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Mora’s radio interview

By STEVE WYCHE | Friday, December 15, 2006, 04:01 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Whether it was a joke, a half-truth or sincere, an interview Falcons coach Jim Mora had with a radio station in Seattle in which he said he would like to coach the University of Washington has generated a firestorm of controversy.

Mora said he would love to coach at his alma mater even if the Falcons were in a playoff chase, which they are. In fact, the timing of his comments comes a day before the biggest game of the season against the Dallas Cowboys.

What he said, not when he said it, is the issue, though.

Mora told me this morning that the radio co-host, Hugh Millen, was his college roommate and friend and that they were having a light-hearted conversation about him taking the Washington job.

The problem was, it was on air.

As a follow up, ESPN emailed the transcripts to tons of media outlets and Mora’s remarks look and read harshly.

He apologized to his players, employers, fans and Washington coach Tyrone Willingham in a statement this afternoon, hours after public backlash whipped through talk radio and message boards.

The private backlash, if any, will be what is really interesting. The fallout in the locker room, in managerial offices and with owner Arthur Blank, who I am pretty sure is not happy about this.

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Comments

By Mora =Moron

December 15, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

What an idiot. Fire his butt today and send Roddy White and Lelie along with him. Maybe they can go back to college and learn how to coach and catch passes together.

By dawgdan

December 15, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this

You-Dub can take him. He STINKS.

By Jason in San Antonio

December 15, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Mora needs to be fired on the spot. He will be hearing a ton boooooos at the game tomorrow…and he deserves it! Blank needs to make a change…now!

By Ike

December 15, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Mora or Moron?

Playoffs??? Playoffs??

By Hawks Fan

December 15, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Is this guy just not real smart or what? Even if he is thinking this, why say it on the air? It doesn’t make sense.

By Josh

December 15, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

Good, go to sorry Washington Huskies where 3-8 is considered a good year. That’s probably why you suck as a coach and want to coach there. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse on the way out, you blockhead.

By dean

December 15, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this

I could be wrong, but did’t mora say this previously. So what is the big deal. Also given the possiblility of his being fired if the team does not make the playoffs, can you blame the guy.

By Casey

December 15, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Give me a break! Who really cares?! Is there any other news to report?

By Steve Brown

December 15, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Turn out the lights the party’s over. Mora is done as a leader of the men in the Falcon’s locker room and the sooner both Blank and Mora realize this the better for all involved. “Don’t let the door hit you in thje a*.”

By There_is_hope

December 15, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

This unexcusable ‘joking’ will give Blank the ammo he needs to get rid of Mora. This, along with Knapp’s discussions with Stanford indicating he may consider leaving the Falcons may also be a handy ‘excuse’ to get rid of Knapp along with Mora. These two events may be the best thing for the Falcons’ organization in the long run. Question is: who is available to replace Mora and Knapp?

By JimZ

December 15, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this

Goodby Coach Moron, the feeling is mutual.

By Nick

December 15, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

I can’t blame him for having an ideal job in mind - most people do. Is the problem that he said it? I don’t think so - the media love a quote like this. They (the media) always say they want straight talk. This can fuel talk radio for days. 99% of athlete interviews are just plain boring. We know the standard answers - this was refreshing.

By Jeff

December 15, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this

Is there a www.firejimmoranow.com site established yet? If this is a joke - who is laughing? I guess the rest of the NFL for the joke of this organization. The only joke is IF the Falcons continue to let this guy coach or IF the University of Washington were to hire him! When the team’s players are urging Atlanta fans not to sell their tickets to Cowboy fans and give up home field advantage, it loses steam when you recognize this team has a disinterested coach. See if Reeves wants to coach out the season - I’d say he loves this team and city more than Mora. Regardless, I’d rather lose without Mora as coach than lose with him. Make no mistake - the Falcons will lose tomorrow night barring a miracle by Vick!

Jeff

By CJ2

December 15, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t think he should be fired for this now; however, Mora is clearly emotionally immature and Blank and McKay should take this into account at season’s end.

By HUCK FROM MARIETTA

December 15, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

I guess he’s preparing for the inevitable… a future job search!!! Let’s at least beat the lowly cowgirls in primetime though!

By Travis

December 15, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Bring back Dan Reeves and Terance Mathis!

In all seriousness, this is ridiculous. He should know better than to embarrass the organization or give the team reasons to quit on him. If Dallas is leading big at halftime, I bet they’ll just pack it in and go 7-9. I hope Im wrong but this is a disaster scenario the day before the game.

By JP

December 15, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Hey blame the man for being a little ignorant of his status and position, but he spoke the truth. Thats how he really felt. So mister blank there’s your extra ammo. Get his a$$ outta here. I know every coach has a dream job but if they have a job they keep there mouth shut. He doesn’t treasure the job he has so, lets send him back to the west coast. And I was always taught not to even speak on another man’s job, and even did that respectfully though. I would have just plead the fifth on that whole part of the conversation.

By Randy Howard

December 15, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

If there is somewhere he would rather be than the Falcons, I would tell him “don’t let a Morten Anderson Field Goal hit you in the a* on the way off the field.

I would think the Falcons would be a very favorable place to caoch, we have great talent, a great QB, 3 very good running backs and very good defense. The Falcons also happen to have a Great Owner and facilities. I wouldn’t see them having a hard time replacing him with someone equal or better.

By HK

December 15, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

Man, Mora is a complete smacked-a* now. If Blank was supportive of Mora before today I doubt he is now. Regardless of whether he wins the Dallas game I suspect his job is on the line unless Atlanta makes it to the Superbowl.

