Home > Furman Bisher > Archives > 2008 > November > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDimitroff making all the right calls
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First thing you notice about Thomas Dimitroff is the name. (Has a football ring to it.)
Next thing is his physique. About five-feet-ten, I’d say, and not a pound over 165 (give or take an ounce). Maybe a cornerback in Division III, but no NFL dossier there.
You call him “Thomas,” not Tom. Tom was his dad’s name, a quarterback of some girth in the Canadian league, and for a few snaps with the Boston Patriots.
His hair has a mind of its own, dark and thick, and the face beneath looks young enough to be rushed by a campus fraternity. His dress is casual, relaxed, and if you were looking for a partner at tennis, he has the frame for it.
Truth is, Thomas Dimitroff is the man who runs the Falcons. He is the man who hired Mike Smith, the coach. He is the man who drafted Matt Ryan to play quarterback. These are all the duties of the general manager, which has been Dimitroff’s title since January. And he may have been the first GM ever hired after an interview by web cam.
He is a singular figure in this world of the National Football League. He has worked his way from the basement to the boardroom. He has done the laundry, worked in therapy, been a ball boy, and since he was seven years old, has known what he was shooting for. And this is it, at the age of 42.
His first real job was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian league. He was scouting coordinator. “I made $16,000 a year and rode a bicycle to work,” he said.
This is not his first tour in Atlanta. For four years in the ’90s he scouted the southern colleges for the Detroit Lions and lived in Virginia-Highland. “Ever since,” he said. “I’ve always said if anything came open for me on this side of the continent, I hoped it would be Atlanta.”
It was during that stretch with the Lions that he found the man whose pattern he has copied since in dealing with people. He had followed Bobby Ross’ style of dealing with the people, a disciplined approach but fair, and his passion for the game.
To tell the truth, Dimitroff came to Atlanta an unknown commodity. He was, it seems, recommended by Ernie Accorsi, once a newspaperman and later general manager of the New York Giants. Arthur Blank had retained Accorsi as a consultant in the staffing search, which led to Dimitroff.
Dimitroff’s first crisis came in the draft. He was squarely in the crosshairs of the public — take Ryan, the quarterback, or Glenn Dorsey, the defensive tackle. He never blinked, and neither has Ryan. The beat goes on. The GM hasn’t changed. He treats everybody the same, no frills, no surprises. At last, the Falcons got it right, and right is Dimitroff.
Permalink | Comments (56) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons/NFL
Comments
By MWC
November 14, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Way to go Bish
By Greg
November 14, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Damn Right
By Rimfire
November 14, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Best move ever for the Falcons. They finally have a “plan.” Halleluiah! It is about time…Go Birds!
By Birdbabe is a forever a joey humper
November 14, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Nice article F.B.! No doubt that T.D. (Thomas Dimitroff) is making all the right moves! (RYAN, BAKER, LOFTON, TURNER AND ELAM) Yo Bird Babe! Now you are IMPRESSED with the Falcons??? Are you visiting Joey in New Orleans for a tumble in the bed in a Saints suite? Have you had his love child yet? LOL! So Bird Babe how long before you try to get in Ryan’s bed? So you wonder what the Falcons and Matt Ryan accomplished? Well his first pass went for a touchdown and he’s been accurate as a sharpshooter. He is become a vocal, humble and, most important, a winning quarterback in his rookie season in the NFL. So while you are worshiping and fellating Joey behind closed doors Ryan has led the Atlanta Falcons, last year’s most beleaguered franchise with a displaced $100 plus million quarterback (MV7 The Dog Killer) to a winning record! Not to mention the a$$ kicking job Coach Mike Smith is accomplishing and who now should be regarded as a genius next to Thomas Dimitroff. GO FALCONS!!!!
By Birdbabe is a forever a joey humper
November 14, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Nice article F.B.! No doubt that T.D. (Thomas Dimitroff) is making all the right moves! (RYAN, BAKER, LOFTON, TURNER AND ELAM) Yo Bird Babe! Now you are IMPRESSED with the Falcons??? Are you visiting Joey in New Orleans for a tumble in the bed in a Saints suite? Have you had his love child yet? LOL! So Bird Babe how long before you try to get in Ryan’s bed? So you wonder what the Falcons and Matt Ryan accomplished? Well his first pass went for a touchdown and he’s been accurate as a sharpshooter. He is become a vocal, humble and, most important, a winning quarterback in his rookie season in the NFL. So while you are worshipping and fellating Joey behind closed doors Ryan has led the Atlanta Falcons, last year’s most beleaguered franchise with a displaced $100 plus million quarterback (MV7 The Dog Killer) to a winning record! Not to mention the a$$ kicking job Coach Mike Smith is accomplishing and who now should be regarded as a genius next to Thomas Dimitroff. GO FALCONS!!!!
