Home > Furman Bisher > Archives > 2008 > December > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHumble Smith a perfect fit with Falcons
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To this day, I have not yet met Mike Smith. Not that I’m fearful of him, or that I haven’t had the urge. Surely, he has been one of the most fascinating topics to hit this town in a long time. I don’t mean “fascinating” like Bill Parcells or Pacman Jones. He came with no glitter or fuss. It was like opening a package under the Christmas tree — and surprise!
First, there was the name. How many Mike Smiths do you suppose there are in the United States? More than John Joneses, I’ll bet. Then there was his white thatch, like a snow-capped peak that made him look 10 years older than his 48 years. That is, until he gets agitated by some referee’s flawed decision.
For all the seasons he has operated in the NFL, he has moved about under the radar, as they say. He has been a coach since he was 18 and a senior at Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach. When he broke a leg and was through for the season, he talked his way onto the staff, working with linebackers.
A natural turn for the son of a coach and a high school teacher. Somehow, he wound up at East Tennessee State as a linebacker, where he still holds the record for tackles in a season. It isn’t likely to be broken: East Tennessee since has dropped football.
His route to pro football was not down the interstate. Instead, his career led him through San Diego State, Morehead State and Tennessee Tech, where his career appeared hung up on a 12-year snag. An assistant he had met at San Diego later became head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, and when Brian Billick hired him in 1999, his ticket to the NFL was punched. That’s the way things work out in this game, though not always does that talent remain hidden under a bushel.
Another Ravens assistant was Jack Del Rio, and now the pieces began to fall into place. When Del Rio left for Carolina, Smith moved up, and when Del Rio got the head job at Jacksonville, he put in a call for Mike. All the while, Thomas Dimitroff had kept his eye on Mike, and by now, you know the rest of the story. However, you can hardly imagine the shock when Dimitroff announced that Smith would be the Falcons’ next head coach.
Mike who? As in “Vince who?” (at Georgia) 40 years ago. Then we all folded our hands across our tummies, sat back and waited. See what this Mike Smith had that Mora and Petrino, two guys with names, hadn’t had.
Well, for one thing, we found out that he wasn’t too impressed with himself. His press conferences aren’t Mike Smith shows. They’re exchanges. He has leaned rather heavily on one phrase: “It’s part of the process,” he’ll say. Sort of a trademark. There’s something to be said about his sideline demeanor. It’s his game. That’s easy to see. And when one of the “zebras” crosses his line, look out.
There was the game in which he was out of timeouts and had a legitimate challenge in mind, red kerchief in hand, San Diego on the Falcons’ goal line. He was between a rock and a hard place. The Chargers were going to score anyway, so he pocketed the kerchief, and in the end, the Falcons were the victors.
Without glitz and glitter, Mike Smith has won over our town. He didn’t come here to do commercials, peddle automobiles or men’s apparel. He came here to win football games, and in the process, has won our hearts.
And, were I to be allowed the privilege of casting a vote in the contest for Atlanta Sportsman of the Year, let me say here and now that Mike Smith would be my choice. Hands down. Both he and Paul Johnson (at Georgia Tech) came to town to restore marred images, but the Falcons were in far more serious need of surgery.
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By row3
December 26, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Furman, it sounds like it time to meet the MAN !
By row3
December 26, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
Furman, it sounds like its time to meet the MAN !
By Bo
December 26, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
I think in the long sorid history of the FALCONS, MANAGEMENT FINALLY GOT SOMETHING RIGHT.
By AtlFalcon
December 26, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
I think the very first good step we took in the right direction was removing Rich McKay as GM.
By anotherfalcon
December 26, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
As much as I despised Petrino for leaving like he did, it’s turned out to be a true blessing! Kudo’s to Arthur for hiring Thomas, and to Thomas for hiring Mike, and to Mike for the job he has done. The players are playing with passion and confidence. Consequently, this is fun!