By BirdBrain

December 15, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

What’s the big deal???? Vick flipping off the fans, and being fined 20 grand , is much worse in the scheme of things. Mora was just joking around with his college roomate…Vick was being a thug…big difference.

By RA

December 15, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this

I’ll help you pack, and I’ll buy the one way ticket. I’ve been a staunch defender of yours around the water cooler since you got here. No more! I’ve had it! GET OUT!!!!!!

By Jay

December 15, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Why is it ALWAYS something with Jim Moran? Making phone calls during a game, having his dad make stupid remarks when the team is doing bad, kissing the qb, all his immature press conferences where he is oblivious to what is going on around him…and now he is “joking” about going to a college school and replacing one of the few D-I coaches in the country. What a classy guy.

Seriously, the only joke is him. We should have NEVER hired him. Blank messed up in firing Reeves, then reached for Mora when he had barely done any interviews. And now he has no concept of what he says and what the consequences might be.

And Im not even talking about how this talented team is one game over .500 in its last 29 games, or how he starts Rossum or Webster over Williams, or how he cant get the receivers to play up to their talent, or how our offense is completely inconsistent, or how he wont fire take-a-Knapp even though its obvious the system DOES NOT WORK.

Moran is one of the most immature coaches I can think of in recent memory. Like Father like Son. And in that spirit, Moran should be just like his father…unemployed.

By your daddy

December 15, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Like father, like son. Maybe this runs in his family. Just letting your mouth run without thinking about the backlash. Hire Mike Martz before someone else does.

By Joe

December 15, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this

The radio tape does not lie, Mora sounded very sincere in his comments about his true personal feelings for his alma mater. There was no joking around, he expressed and repeated his interest and intentions several times if the opportunity would ever arise to coach the U of Washington football team. If I was Arthur Blank, I would help him achieve that desire by bringing back Dan Reeves to resurrect the falcons and to work with Micahel Vick on a new offense that is compatible with his talents.

By Dunn Fan

December 15, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this

Get the H* on, we’ll help you pack your bags. And you wonder why our fans don’t support our Falcons.

By Denis

December 15, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Like father like son. the father was right. Fire him today, Mr. Blank.

By Larry

December 15, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

Good Riddance!

Now perhaps I can find some ammonia at the grocery store—that Mora hasn’t snorted up—to clean my home of the debris I’ve splattered after watching Vick imitate an NFL Quarterback in obvious passing situations.

Now can we get a real professional coach who’ll put in a real professional quarterback?

By Johnny Drama

December 15, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this

What a LOSER. Like father like son. This shows what an immature, narcisistic IDIOT Mora is. RICH McKAY NEEDS TO CALL A PRESS CONFERENCE AND FIRE HIM ASAP!!!! No wonder his players shoot birds at the fans. They learn that behavior from COACH.

By T-bone

December 15, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

If my boss hears me say that I’d rather work somewhere else, then he walks into my office and gives me the opportunity.

Arthur should fire him on the spot.

By D'HALL STILL SUX

December 15, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

and Mora sux just as bad! Is anyone else not surprised that this “silly Grinning MOFO”on the sidelines is hanging himself. You can’t fix stupid

D’Hall you still suck and can’t give receivers in the NFL 12 yard cushions and expect to catch them on those wheels you have! Man UP B***!

By Warren

December 15, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

It was a joke and so what if he is leaving to coach some place else.The media is just using this to take jabs at Mora.He doesn’t need this crap going into a big game knowing his job in Atlanta most likly want last.Lets hope he whens the super bowl and then all you hatter’s want have much to say.Who are you going to complain about when he’s gone.

By This Gets Old

December 15, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this

Of course it was a joke but it ain’t the time to be joking around. It’s immaturity and Mr.Blank didn’t get rich by accepting buffoonish behavior.

With the way this team has been starting games lately I’m glad he’s got time and energy for a radio interview not regarding HIS team.

By Les O. Mora

December 15, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

What an idiot! Your team is fighting for a playoff berth, and you make comments like that! Geez, if that’s any indicattion of his judgement, he should be gone by tonight. Also, if he really feels that way (and he reiterated that he did in the interview)that by itself is enough of a reason to get rid of him. I doubt he was kidding, but even if he was, that’s an idiotic thing for any coach to say. I still can’t believe it. What kind of effect does that have on a team? How stupid.

By Mr C.

December 15, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

I say we all write to the Athletic Director and plead to him to hire Jim Mora Jr. He can take Gregg Knapp with him. Someone will have to get Jim Mora a laminated book on how to qualify for the national championship.

The Athletic Director at Washington is Todd Turner at 206-543-2212. His e-mail is huskyad@u.washington.edu.

The more e-mails we send, the sooner Jim Mora will be gone.

By melvin mask

December 15, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

jim mora jr should resign.everyone in the dome should boo him out of there saterday night for what he said.his dad is no better.it seems that being dumb and saying ignorate things to provoke the fans of atlanta run in the family.we deserve better than this.he knew what he was saying.we are not idiots.

By Keefer

December 15, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this

Oh come ON! He was on a radio show in Seattle and he was saying this as a way of praising his Alma Mater. I think it’s a bit of a jab at the Saban/Alabama story too… implying why would you leave a cushy NFL job for a college job? Any idiot who hears the whole thing in context gets the sarcasm there. If you wanna vilify Mora for what he does on the field fine, but this is SUCH a non-issue. If we fired everybody who ever tried to be humorous and failed, then probably NONE OF US would have jobs. Let it go and let’s get back to actual FOOTBALL, please??