By Singletary
November 14, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Yep, as a person who thought we should have taken Mike Singletary as coach (instead of Petrino) and Dorsey as the #3 pick in the 2008 draft…. I STAND CORRECTED.
Maybe I’ll just shut up and (delightedly) watch the season unfold.
P.S. Bish, you could have written a lot more on TD. Boulder snowboarder, vegetarian… not exactly the next Chunky soup lead or commonplace in the NFL.
By Chris
November 15, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
I was wrong and you (for once in the history of Atlanta sports) where right Mr. Dimitroff. Very nice work sir!!
By Crabkilla
November 15, 2008 3:41 AM | Link to this
I hate Terrance Moore.
By Mike in Marietta
November 15, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
Not on line or in the paper I never read Terrance Moore…AJC claims he’s a hit…And MV7 will come back to quarterback our birds…
By Have Some Fun
November 15, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Wait! Did he vote for Obama??? Can’t judge him until we know that very important piece of information.
By cityofdecatur
November 15, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
it’s a secret ballot for a reason.
By DeezNutz
November 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Good to see some Furman Bisher Love. Nice article.
By TheJama
November 15, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
Keeping my fingers crossed that this outstanding draft class and free agent pickups define the Falcons for years to come. TD has hit the lottery on every move thus far. I hope these guys can bring back to back winning seasons to Atlanta very soon.
By Greg
November 15, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Before we canonize Dimitroff for his pick of Ryan instead of Dorsey, please let’s not forget that the Falcons could have had Dorsey, AND with their 2 second round picks traded up to get a late first round Flacco (remember how Baltimore traded up to get him?). Yes, we COULD have had Dorsey AND Flacco. More than one ESPN commentator mentioned this possibility during the draft, one that it seems everyone has amnesia about right now in all the euphoria about Ryan. And you know what? A good LT would still have been available to the Falcons. We gave up our 48th pick to the Redskins just to move up a few places to get Baker. No one had him rated that high. I’ll take the Dorsey and Flacco deal. Ryan has showed a little more than Flacco at this point, but the difference is marginal.
By SeminoleWarrior
November 15, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Greg, Flacco is starting by default and Dorsey is not having the impact many thought he would in KC. Ryan, Baker, and Lofton have made MAJOR contributions and are set for the long term. The April ‘09 draft gives us some upside at DT and in the secondary. OLB needs some depth as well. Only one area of concern I see with the Falcons. I would like to see Snelling get a few more carries late in the game. We need to keep him on the roster and increase his role. Large, versatile backs are hard to come by in this league. Go FALCONS!!
By FalconFever
November 15, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
GREG! Crack kills dude!
By Dave5
November 15, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Cannot agree more FalconFan. Greg1 What the hell are you smoking? Dorsey and Flacco instead of Ryan? ESPN Commentators ware wuss-boys when it come to evaluating talent. MV7 must be your B!TCH! Ryan is a SUPER PICK! Have you seen is QB rating compared to Flacco? Dude! Give some of that gold rush your smoking in that bong!
By Dave5
November 15, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Cannot agree more FalconFan. Greg What the hell are you smoking? Dorsey and Flacco instead of Ryan? ESPN Commentators are wuss-boys and wimpy a$$ butt-kissers when it come to evaluating talent. MV7 must be your B!TCH! Ryan is a SUPER PICK! Have you seen is QB rating compared to Flacco? Dude! Give some of that gold rush your smoking in that bong! IDIOT!
By rfsbkr
November 15, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe u guys get paid for writing this. Someone said earlier that you could have written more. I agree. This can’t be real journalism. I now see why people from other cities and states say that we have a second class paper. Can we please get more.
By Gumbo
November 15, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Greg, are you the guy that wins the lottery and says, “Damn, that means I gotta drive downtown to get my money.”
