receipts, 1.4 million employees, and about $53.6 billion in annual payroll, according to the 2022 Annual Business Survey (ABS), which referenced data collected in 2021. 

Congresswoman Williams added it’s part of her responsibility to help continue the legacy established by Maynard Jackson and H.J. Russell: uplifting what the Russell Center is doing so that it’s not just held here in Atlanta or in the southeast. She characterized it as a national vision that can be exported around the world. 

“Mr. Russell opened up so many doors for so many people and so I have an obligation to continue to open those doors for businesses,” Williams said. “We brought the Department of Commerce here, the Secretary of Commerce, to present grants that we’re for local businesses. We’re not just [attracting] Black businesses [to present those grants]. But this has been on a national scale, what Jay has been able to do here. And I’m just looking forward to what’s next, how we continue to partner with my work in Congress, but the work that RICE is doing right here on the ground. So any opportunity that I have to show off your leadership, the leadership of the entrepreneurs who depend on what we’re doing here, every day. You can always count on me.”

Recently, Rep. Williams introduced legislation that would create a grant program with the Small Business Administration for entrepreneurs at minority-serving institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act, aims to meet the needs of this moment in which we find Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives get demonized by those on the right. 

“When Leader Jeffries took over, he said, from day one, that we will work with Republicans. This is bipartisan legislation, we will work with anyone who is ready and willing to do the work for the people. And that’s what we’re doing with this legislation. I’m a third generation HBCU alum, shoutout to Talladega College. And so doing it at minority serving institutions and HBCUs was important to me, but it’s about serving the people. And we are willing to do that with anyone, any party, who is willing to step up and lead.”

As Congress gavels back in this week, Jeffries came away from his visit to the Russell Center overwhelmingly assured that RICE has every available resource presented to these entrepreneurs, who if given the opportunity, and the access, can develop thriving businesses. However, he said it’s not the case across the nation. Jeffries reiterated the work at the Russell Center can be replicated nationwide. 

“At the end of the day, when that occurs, you’ll see magic from a business standpoint, Blossom all across the country,” Jeffries exclaimed. “One of the things that, to me, is magical about the Russell Innovation Center for entrepreneurs is the commitment to community transformation, which is a very powerful model that should be replicated all across the country.”

The post Exclusive: U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies says Russell Center’s model could be replicated nationwide appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

The Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Arthur Smith after three seasons with the team. Smith has finished each season 7-10. According to a release by the team, a search for a new head coach will be led by Falcons Owner and Chairman, Arthur M. Blank, the team’s CEO, Rich McKay, with input from Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot, and several other appropriate members of Blank’s Atlanta Falcons and AMB Sports and Entertainment organizations. There is no timetable for filling the role.

In his third season, Smith was dogged by persistent questions regarding the play of quarterback Desmond Ridder. Before the season, Smith let it be known that Ridder was his guy. Ridder would finish the season with 2,836 passing yards, twelve touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Ridder’s inability to protect the football inside the red zone has doomed the Falcons time and time again. There were at least four instances in which Ridder’s turnovers games resulted in the Falcons stealing defeat from the jaws of victory. Notably, games against Minnesota, the road game against Carolina, the road game against the Titans and the comedy of errors in the Cardinals game in November.

Additionally, Arthur Smith’s indecisive play calling in the red zone and in end-of-game situations complicated matters. The game against Washington which Smith was unable to get the play into Ridder’s helmet and the quarterback promptly threw his third interception of the game.

Smith’s inability to effectively feature wide receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson, and wide receiver Kyle Pitts was bane of contention for fans and observers alike. Despite running for 976 yards, catching 58 passes for 487 yards and eight combined touchdowns, Robinson was never the every-down back that Smith had promised his first round pick would be during the offseason. Kyle Pitts struggled once again to be featured in an offense that didn’t have an above average quarterback. Pitts only had 53 catches for 667 yards and three touchdowns. London finished the season with 905 yards and two touchdowns.

The Falcons averaged 18.9 points per game, 7th worst in the National Football League. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s offense turned the ball over 28 times, tied for seventh most during the season.

“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” said Blank. “We have profound respect for Coach Smith and appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the last three years. He has been part of building a good culture in our football team, but the results on the field have not met our expectations. After significant thought and reflection, we have determined the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head coaching position.”

A press conference will be held at 4:00 PM Monday afternoon.

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Willie Simmons, former head football coach at Florida A&M University, accepted the offer to become the running backs coach at Duke University, joining head coach Manny Diaz’s staff. Simmons was head coach at FAMU for five seasons and finished with a 43-13 record. The FAMU athletic director, Tiffany Dawn-Sykes, announced Assistant Head Coach, James Colzie III will serve as interim during the search for a new one.

Simmons guided FAMU during their transition from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) during his five years in Tallahassee. Additionally, Simmons transformed FAMU into a powerhouse not only in recruiting but a top destination for athletes departing Power Five schools via the transfer portal. 

Florida A&M Rattlers All-Americans Isaiah Land (linebacker), Xavier Smith (wide receiver), and Markquese Bell (safety) were on NFL rosters at the start of the 2023 season. Bell currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys. Land currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts and Smith signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent.

Here is the statement issued from Florida A&M President, Dr. Larry Robinson:

“I want to thank Coach Willie Simmons for his leadership of our football program over the last six years. He has proven himself to be a champion for our players in the classroom, the community, and on the gridiron. The highlight of his tenure was the 2023 Celebration Bowl victory over Howard University and the HBCU National Championship. 2023 was one of the best years in the history of FAMU, and our athletic program, with football leading the way, contributing to an outstanding year of accomplishments. We wish Coach Simmons and his family well as they move on.

VP/AD Tiffani Sykes has identified James Colzie, III, as the interim head coach and declared that the search for FAMU’s next football coach will begin immediately. I want to thank all of the FAMUly, including the FAMU National Alumni Association, the Rattler Boosters, the National Rattler F Club, Alpha Xi Gives, First Strike, the FAMU Foundation, and several individuals who contributed to helping us match or exceed the salary offer that was extended to Coach Simmons.”

Simmons and Diaz have a longstanding relationship. The two men coached over a decade ago at Middle Tennessee State from 2007 to 2009. Diaz was the defensive coordinator and Simmons was the running backs coach.

According to Steven Gaither at HBCU GameDay, Florida A&M made a counteroffer to Simmons, and the FAMU Alumni Association raised more than $138K in funds to support the assistant coaches.

Upon his departure, Simmons released a statement via social media. It reads in part:

“I would like to start off by wishing everyone a Happy New Year from my wife Shaia and me. 2023 was a year for the ages for Florida A&M University and the Rattlers Football Team. Bringing a SWAC Championship and an undisputed HBCU National Championship and Celebration Bowl trophy back to the Highest of Seven Hills has truly been one of the highlights of my 18-year collegiate coaching career. 

I came to FAMU in 2018 with the goal of returning Florida A&M Football to its rightful place at the top of HBCU and FCS football, and together as a FAMULY, we have done that.”

James Colzie has been involved in football for 23 years and has been part of three National Championships. He has won six conference titles and twenty Bowl games. Colzie was a starting cornerback on Florida State’s first national championship team in 1993.

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