Falcons name Saints’ Fontenot as new GM

ATLANTA » The Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday named Terry Fontenot the team’s first Black general manager, and team owner Arthur Blank said it’s the kind of hire that will eventually also create more opportunities for NFL minority coaches.

Fontenot, 40, joins Atlanta following 18 seasons with New Orleans.

Fontenot helped build a consistent winner as the Saints’ vice president and assistant general manager in charge of pro personnel. The Falcons fired general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn following a 0-5 start this season, which led to a 4-12 finish.

Fontenot joins Detroit’s Brad Holmes as newly hired Blank GMs in the league.

“In my opinion, I think the diversity of the pool of candidates for both the general managers and the head coaches this year was excellent and I also think for coordinators,” Blank said.

Thomas first female to ref Super Bowl

NEW YORK » Sarah Thomas will cap her sixth NFL season by becoming the first female to officiate the Super Bowl in NFL history.

Thomas, a down judge, is part of the officiating crew announced by the NFL.

“Her elite performance and commitment to excellence has earned her the right to officiate the Super Bowl. Congratulations to Sarah on this well-deserved honor, ” said Troy Vincent, Sr., the NFL’s executive vice resident of football operations.

Referee Carl Cheffers will lead the seven-person crew of on-field game officials for the Super Bowl on Feb. 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Ravens release Ingram

Three-time Pro Bowl running back Mark Ingram has been released by the Ravens, who used the 10-year veteran as a starter for the first seven games this season before dropping him deep on the depth chart.

Ingram, 31, was on the inactive list for four of Baltimore’s last five games. He finished with 299 yards on a career-low 72 carries and two touchdowns.