By MIked

December 15, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

BYE BYE BYE BYE BYE BYE BYE BYE. HE TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT MY MOUTH. HE WAS NEVER A PRO COACH ANYWAY. AND BIRD BRAIN GO FLY A KITE. MIKE VICK HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH HIS STATEMENT.

By Mora_is_a_Punk

December 15, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Re: Mora’s grinning

Vick and Mora both do it after a game as to think their audience can’t see what they are doing.

Both of them are idiots and a discrace to the city. Birding and blowing off.

By ReasonableDawg

December 15, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this

Even if this is a ploy to get out of his current contract, it is still stupid. What organization or university would hire a guy who makes such poor decisions. Hope he saves his money because anyone who hires him will be questioned, so I think nobody will hire him. Less than a month after Mora Sr. makes an on-air comment that resulted in him leaving his job, son trumps him with an even dumber on-air comment that should also result in him leaving his job. Like father Like son.

By Ivey Mock

December 15, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

No wonder the Falcons play so poorly. Their HC isn’t smart enough to think before he speaks. So long,..farewell,…auf wiedersehen,…goodbye…

Charlie Weis anyone?

By Redkrush

December 15, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

That’s pretty weak when you beg publicly for a new job,when you haven’t been fired (yet) from your old one. Face it,the writing is on the wall.When you will not fire your pals (Stewart and Knapp) for their short comings at their coaching positions,your dad blames the QB for his son being fired (when truly no more proof is needed for Mora jr. to be seen as much of an idiot as Mora sr. for the above reason) and now you air out your willingness to take a college gig over being a NFL coach? If I was Blank and McKay, i’d start the process of finding a replacement and saying good riddance to Mora jr. whose only “half-hearted” to do his job, but “full-wallet” still in the end.All I can do is shake my head,Mora jr. had actually started to win me back over after all the other “brain farts” he’s had,now this.

By Dan Reeves Ghost

December 15, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

He should be fired and an interim should be allowed to take his place. The dirty’s are right in the middle of a playoff race and Jim Moron Jr (not his du-mas daddy this time) pops off about wanting to coach somewhere else. Arthur is going to stand by his side because he wants his Falcons to improve so he can raise ticket prices again! Arthur should and will fire this low-life (what did he ever do before he came here anyway?). All this time we have passed on TO and Moss because we didn’t want the “bad apples” on the team. Who knew that the bad apple, would be the one that “picks the apples.”

By SouthGaRebel

December 15, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

I could really care less about Mora now that the NFL has seen fit to take the majority of their games off regular TV and make even more money by making us pay to get the NFL network. Thank the Lord for college football because pro football gets worse and worse every year.

By Jeff D

December 15, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Now we all understand the comments Vick made on HBO regarding the coaches.

By D'HALL STILL SUX

December 15, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

Warren, time to break out the dictionary brother! Ebony and Phonics don’t mix!!! Stop the madness!

By slim

December 15, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

He was clearly joking b/c at one point he said something like ‘or maybe if Ty [willingham] goes back to notre dame…’.

But it was really stupid. I’ve been fired before for making off-the-cuff remarks like that…

By Hiram Abiff

December 15, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

Like Father…like son. The saga continues….

By Steve

December 15, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

I assumed it was a joke, until I listened to the entire exchange.

By Matt

December 15, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

Dear Arthur Blank, All I want for Christmas is a new head coach! This is a perfect time to send Mora packing and wish him good luck on getting his wish! This is certainly not the type of coach we need leading our team into a potential playoff push, let alone at all! Firing him I feel would be a wake up call to the players and the rest of the coaching staff! If you are not with us, your against us! His firey attitude was gone after his first season as head coach. The team has been in a considerable decline and for the second consecutive year, is staring .500 in the face! We want and need someone who is passionate about being an Atlanta Falcon and only that! If this is not a wake up call, I don’t know what is. Please do not allow this tool bag to be our coach one more season!

By bigD

December 15, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this

Can I help ya pack, Jimbo ?

By Hiram Abiff

December 15, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Like father, like son. The saga continues….

By Scott

December 15, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

You have to question Mora’s character and maturity, whether you are the Atlanta Falcons or the University of Washington. I have heard of burning a bridge before, but this is ridiculous.

By greg g

December 15, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

it is pretty obvious that the falcons need a change, pretty sad when the falcons can’t post back to back winning seasons, show him the door, art!

By Hiram Abiff

December 15, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

Like father, like son. The sage continues…

By Les O. Mora

December 15, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Keefer, did you listen to the interview? He was dead serious. For the sake of argument, even if he wasn’t , it’s a slap in the face.When was the last time you heard a coach at a high level say something like that?

By Beretverde

December 15, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

I heard the tape! He’s lying when he says he was kidding. He’s got to go. Period!

By Hiram Abiff

December 15, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Like father, like son. The saga continues…

By Hey Vick, Flick This!

December 15, 2006 04:40 PM | Link to this

Mora wants to leave? See ya!!! That will save us the trouble of firing his booty!

By Hiram Abiff

December 15, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Like father, like son. The saga continues…

By Carlton Powell

December 15, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Mora’s focused on the job at hand, right? What a joke. What a joke of a professional sports team if Arthur Blank keeps him on. The Falcons are desperately trying to make the playoffs despite their erratic play, and they have a coach who is daydreaming about “dream” jobs. Way to go. Compare this behavior with that of Joe Gibbs and the rest of the Washington Redskins during their heyday of the ‘80’s. Now, that was a top flite organization, the results proved it. The Falcons are a garbage team,and their organization, or lack thereof, proves it as well.