TO Greg’s wife - Run Away!!!! NOW!!
By Since 1978
November 15, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Greg you must really see the world in rose colored glasses. Your right Gumbo. Greg’s wife needs to run away…WITH US! LOL
By mattfan1
November 15, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Greg does not need a wife you guys! He has no need for a pu$$Y because he is one! LMAO! GO RYAN! GO DIRTY BIRDS!
By mattfan1
November 15, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
Greg does not need a wife you guys! He has no need for a PU$$Y because he is one! LMAO! GO RYAN! GO DIRTY BIRDS!
By mattfan1
November 15, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Greg does not need a wife you guys! He has no need for a PU$$Y because he is one! LMAO! GO RYAN! GO DIRTY BIRDS!
By Jimbo71
November 15, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Greg is obviously a butt buddy visiting MV7 in prison for conjugal visits. Ryan rules you Vick Worshipper! Face it your boy ain’t comin’ back to A-Town so GET OVER IT!
By T'VILLE DAWG
November 15, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
NEVER BEEN SO PLEASED TO BE WRONG!!!
By Ty
November 15, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Guys, Greg1 makes sense….if you are Matt Millen (loser GM for the lions). Matty Ice is a good young QB, who the league hasn’t figured out yet. Hopefully our team will finish at least at 8-8 which would be a huge success. TD has us set for long term success.
By Manfred Man
November 16, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
I thought you losing it there for a minute Ty but now I get it…Greg1 is Matt Millen! Could not agree with you more too Jimbo71! Vick can go flick his D!CK into those Canadian bimbos while he is playing in the CFL. You ladies across the border better get some condoms ready for MV7 or you will have genital herpes before you can say “Illegal Contact”. LMAO!
By FalconFever
November 16, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Ty is right on the money. TD makes Matt Millen look like a clown riding a jacka$$ at the Kentucky Derby. TD’s style indicates he looks between the numbers instead of just the stats and hype you see NFL scouts drool over on a collegiate level. Vince Young AND Glenn Dorsey are both good examples of what near total busts are from the past two drafts. Young is now a second string bench warmer and Dorsey has had only ONE SACK so far this season. Greg1 is nothing but a delusional wackjob if he thinks otherwise. Also lets say goodbye to MV7 once and for all. Coining part of a phrase from Dennis Green: We all knew what we thought HE was! It’s time to move on with the NEW YOUNG MEN IN THE HOUSE!
BTW Great article Mr. B!
By tony
November 16, 2008 3:47 AM | Link to this
only in the red states(south)is where obama, m7v, terrence moore, and greg will get persecuted by these slave minded hill billies. lol!
dimitroff in my opinion is a dawn good gm and evaluator. he has the ability to see things where most are unable to envision.
he hired a hc with championship credentials and drafted student of the game type players. dorsey was high on my draft list as well as lofton, c.jackson, baker and k.biermann. i didn’t have matt ryan on my list, but i’m glad to have him.
i hope dimitroff take a defensive tackle in the 1st rd this year because we need 1 bad! as long as dimitroff is making the decisions for this team i trust him to draft the right players.
By tony
November 16, 2008 4:12 AM | Link to this
falconfever, stop being an idiot bud! glenn dorsey is a defensive tackle not a defensive end. he’s a run stopper lol! he has 25 tackles 1 ffum and 1 sack thus far and he’s only a rookie. thats better than what our defensive tackles are producing.
By richbrave
November 16, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
tony:
I’m of your mind about a DT. KEN STRICKLAND and myself have been debating the wisdom of acquiring JOE FLACCO instead of RYAN and getting that tackle this past draft. Of course, that’s just wasted conjecture since it didn’t happen. Now it appears, the FALCONS will not be picking early in the first round of the draft in ‘09 so the acquisition of a great DT becomes more problematic. A good line-backer may be available however. And possibly an MV7 trade for that DT.
And on a historical note. Almost no “hill-billies” owned slaves. In fact, roughly half hated the southern Confederacy and fought against it, or deserted if conscripted into their armies. At least those who lived in eastern TENNESSEE or western NORTH CAROLINA felt that way. VIRGINIA ended up being torn in two when “hill-billies” refused to follow their state and secede from the UNION. And men of western VIRGINIA fought 4-1 for the UNION during that time.