By Singletary
December 26, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
I love the story about AB walking in to “Smith’s Interview” with TD, and then coming back an hour and a half later… and they were STILL finishing each other’s sentences.
My impression is TD is what teachers call a “divergent thinker.” That means he comes to different conclusions than the average genius. Put all that brainpower together with Smith’s fire, and I like the combustion we see taking place. Smith talks about the PROCESS, but clearly that is just a press conference palliative, an explanation for a progression of mapped data points. What I see on the sidelines (vs. zebras, against A Bryant, etc.) is much more of the real guy.
Hope folks are right that AB will loosen up the check book to keep key coaches in place. #1 on my list is Boudreaux. That man worked WONDERS.
By Singletary
December 26, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Question:
* All the while Thomas Dimitroff had kept his eye on Mike, and by now, you know the rest of the story.*
When did TD first meet Mike Smith? Was he the one who called to invite him to interview? Or did Smith send in a resume?
By JP
December 26, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Great article, Mike Smith has done a great job with the falcons. This year is like a dream come true for falcon fans. I have not enjoyed watching the falcons this much since the 98 team. Thanks coach Smith.
By Burger Brian
December 26, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Great Blog! I like the transition to “inteligent banter” on these things. I think that Singletary’s assessment is right on although I confess that I dont really follow it all. I am an entrepeneur albeit a “micro-fraction” of what AB created. I credit him with learning from his mistakes in managing the Falcons Franchise ~ as he must have done with HD. I think he has always been “well meaning” not making decisions with his ego (at least not by J Jones standards). The same cant be said for his hires; McKay, Mora et all. I think he made a well researched and educated hire in TD. I think the well documented WEB CAM interview was “media chum” to window dress a very educated hire. However the rest of the story unfolded is better than any one of the people involved could have predicted. Let’s see how the coming weeks play out. It is clear that whatever happens from this weekend on ~ Arthur has created the NEW model for “turnaround”. I am sure his phone has been ringing off his hip from fellow owners! He has made us all very proud and happy!
By Najeh Davenpoop
December 26, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
So far, Mike Smith looks like an outstanding hire. Coach of the Year, hands down, as far as I’m concerned.
By Mojoman
December 26, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
This has been an amazing year for the Falcons and Coach Smith has to be a big part of it. AB flubbed it when he got rid of Dan Reaves and stuck with Michael Vick. Now with a better GM, he might have got it right. Unless he gets too involved again.
By Ken Stallings
December 27, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Let’s see … humble guy, just does his job well.
Furman, go meet yourself — younger version!
By Greg
December 27, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this
Smitty is not, perhaps, the brainiest head coach in the NFL, but his main virtue is that he hired very smart assistants. This is no small thing, and it’s really all that matters. 95% of the decisions are made by those guys.
By Samuel
December 27, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
The bottom line is, if you win football games the coaching staff knows what their doing.If your’e not winning it raises alot of doubt.Being that said - next year if the falcons have success like they did this year. Then we can pretty much say these hires really paid off.
By SickandTired
December 27, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
Well Samuel, I’m gonna get out on that ledge and say that these hires have already paid off. I’ve been around for all of the Falcons seasons and I’ll say this, I’m excited more than ever. I’m expecting nothing this season and got something. I can’t wait to see what the off season brings. I will enjoy every play of every playoff game this season because it was like finding a $100 bill on the sidewalk. It’s got to belong to someone else because we never get lucky, but then you realize it’s yours and you can put it in your pocket. The Falcons are on the right road, next years record may not be as good, but then again, it may be better. The point is, for the first time in a real long, long time, there is reason to be excited about the future as we enjoy the present.
By The Chief
December 27, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Furman, I’d suspect the good Coach Smith might have a pair of sideline passes for you now, as he should. It is so refreshing to have Coach Smith. He appears to be exactly what you have said, he just came here to coach, and win, football games. Go Falcons! For a limited time, Go New Orleans too!