By Ronny

December 15, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Now Mora says on Atlanta local radio and in a statement that his comments on the U. of Washington head coaching job were just a joke. I heard the remark made on a Seattle radio station, replayed here, and it sure didn’t sound like a joke to me. He said he would immediately take the U. of Washington job if it came open. Even if the Falcons were in a playoff situation. This is serious stuff. He has aplogized profusely through a Falcons statement and on local radio. But it may be too little too late. How does Arthur Blank feel about such a terrible misstep? Many fans are already upset about Mora’s coaching performance and that of his coaches. And it comes just before the biggest Falcons game this year! As for the team— there’s no direction. They come out sleepwalking in almost every game. They are able to come back sometimes, but not always. Just poor coaching. As for the Washington U. job, though, make no mistake about it. It’s one of the top college coaching jobs in the country. They were once a national powerhouse. Some people come to the games in their sailboats, for goodness sake! Is there a method to Mora’s madness? And how does Ty Willingham feel? This is big. Stay tuned. .

By big kem

December 15, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

i can’t believe he said something like that. he said he would even leave if they offered him a contract in the middle of the playoffs! what coach would do that to their team? i used to have a lot of respect for this man, but after what he said, I just want him to leave. we dont need he him anyway. The only thing i hope is that this wont affect the way the falcons play tomorrow night. Cause if we lose, things would just get worst.

By j

December 15, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

Please go and take the falcons with you, every one of them.

By Tony

December 15, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this

All I got from this was one simple truth: Jim Mora is not happy in Atlanta Well F you too Mora, get your sorry butt outta here! I have always stood up for you as a head coach, but you proved me wrong today. You should be an assistant at BEST! Let’s get an article here about what coaches might be available. What about Haslett from the Saints?? WE NEED SEAN PAYTON JR.!!

Also though, AJC WHAT IS THE DEAL???*One interviewer after a game?? come on. you guys really do need to step it up with the sports coverage. I’ve always believed that one of the reasons Atlanta has such a crappy fan-base is because of the HORRIBLE COVERAGE BY THE LOCAL MEDIA!!People judge everything by what they see on TV, because that’s all they ever get to see, and that’s all that you guys ever write about! Start doing what you’re paid to do and GET US SOME MORE INFO ON OUR TEAMS!!!! Maybe that would be better than reading you guys bash the braves, hawks, falcons, and thrashers every day of the week. As far as I’m concerned, if you don’t like Atlanta, then you can get the hell out too! We need some actual FANS writing for the paper. Maybe then there would finally be something worth reading in the Sports section.

By big kem

December 15, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

he can go and take greg take a knapp with him, and that stupid west coast offense. I PRAY! that he gets booed tommorrow night

By Brett

December 15, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

The Falcons just suck all around! A moron for a coach and a diseased thug QB who actually had the nerve to say “I’m a quarterback. I throw the ball…not run it.” Since when does Vick not run the ball!?! Face it, your two biggest leaders on the team are idiot losers!

By Falcoon

December 15, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Was Mora serious…No. Was Mora stupid…Yes. Will the Falcons win anyway…Yes. Dunn and Norwood are back.

By kris

December 15, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

I think it was more of a half-joke; clearly, the man wants out before he is PUT out. And he should be put out.He’s ineffective and apathetic anyway. Look where we are under Mora: The quarterback can’t throw, the receivers can’t catch, and when they by happenstance manage to actually catch a ball, they drop it. The field goal kicker is clumsy. The head coach is an idiot and Knapp needs to just go away. The Falcons are not getting any better. And if they make the playoffs, then what? Let’s be serious, this team is sagging worse than a training bra on Dolly Parton. And the main reason is Jim Mora’s incompetence as head coach. For him to do an interview like that, joking or not, was incomprehensible and disgusting. This city has supported him and the team through a lot of ups and downs. He has lost the confidence of the fans and obviously doesn’t care. The only question now is should he be fired today or tomorrow? Never bite the hand that feeds you.

By Diesel

December 15, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Anybody that wants Dan Reeves back, I’ll just make one comment:

1st round pick…for Reggie Kelly.

Mora should go (seriously, he’s he just plain dumb?), but Reeves would set us back. Everybody loves to forget all of Reeves’ imperfections with another coach under the hot seat huh? Bring in new life…

By JD

December 15, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this

From the Dave Archer incident in Tampa Bay to daddy’s comments on FOX to losing to Detroit and Cleveland to this gaffe.

What a joke.

By Gt fan

December 15, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Mora is a good coach but i question his ability to disipline this team. I really hope Reeves comes back next year because we need his experience where it counts most…in the playoffs!!
This game against the cowboys isnt a must win, as long as we split the next 2 (cowboys and panthers) and beat the eagles….we will be in the playoffs!! GO Dirty Birds!!

By H

December 15, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

I agree with Casey…everyone needs to get a life! If everything that everyone says was always taken at face value, this world would be more screwed up than it already is!! Maybe he was joking, maybe not. But guess what? Last time I looked it was still a free country, and he could say whatever the heck he wanted to. Can we please get back to the game and leave this bs alone!!

By Dan

December 15, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

This foot in mouth disease must be genetic. They both talked themselves out of jobs within two weeks of each other.

By Rook

December 15, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding?! Have you read the transcript? He had a dozen chances to say, “No, I’m just kidding.” But, instead, on air, he said he promised, was dead serious, and would absolutely leave for the U Dub job no matter what situation his team was facing. My response if I were Arthur Blank… “You’d sell us out for someone else, leaving us high and dry? Well, Jim, that IS really funny. We’ve got some lovely parting gifts for you. Step into my office. Why? Because you’re ———- fired!!!”