BIGOTS tony, now there’s a social disease. Folks who can’t get their minds around equality of men or women no matter their race, color, or creed. And they’re everywhere, red and blue. It’s a free country. That type of character assassination goes with the territory.
By Cough Syrup
November 16, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Falcon Sunday, the best part of the week. If you cant get rid of your wives, men, then set them to making sandwiches, putting out the big tubs of ice, filling those tubs with beer, text everyone you know to come over, send your wife out for more beer, (extra ice too), and hotwings, dont let your wife forget the hotwings.
Aw, it’s gonna be great people, Ryan in the Shotgun, he fakes right, he fakes left, he fakes the run, he fakes the pass, TOUCHDOWN!@!!
He even faked me out. Pass the coors light, please.
By Stephen VI
November 16, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
GREG1, TONY AND RICHBRAVE YOU ARE ALL MORONIC HILBILLIES! DORSEY IS A BUST IN KC! FALCONFEVER GOT IT RIGHT ABOUT TD HE IS SIMPLY THE BEST GM HIRE WE HAVE EVER HAD. RYAN WILL EASILY BE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!
BTW I HEARD THAT MV7 IS COMING BACK SOON…IN YOUR DREAMS!!!!!!!!!!
By richbrave
November 16, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
STEPHEN VI:
Character assassin. You be a BAD-D-D man.
By Milton Jeff
November 16, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
If this is what we get the first year under Thomas D, i can only imagine what’s going to be our future. The foundation is set, now its all about key pickups. Need someone to eventually fill Brooking’s role.
By richbrave
November 16, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
MILTON JEFF:
See my 7:47 this a.m.
By Milton Jeff
November 16, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
richbrave
who are we going to get for MV7? Which DT are you referring to? I was hoping possibly for GT’s DE Johnson in the draft, if he’s available. Kudos to your historical note.
By richbrave
November 16, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
COUGH SYRUP:
On football Sunday all wives become mindless chattels and do the f-ball fans bidding. I like it. Serious character assassination. Sound like my dad. Huntin’ fishin’ and football. U-u-u-h-rah.!!!!
By GSU Is Gonna Rock the A-Town Homies!!!
November 16, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
MANFRED MAN THAT WAS A FUNNY AS HELL POST ABOUT VICK!!!
LMAO!!!!!
GO TD!
GO RYAN!
GO LOFTON!
GO DIRTY BIRDS!
By richbrave
November 16, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
MJ:
REDSKINS have a number of good, but unheralded DT’s and DE’s. I was thinking about KEDRIC GOLSTON and DEMETRIC EVANS, but I guess I wasn’t thinking really. What would the ‘SKINS do with MV7.? Of course, The almighty DAN always tries to out show-boat his arch-rival, JERRY JONES. Gonna’ watch tonight BTW.? You can bet I will have my wife toting beer and ice to and fro. Props to C.S.
By VICKINATOR
November 16, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
That was a side splitter Manfred Man! You rock homey! LOL!
By Manfred Man
November 16, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I GOT IT ALL WRONG IN MY EARLIER POST ABOUT VICK’S D!CK MAKING “ILLEGAL CONTACT”. IT WOULD BE MORE OF IN LINE WITH A PERSONAL FOUL. AMUCH MORE SEVERE “PENAL”-TY. lol!
By richbrave
November 16, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Got nothing against RYAN, but I saw he and FLACCO play here in VIRGINIA. I felt last year that FLACCO would be at least as good a pro Q-B as RYAN. STILL FEEL THAT WAY. Give Mr. D some credit. I feel SMITH would be getting just as good results with FLACCO at this point in time. Its all in the coaching fans. And ATLANTA’s got it - in spades.
BTW your old CB is happy to be home with the “SKINS. We’ll see “homey” tonight. Thug, gangsta’. I told you all last season that SNYDER wanted MeANGELO bad. Since VICK’s a home-boy too, maybe bag-man CERRATO is already puttin’ the moves on MIKE as we speak. heh,heh. I’m a real assassin. My man VINNIE.
By soda jerk
November 16, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: MATT RYAN
COACH OF THE YEAR: MIKE SMITH
GM OF THE YEAR: THOMAS DIMITROFF
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JOHN ABRAHAM
WORD UP HOMIES! DA BIRDS IN A-TOWN WILL NOW PROTECT THIS HOUSE!
