Ron Medlin, who had been with the Falcons for the past 16 seasons as the head athletic trainer, will not return for next season, the team confirmed.
In what was termed by the team as a football decision, Medlin was not retained because of philosophical differences.
Last season, several starters missed more than 40 games as the team was beset with injuries. The most significant was running back Michael Turner's high ankle sprain. Turner played in only nine games. He tried to come back twice from the injury, but had to leave each game early because of pain related to the injury.
Also, quarterback Matt Ryan missed two games and most of another with a "turf toe" injury.
The Falcons are the only team in the NFL with a director of athletic performance, who is Jeff Fish. The trainers and doctors report to him.
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