By fordcobra
December 27, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher that was a really nice article on coach Smith. We are Blessed to have him and you. Happy Hollidays, fordcobra
By Falcon57
December 27, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Great post Furman!! I think one of Coach Smiths great attributes is he’s honest with his players. They know what they are getting from him and they appreciate that and play hard for him.
What I’m excited about other than this year is just what we’ll look like next year after another offseason of addition and subtraction and another draft class. Thomas has shown he is a true talent evaluator and with a few more pieces added to the roster we should really be able to dominate our division, which is the key to making it to another playoff season.
Go Smitty, Thomas and all the Falcons!!!!
By Mark
December 27, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
If Mike Smith is very smart and a very good fit for the Falcons!!! However he will be even more smarter if he forbids Matt Ryan to be on the cover of Madden 10’ when it comes out!!!!!!
By BCC
December 27, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
We haven’t had a coach this passionate and emotional since the Jerry Glanville days. Now I love Dan Reeves, and didn’t like the way Mr. Blank let him go, but I don’t think I would imagine Coach Reeves getting right in an opponents’ face and tell him “politely” (wink wink) to go to his own sideline. Before that, after seeing Coach Smith give Matt Ryan a bearhug after the Bears win, I thought we had something special in this guy. I couldn’t have imagined the Falcons in the playoffs, much less contending for the divisional title in Week #17 at the beginning of the season. And yet, here we are… Thank you Mr. Smith. Thank you Mr. Dimitroff. Thank you Atlanta Falcons.
By Jim P.
December 27, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Without Glitz and Glamour, Mike Smith has rubbed off on the whole team! The Atlanta Falcons have become winners without Glitz and Glamour. We have a team of players who will take a bullett for each outher. We no longer have a team of “ME ME I’s”, only a low key, under the radar, winning team of football players. We have no press hounds trying to get the latest scoop of “as the world turns” like they have in Dallas, and we dont have accidental shootings in bars like they have in N.Y. We had our drama last year. This year we have a positive football team, that is learning how to win. Thank You Falcons for a wonderful Christmas present. P.S., Mrs. Clause gave me a Matt Ryan Jersey for Christmas (How did she know?)
Go Falcons!!!
By vnjagvet
December 27, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
I have been a Falcon’s fan since coming to Atlanta in 1968. I saw the Falcons under Hecker, VanBrocklin, Peppler, Campbell, Bennett, Glanville, Reeves, Mora, Petrino and now Smith.
I can say I have never seen a more disciplined Falcons team than this year. Consider that except for the Patriots, no NFL team has fewer penalties than Atlanta.
I’m not a stats hound, and haven’t looked it up, but I am willing to bet no other Falcons team bettered this penalty record after 16 games.
When I watch a game this year, I know I will see a team playing, not a collection of prima donnas.
By Mark
December 28, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
It reall y is a great story the Falcons..so much good..Its like after last season Fans deserved something like this…Perhaps God has blessed the Falcons Thank You Lord…
By Dr. Warren
December 28, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
God bless the Atlanta Falcons—and Furman Bisher. I’ve followed both faithfully since childhood, though I should point out that Mr. Bisher has consistently performed the better of the two.
By falcon willie
December 28, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
It is a joy to know that win or lose the falcons are here to play and compete.
By Eric C.
December 28, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
If the Falcons are going to play like this…they might as well pull the starters. I can’t understand how the offense could get so cold…it seems they would much rather play at Arizona than Minnesota. Maybe not?
By Thug (true human under god)
December 28, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
Matt have you ever rafted down the chattahochie river if so what up. You guys r finnally showing emotion about what u guy r doing keep it up. Props 2 the coaching staff
By The BlogFather of Scroll
December 29, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Furman is correct: If it’s the coach’s fault, then it’s the coach’s achievement.
Smith will present Atlanta with a Superbowl Ring fairly won!!
That begs the Q: If Smith fails is he a bum?
yes. and he’s fired. and banned from football for life.
But that’s only my impossible-odds-twist-of-fate, worst-case-scenario, unlikely turn of historical events, escape booby-hatch, women and children first, lower the lifeboats, doomsday machine, Plan B.