By Les O. Mora

December 15, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

Reeves’s time had come and gone, but he was a good coach. He never, ever would have said the stupid crap that Mora did today. Reeves’s problem was as a GM. He sucked at that. Mora really screwed himself. Why would UW hire such an obviously immature, thin-skinned, stupid guy?

By Jay

December 15, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

Lets see…

The ownership of the Braves wont spend enough for us to compete, and Cox is the worst postseason manager in baseball history
Billy Knightmare is laughed at constantly…for passing on Chris Paul and Deron Williams, for giving Speedy Claxton huge money, for basacially negotiating against himself for JJ. The Hawks roster is a mismash of talent with no true pg or center and too many small forwards. Woodson, a self-proclaimed “defensive” coach, cant teach them to play d, rebound, or hit a jumper
Blank fired the best coach in Falcons history when the team mvp was hurt, then hired a “defensive” coach that never had a dominant defensive unit, then lets him bring in take-a-Knapp. Both of them cant coach their way out of a wet paper bag. Jim Moran is the most immature coach since…well, his dad.
Chan Failey stuck with the worst D-1 coach for two years even though it was common knowledge he was awful. Even with an all-american wr and all-acc rb, Tech scored a total of 18 points in back to back losses, 10 points against an awful ND defense, and couldnt complete a pass to Calvin in the Clemson game.

Sure is great being a sports fan in Atlanta.

By Ralphie

December 15, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

What an idiot. Talk about rising to your level of incompetence.

By Nomi

December 15, 2006 04:58 PM | Link to this

How is it supposed to be a joke when you say “im dead serious”?? Mora’s time is definitely up and if I’m Blank I let him go by this weekend. Clean up that entire staff and bring in someone who really cares about coaching this team.

By jean

December 15, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this

I knew Jimmy was a moron but this just proves it without a doubt. He & his boneheaded Daddy are cut from the same cloth…we don’t need that here in Atlanta!! You can take your so-called “staff” & beat it buddy!! No one will miss you either. How can Arthur put up with this crap? Unbelievable…I’m a true fan so I hope they win out & make the playoffs but even if they do, I still hope Moron is canned. He is a jackass.

By dissapointed

December 15, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this

Dissapointed…. Candor is an admirable trait in some instances but allegiance is even more so. I guess in crunch time Coach Mora has shown us he wants to bail out and run to his comfort zone, hang out with college buddies and pour out his players and Atlanta Fans. Redeem yourself Mora with a playoff run. Fire your buddies, hire coaches not friends, give Blank and THE FANS what you are paid to provide.

By tim

December 15, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

I knew from the start,Mora really didn’t care about falcons winning or losing.I want you to listen to whole conversation on the radio.I have watch all of his post game PC(press conferences)and watch him let Knapp get away with his awful play calling.Mora has two back and back seasons were the falcon have lost most of their games in the second half doing the season.Thank You!Moron

By MORA GONE

December 15, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Mora was joking at all. He sounded really serious and he is as good as gone. he is being Just another MORA being dumb on the RADIO.

By T

December 15, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Is it any wonder why some of the Falcons team make stupid mistakes, can’t learn a lesson and don’t progress on the field???

When your head coach is an idiot and perpetuates all those same characteristics, what do you expect Mr. Blank? Show him the door and take control back of your team and investment!

By Vern

December 15, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this

Like father, like son. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Especially Washington apples.

By Andrew

December 15, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

The apple does not fall far from the tree. Just like his dad, Mora Jr. opens his mouth and promptly inserts a size 20 shoe.

By Adam

December 15, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Fire him tonight!!! We passed on Lovie Smith for this jerk??? I’m sure Ty Willingham could use a new Defensive Coordinator - get lost punk!

By Lee

December 15, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t a big hockey fan before, but after all the drama with the Falcons, I am SO glad the Thrashers are here. This just makes you see that the Falcons are the joke of the NFL when they had so much promise coming into the season. I actually can understand Mora wanting to coach UW, but DON’T SAY IT TO THE MEDIA!!!! This is a sorry team. I will always love the Falcons in spirit, but this team is the joke of the NFL and no one will ever take them seriously in a run for the playoffs cause they always seem to implode somehow- even in our Superbowl season in 1998! Remember the Eugene Robinson prostitue distraction? I support the Falcons, but this team isn’t serious or committed to playing good football.

By kingfish

December 15, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this

Mora and Vick both need to go; send them packing now and we might win another game this year. What a disgrace to the falcons and to the fans. Arthur, do your duty.

By Fulton

December 15, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

As usual, an over reaction by the fickled Atlanta fanbase(?). The guy made a failed joke attempt and apologized for it, so move on. Maybe Jim will come to his senses and bolt for greener pastures because as fans, most of ya’ll are PATHETIC! You sell your season tickets, ya ghost from the dome if Vick gets hurt, then ya boo him when the team loses and want to move him to WR or RB. Yep, truly a CRAYZEE fanbase, I’d say!!!

By Jman

December 15, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this

Get rid of Vick not Mora.

By jaye

December 15, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

So, flipping someone the bird makes you a “thug?”

By dean

December 15, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Micheal Vick is a coach killer……Mora had better be making plans to coach somewhere else if he plans to stay in the coaching business; He is not running the falcons; vick is. How would you like to be coaching a team where you could not bench the qb if you felt you need too? Mora could not.

By Jon

December 15, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

The funniest part was when he ripped the AJC.