By Kyleman70
November 16, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Thanks to TD Ryan will turn the Broncos into horse meat today…For the glue factory! Heh! Heh! Heh!
Well…Off to the game!
Pop a cold one everybody and let’s watch the Dirty Birds RUMBLE!!!!!
GO FALCONS!
By anthony
November 16, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
Wonderful article you wrote in Chapel Hill. I’m from NC but lived in Atlanta 28 years. I have since moved back to western N.C. Keenan Stadium is a very special place. I became a Tech fan while in Atl. but my tarheels are always the greatest. Most of my family went to Carolina and I’m sending your article to all of them. I could feel every thing in your heart through your mastery of words. Thank you!
By richbrave
November 17, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Did you see the interception HALL got against the ‘boys. He was beat clean, but ROMO missed behind OWENS by five feet. Perfect position for MeANGELO trailing the play. Whew.! If this is an example of his abilities at this point, I say bring back LEIGH TORRENCE. That’s the CB he replaced.
By OFFICER Rivieri
November 17, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Even if Dimitroff only got to make TWO calls, that is still one more than Mike Vick got to make after being taken into custody for his crimes.
HA-HA !
Rot in Jail, Vick !!
By Jeff Donovan
November 17, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Furman,
Have thoroughly enjoyed your columns since moving to Atlanta in 1988.
Growing up in Miami in the 1950’s - 60’s, I wonder if you ever had contact with some of the Miami Herald’s sports writers such as Jimmy Burns or Luther Evans. Of course David Pope, who, followed them was an outstanding sports journalist.
Also wonder if you knew James McElmore of the old Miami News.
It would be great if you would share any thoughts or memories you may have as the Herald has changed a lot and the News is long gone.
Thanks very much, Jeff Donovan Dunwoody
By KYjelli
November 19, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
All of you Vick fans listen up, there’s hope! I hear he IS playing BALL in prison, but not QB. I understand he started out as a very popular TIGHT END, but he has worked his way up to WIDE RECEIVER!
By Tony Arford
November 19, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Furman I can’t believe the AJC has not picked up on the phenomenal week Anthony Morrow (first year out of GA Tech)is having as a rookie with the Golden State Warriors. He started the last 2 games. 37 points on Sat. and 25 yesterday. Tony Arford
By Bill in Sandy Springs
November 22, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
The thing I like about Thomas Dmitroff as GM of the Falcons is earlier in year when decisions needed to be made to he didn’t hesitate, he just made a choice. When the media asked him about he would gave them a reason and he moved on. He didn’t try to BS everybody like Rich McKay or Billy Knight or even Schuerholz.
As far as drafting Dorsey instead of Ryan. Look, so far the decision as worked so whats your problem. Even they had drafted Dorsey whose to say they would have chosen Flacco. Chad Henne and Brian Brohm were available. Plus, another year with Harrington and Redman as your starting QB would all but gurrantee another 2-14 campaign. With the 1st pick in the draft of 2009 how could you not take Stafford. It would end ticket sales problems that Matt Ryan has helped end this year. Either way, MICHAEL VICK IS GONE. MOVE ON.
By TZ MONEY
November 22, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
MIKE VICK IS A GOOD MAN!! YOU HATERS ALL LEAVE HIM ALONE!!
By Ross
November 24, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Furman,
Remember when Bartkowski got benched in favor of June Jones? Remember how helpless that felt?
I wonder what happened to Leeman Bennett and Fulton Kuykendall? Al Richardson?
I like the Falcons’ linebackers and O-line.
-drl
By DaveMcDuffie
December 2, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Flacco over Ryan?! Have you noticed how accurate Ryan really is? I do not recall any oter quarterback in HISTORY being as accurate, especially a rookie! This guy is something special and I hope he continues to grow and prosper. Where would the Giants be without Eli Manning? The Falcons are just a couple guys away from being unbeatable. They have the guys now if they can just step it up and take on the role. Lets be people now and say a prayer for Mike Vick, one of the most spectacular guys to ever play the game. He screwed up because of what is in his heart. Hopefully he has changed that and I would love to see him backing up Ryan. Can you imagine a MV under Mike Smith? It could be awesome, but probably too expensive. The Falcons will fly as high as their hearts take them. GOOD LUCK-GOOD HEALTH and HAVE A BLAST PLAYING THE GREATEST GAME! You are a special TEAM!