Plan A, where Smith presents Atlanta with a Superbowl Ring is secure enough.
By brent11111111
December 29, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
you are seriously one of my favorite writers to read. you could seriously write about anything it feels like and turn it in to something worthwhile reading. thank you for that.
By Alan
December 29, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks Mr. Blank for being a man of your word, Thanks Thomas for giving us the direction, Thanks Mike for being the leader that we needed and that the players could believe, Thanks to the Falcon players for giving us a season that we can be proud of as well as bringing great excitement that we have enjoyed and a future to look forward too.
How can you say great, say Falcons.
By Brian
December 29, 2008 9:59 PM | Link to this
I truly think it’s a pleasure to have Smitty here in Atlanta. He seems to have the stuff players need in a head coach. I truly wish him the best of luck. That being said, however, we must realize that Atlanta had the 3rd pick in the draft — which also means we had an “easier” schedule”. At least that’s how they used to do it. It’ll be tough next year due to our record (11-5): We’re playing the Cowboys, Eagles, Dolphins, Pats, not to mention our own conference. I hope we do well next year, but it will surely be a test.
By Alan
December 30, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
One way to get better is to see how you stack up against your opponents, if Thomas and Mike could make this progress with the new additions this past year, just think what they might accomplish after another draft and free agency year to choose from, don’t sell them short.
By Furman Bisher
December 30, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
The other perfect fit is my wood teeth! Also, my adult diapers fit pretty well. Did y’all know I helped build the pyramids?!
Has anyone seen my bedpan?!
By McKay Fan
December 30, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
For those of you who think that TD was the genius behind Mike Smith - you’re idiots. It’s ridiculous that McKay takes all the heat for every wrong turn the Falcons made, while AB sits back and takes credit for an improved team. Mark my words, if another team snatches McKay - Blank is going to be back to square one.
By GM R
December 30, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
What we are seeing here are real football pros at work, with TD leading the way. The experiment with the running QB was worth a shot under Dan Reeves - he had seen the damage done to the Falcons by Steve Young - but ultimately the experiment failed even before Vick’s self destruction. Time to get back to the basics, a pocket passer who could read the game and make his own adjustments. Kudos to TD for picking Ryan - even those who saw him destroy Tech with pinpoint passing under heavy blitzes have been amazed by his progress. If your OL knows where the QB is likely to be 2 seconds after the snap they have a chance of doing their job - more basics. It also helps if you have a kicker you can rely on - someone with a proven track record not a training camp walk-on. As for the draft go for the positions where it takes time to mature - you can stock up on the line both sides of the ball next year. This time last year it seemed that Michael Boley was the only cornerstone for the future - that tells you what a great job TD has done. Add a mobile TE to the offense, depth at safety and stock up the lines and watch this team go. All Arthur has to do now is sit back and watch the dynasty grow. Maybe TD could offer some advice to Frank Wren -assuming he is back from the ski slopes of course.
By Fred
December 30, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Humility will continue to win for Atlanta. A guy like Smith is good for a franchise that needs to continue to keep expectations low to moderate.
By viva castro
December 30, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Humility is not a football word, sir. In fact any of the seven cardinal virtues are simply absent from the gridiron: Humility, sacrifice, fasting, chasity, silence, courtesy, and panties R forbidden.
Maybe you should try the woman’s badmitton team. U R A natural, sir.
bwa haw
moron.
By Not a McKay fan
December 31, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Sure, he wasn’t drafting after a 4-12 year, but does anyone really believe McKay would have come up with a haul like Ryan, Baker, Lofton, Douglas, Jackson. Oh, and don’t forget Jason Elam. Let’s see, who was it who went into two straight seasons without a kicker? Yeah, that was McKay. Matt Prater anyone?
By Fidel or Raul?
December 31, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Yeah, that McKay’s a genius. DeAngelo Hall, Jimmy Williams, Byron Myleftfoothurts, etc.