By Joseph

December 15, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

I listen to all the talk of Vick playing running back. That is a big mistake. If Matt Schaub goes belly-up. Right now he is a #1 pick in a trade. You lose value on that chance, if he does not do well in that crazy experiment. Your defense need to be up-graded in alot of areas. I hope the falcons don’t screw it up. Back-up sometime come in and play great for a short period…if you go back look at the history of servicable back-ups. For a short period of time they will do well. Tony Romo have seen when the NFL have enough film on you the success becomes harder. Don’t expose Matt Schaub, he’ll probably have short term sucess, but when you could have a top draft pick in next year draft to help out on defense side of the ball. Don’t take the chance.

By Skydawg

December 15, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this

The funniest thing about this whole situation is Washington SUX!!! Always have and always will. Yeah every once in a blue moon they have 9-10 win season. But you have to be kidding me. Washington Huskies???? What? I know its his alma mater, which perhaps says alot, but Washington Huskies? Good Gawd!!! I could almost understand if he said USC, Texas, UGA, UF, FSU..hell even Bama..but Washington Huskies. If it weren’t so laughable, I’d be as angry as the rest of you.

By Leave him alone

December 15, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Geez, people, he’s talking to a friend in Seattle about his alma mater. Doesn’t seem like he was serious. Who cares? ESPN, you guys and others blew this up to have a story. Get a grip.

By Rahul

December 15, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this

Well, I would not be heartbroken to see him go. He is borderline incompetent most of the time and is always saying stupid things

By John C. Fremont

December 15, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

I do not blame Mora for wanting to leave the Falcon dog-and-pony show. Or wanting to move out of Atlanta for the PNW.

The problem is, he told everyone in the world BEFORE he was offered the job.

BTW, Washington used to be a great program. Their current coach is incompetent.

By JSC

December 15, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this

You know…just go ahead and leave and take Knapp with you. That statement ended our season pretty much. I’m a longtime season ticket holder who has had it. I gave my tickets away for tomorrow and if they raise the prices again (which they will do) I’m done with this circus.

By Dano

December 15, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this

Open mouth….insert foot….Forrest Gump said it best: “Stupid is as stupid does.”

By Railroad

December 15, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this

I say give him back to Washington!! The Team, Fans and Owner deserve better than what he has given. Whats up with this nfl network? Can anyone get it without paying extra for it? With the saturday football of years gone by (remember 2 games on Saturday in December) Now they expect us to pay for games that were once free… forget it!

By Les O. Mora

December 15, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this

Yeah, like a liitle kid yelled at by the teacher. AJC just reports it, Mora. Don’t have a tantrum ‘cause no one pays attention when you win. Let’s see- in one interview Mora dissed the paper, the city, Ty Wiilingham, and Arthur Blank for no particular reason. Blank, you’re a nice guy, but…Imagine for one second one of Parcell’s or Billichek’s(sic) players sdaying dumb s$$$ like that. They’d be gone today.

By Joe T

December 15, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this

Idiot!!!Idiot!!!Idiot!!!! The guy needs to by knee deep in preparation, getting his players ready for tomorrow. What a freaking idiot!!!That guy and that team have a lot at stake tomorrow and in my mind if I were making millions of $ to play football, that’s where my thoughts would be. And if anyone out there thinks he was just kidding about taking that job, I have some dessert property up here north of Gainesville, Ga. I want to sell.

By Tyger

December 15, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

Get this affirmative action baby outta here???

By Bubba

December 15, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

THIS WAS NOT A JOKE!

Foremost, it’s time for some of you to be honest and not hometown homers trying to spin this off as a lil ‘ol joke that wasn’t meant to mean anything.

He said what he meant and meant what he said. If a professional wants to be bold enough to actually say it on a worldwide radio station, then that same person must stand up and be accountable for what he said rather than trying to pass it off as a “relaxed” joke with an old pal. I’d have more respect for Mora if he said, “Hell yeah I said it, and that’s how I feel”.

Blank is no dummy, Mora will be fired within 24 hrs. after they lose their first playoff game.

By Greg

December 15, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this

I’m sure Mora regrets his public words, but the truth is they were spoken sincerely—-and I think, whatever he says now, that everyone knows they were true. Perhaps few of us knew that he was itching to get out of Atlanta, but when you think about it a moment, it makes sense. He hasn’t been successful here. Frankly his skill set is more compatible with a college team than a pro team. I agree with the scores of people who have already said that they hope Blank fires him. He’s never going to take the Falcons to the top. Never.

By Dbot

December 15, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this

If you were speaking with a customer about how great another company was, and how you would leave your company in a heartbeat to work at that company, any boss in his right mind would fire you. Mora’s JOB is to be totally committed to the team. But Mora definitely is not.

I’ve been off the Jim Mora bandwagon since last season. Glad to see he jumped the wagon himself. Bye Jimmy!

By Skydawg

December 15, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

Yeah John C. Fremont, the PNW as you call it (I love all these gay West coast acronyms like the “OC”, SoCal etc) is so much better to live then the Southeast US in the financial mecca of the entire region. And as far as being a college coach, you’re telling me it’d be better in Washington than in the South. That right there so me your ignorance and dismisses your entire logic..or lack thereof. PNW= crappy weather, average athletes at best to recruit and a bleeding heart liberal and tree hugger around every corner. So don’t tell me that the PNW would be a better place to coach. That’s just ridiculous. Funny thing is the horrible current coach you’re talking about appeared able to win at Stanford. Once again, must be the lack of athletes up there.

By dawgdan

December 15, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

Jim Haslett’s hard-nosed style of football would be an excellent replacement for Mora’s joke defense and Knapp’s awful, awful offense.

Send this guy packing, he STINKS.

By Elmer Fudd

December 15, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

Mora is a moron! First, Ron Mexico gives the 1 finger salute to Atlanta Falcons fans and now Mora essentially says he can’t wait to get out of Atlanta! Then he tries to pass it off as a joke..does he think we are all dumba$$es? Go Mora and take White, Jenkins, and MeAngelo Hall with you!! Arthur Blank should fire his butt after the Dallas game if the Falcons lose!!

By jacson

December 15, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy. I am not a fan of yours. You cannot control your players. You have very little vision how to be a head coach. You surround yourself with mediocre coaches. You whine. You make excuses for your players, not make demands of their pro status ie. at WR. You lose to the Lions and Browns because you do not know how to get your players not to read their superior headlines for walkover games like those and thus, underachieve. On and On and On. But for all this and more…..You may just as well have fallen on a pitchfork with this JOKE, as you call it. If you can work out an amicable contract settlement with Arthur and make a quiet exit from Atlanta, MOST of us would appreciate it. Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy!

By Quatrayvious

December 15, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

I listened to the whole thing, and it sounds like he was just joking around with his pal.

By Dis-appointed fan

December 15, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

Mr. Mora you can say that you are joking in the aftermath ,but it didnt sound like that to us.It sounds to us like if u/w wants you, you would drop Atlanta like a hot potatoe.When are you guys going to realize people are going to scrutinize everything you say? Didnt your dad tell you that a couple of weeks ago when his mouth got him in trouble?

By greg

December 15, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

what a idiot,,,,i wonder if art & rich read this blog??? ron mexico, meangelow, drop 4 in a row, and then ask the huskys for a job,,,,,. i never thought i would say it,, but,, send the falcons to “LA”, change there name to the drama queens, and i’ll buy a panther tee shirt. art if this crap keeps up,, FIRE rich’s a$$

By Love 'em & Leave 'em

December 15, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

I thought it was a joke until I heard it. He’s the one that said, “I’m serious”

Which Mora do we believe? The one who said he’s serious or the one who says it’s a joke?

The players will say it’s a joke but they won’t feel that way. Mora’s @$$ needs to be preparing his team. How many times have we entered a game and looked completely unprepared?

By Just D

December 15, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this

Comments by By John C. Fremont: BTW, Washington used to be a great program. Their current coach is incompetent.

**See this is why the south is really called dirty. People like John C, Larry, Jman Fulton and the rest of their dirty south redneck crew is why Atlanta Georgia is always under attack! How about you coach that team John C, wait I’m sorry, you have no skills other that to blog your stupid opinion on AJC which makes you sir incompetent!

Can you ever dream of being in a city they called International with so much hatred? Well, even in 2006 race is still an issue in this city and of course in the world.

Anyway, Jim Mora said what he said and it is what it is, being whatever race, it was the wrong thing to say and the wrong time to say it. As a coach, how do you expect your players to follow you, play for you!

My advice to the players of the Atlanta Falcons: You are men, and most of you are veterans, so please play the game from your heart and not for your coaches. Please play for this city and the few fans that do follow you and believe in you. Please allow your talents to shine to reach your goals towards the play-offs. One more thing, don’t allow these negative fans distract your mission to win every game this year including in the post season.

For you negative fans! Take your negative comments, your negative words, your negative behavior, your negative life and start your own football team, hire your own coaches and join some league in the woods and have butt fing your sisters and cousins in dem dare woods! Just move further down south, forget about this city, the thugs, and most of all this Atlanta Falcons Team!!*

GO FALCONS

By trez-paz

December 15, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

Do you blame Mora? You have a team and they are mediocre at best and you know what the problem is but you can’t do a damned thing about it because the owner has blown 130 mil on one person as a drawing card and the team has to live with a reduced payroll for the rest of the positions because of it. Kinda frustrating, dontcha think?

By JJS

December 15, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

Geez people. “Even if we’re in the middle of a playoff run, I’m outta here?” He’s kidding. I’t hypebole. It’s an over-the-top joke. Poor taste/timing? Maybe. Want to get rid of him for poor coaching? OK. But this? Puh-leeze.

By truthteller

December 15, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

If anyone didn’t already know that Mora is an unstable little punk, and in no way qualified to be an NFL head coach, they should know it now. Not only does he shoot off his mouth and talk about wanting a college coaching job ( I suspect he would take any he could get ), but when it becomes public, he uses the “John Kerry” defense and tries to pass off his stupid comments as a “joke”. The only joke here is Mora himself, and Blank if he allows this clown to even finish the year.

By Jay

December 15, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

For those of you saying its not a big deal, or that people joke about another job all the time…you are too dimwitted to realize the context of this.

Lets say you have a boss who…

is being paid millions of dollars
represents the company as a whole
has had mediocre results compared to other companies, but bad results when you take into account all the money invested
has consistently shown immaturity in very public events
has a father in a very public position who makes comments that negatively affect the company
was underqualified to begin with
wont move or fire underperforming employees because of misplaced loyalty

Now take all of that and then add…

says he would leav his current job for another job at the soonest possible time, no matter the situation, even though it would be a paycut, then says he was just kidding even though in his original statement he says “im dead serious”

How would you feel about all that? Would you want to work with him? Would you think he was the best for your company?

Still think its no big deal??????

If you dont think what Moran said is a big deal, then I have some beachfront property in Afghanistan to sell you.

By Jay

December 15, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this

For those of you saying its not a big deal, or that people joke about another job all the time…you are too dimwitted to realize the context of this.

Lets say you have a boss who…

is being paid millions of dollars
represents the company as a whole
has had mediocre results compared to other companies, but bad results when you take into account all the money invested
has consistently shown immaturity in very public events
has a father in a very public position who makes comments that negatively affect the company
was underqualified to begin with
wont move or fire underperforming employees because of misplaced loyalty

Now take all of that and then add…

says he would leav his current job for another job at the soonest possible time, no matter the situation, even though it would be a paycut, then says he was just kidding even though in his original statement he says “im dead serious”

How would you feel about all that? Would you want to work with him? Would you think he was the best for your company?

Still think its no big deal??????

If you dont think what Moran said is a big deal, then I have some beachfront property in Afghanistan to sell you.

By die hard falcons fan

December 15, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

Mr. Blanks if you got a pair of balls between your legs, I strongly urge you FIRE MR. JUDAS I MEAN JIMBO MORA JR TODAY.

HE GOT TO GO! AND FIRE KNAPP TOO!

HELL U OUGHT TO WAIVE RODDY WHITE TOO WHAT A BUST!

IF THERE A COACH U CAN HIRE RIGHT NOW IT WOULD BE JIMMIE JOHNSON AND U BETTER PAY HIM SOME SERIOUS CHEDDARS!!! HE WOULD MAKE VICK THE NEXT TROY AIKMAN!

HOLLAH!

WHAT A DUMMIE

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON

By Peetei

December 15, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this

Give me a break. The guy was just clowning with one of his boys. Move on.

By Carroll

December 15, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

I never thought I’d say this, but after hearing Moran’s comments, and after watching a repeat of the 1998 NFC Championship game (which nearly brought a tear to my eye), I wouldn’t mind having ole Dan Reeves back. He might not be so bad now that we have Rich McKay to monitor his personell decisions…that was really Reeves’s major flaw with Atlanta….his inexplicable draft picks…taking tight ends in the first round when we had NO offensive line or secondary etc.

By good coach

December 15, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this

jim Mora is not a leader, you cannot make someone a leader. Look at Lovee Smith, he was available when the falcons were searching for a coach, the falcons passed by for a another defensive coordinator who was dead last in the league at the time(jim mora) Lovee had a top ten defense at teh same time. Wow, look at chicago and atlanta? i think the falcons have better personel than chicago. It is too bad if the falcons would have done a thorough search for the head coaching job, it would have been in a better position. next time look at someone’s credentials not how he looks or who his father is.

By Hiram Abiff

December 15, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

Like father, like son. The saga continues…

By 130million dollarbackup

December 15, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this

I just can’t believe he is dumb enough not to realize how his remarks would be taken. With that said, of coarse Mora feels that way. His boss stands on the sidelines and looks over his shoulder. He might have the title of coach but is he allowed to decide who starts at QB? Mora’s job is not to coach the Falcons to a Super bowl. His job is to win with Vick at QB. Good luck to anyone with that job.

By die hard falcons fan

December 15, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

MAN MR BLANK

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE

FIRE MORA TONIGHT

HIRE JIMMIE JOHNSON!!!!

SHOOT HE WOULD MAKE SOME BETTER INFORMED DECISIONS AND CAN HELP VICK BECOME A TRUE HOF!!!! AND GET SOME RINGS

I CANT BELIEVE THE HAWKS PASS ON CHRIS PAUL?!??!?! DANG that like passing on Dwayne Wade to get a scrub

I need to win the lotto so i can buy out the hawks and fire that punk Billy Knight behind… Shoot I boo at him whenever i see him in public and said I can make better picks than u in fanstay basketball and I am a 3x champion and in first place in 2 leagues that i am in

as for the cheap donkeys at Braves.. old farts are like a tease.. and too cheap!! how u NOT gonna pay Andruw Jones some cheddar .. i be dern if he goes to the red sox!!!

By Just D

December 15, 2006 05:59 PM | Link to this

Comments by By John C. Fremont: BTW, Washington used to be a great program. Their current coach is incompetent.

**See this is why the south is really called dirty. People like John C, Larry, Jman, Fulton and the rest of their dirty south redneck crew is why Atlanta Georgia is always under attack! How about you coach that team John C ? Wait I’m sorry, you have no skills other that to blog your stupid opinion on the AJC which makes you sir.. incompetent!

Can you ever dream of being in a city they called International with so much hatred? Well, even in 2006 race is still an issue in this city and of course in the world.

My advice to the players of the Atlanta Falcons: You are men, and most of you are veterans, so please play the game from your heart and not for your coaches. Please play for this city and the few fans that do follow you and believe in you. Please allow your talents to shine to reach your goals towards the play-offs. One more thing, don’t allow these negative fans to distract your mission to win every game this year including in the post season.

For you negative fans! Take your negative comments, your negative words, your negative behavior, your negative life and start your own football team, hire your own coaches and join some league in the woods and have fun butt f* ing your sisters and cousins in dem dare woods! Just move further down south, forget about this city, the thugs, and most of all this Atlanta Falcons Team!!

GO FALCONS

By excellent driver

December 15, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

Even if it was a joke just to “f” with the press which I can ceratinly understand and actually think its funny as heck because you guys grab a hold something a run with it like its the biggest story of the year,
I am beginning to quetsion JIm’s judgement.

But knowing the press he told them at the end of the interview he was joking but just one person listening did not hear the entire interview and could not wait til spread the word!!!

By chipdip

December 15, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this

mora is a crack head.

By chipdip