Falcons

By Chris

November 26, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

It certainly would say much about the character of the man were he to jump ship after only 1 season as an NFL head coach. Personally, I don’t think Petrino wants to be looked upon as being a failure, and if he were to quit now, that is exactly how his tenure as an NFL head coach (especially if you listen to many on these boards) would be viewed. He has always been successful and he will not quit until he is a success with the Falcons.

By Brad in KY

November 26, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

If he likes Atlanta, but wants to bail on the NFL, I hear there’s a position available at a certain ACC school in town…

By jsmith770

November 26, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Okay Mr Blank if your going to keep No-wino, Im sorry Petrino, as coach, then you have to get some talent in the draft as WELL AS FREE AGENCY, lets face it as well the play calling has to step up and be as competitive as the players. Herm Edwards said it best, you play the game to win. Lets not call any more toss plays on 4th and 1 get real!!! Until the personnel improves and the play calling starts to fit the personnel then maybe the Falcons can be contenders

By A Falcons fan walks into a bar. . . .

November 26, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

That’s great that Petrino will be back next year. Guess who won’t be back though? THE FANS!!!!!!

Who would actually pay to see that mess?

By A Falcons fan walks into a bar. . . .

November 26, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Nobody wants to be viewed as a failure. That doesn’t stop people from becoming failures though.

By Chris

November 26, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Well Brad, you’re not the first to bring that up and you certainly won’t be the last. I am a season-ticket holder for both Atlanta teams of which you speak, and I’d be thrilled to have him at GT. His collegiate record speaks for itself. However, such a transition would only leave the Falcons in even further turmoil, and I’m not willing for the Jackets to benefit at the expense of the Falcons.

By JustAnotherGuy

November 26, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Petrino would have to be out of his mind to leave an NFL job after only 1 year. Doing that would prove that he has no endurance, guts or fortitude when times are bad, and no AD or GM would hire someone with even a hint of that in their past.

Coaches have to be strong leaders - and leaders don’t bail out when the going gets tough, they dig in and fight harder and smarter.

By Lynne

November 26, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Does it matter?

I bet ole Arthur is wishing for that unacceptable 8-8 season right about now. Mora gotta be laughing…all the way to the bank too…..LOL

By jc_atl

November 26, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

I hope Petrino stays until he has a chance to coach a real team. Rich McKay should be on the hot seat to improve the overall talent on the field. We have many holes and those are ultimately McKay’s fault. It’s time to fix it. I think Petrino can get it done.

By B

November 26, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Petrino is a winner and given the time the Falcons will be.Nobody could have won this year with this team. Blame McKay, Vick, and injuries for this year. God Bless the USA.

By Burger Brian

November 26, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Good point Brad! I have heard that Bill Cowher wont coach in ‘08 and when/if he does return it would be to the Skins or Panthers cause of his Carolina address.

If I were Art ~ my sights would be squarely on him! Nothing beats a PROVEN winner! Enuff with the “experiments”!

By BigMan

November 26, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Petrino must go!

By jackson

November 26, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Coach wants to be sucessful in the NFL. Otherwise, why come in the first place? Blank has $$$$$$$$$$ and will spend some to give us a real chance to be a winner. Any coach would see that and know he will get some free agent help next year. Vick may or may not have screwed us up by being gone. After all, as exciting as he was, we did not have that good of a surrounding cast, and certainly not a good coaching staff before. It may not work out for Petrino here but, he certainly seems like the best chance we have had at Head Coach since Dan Reeves got fired, which in inself was a mistake…..and that was caused by Vick getting hurt…Coach Killer, team killer, dog killer, etc.

By Mr Cash

November 26, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I dont think I would quit and leave 19 Million on the table. With that being said no one expect much from the Falcons anyway so how hard must this job be for ol Bobby? He would be crazy to leave….the team stinks, the town do not care about the team and the owner is ok with 5 and 11 seasons. Great Job to have and get paid handsomely for it.

By Falcon Faithful

November 26, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Darn!

By Soryu

November 26, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

If he had any sense, he’d bail. The Falcons have always been losersville and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The owner has no clue, the GM has no clue, the teams is a collection of misfits and yes it can get worse. Best to get out while you still can.

By Ronnie

November 26, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

In response to Chris,,Coach Petrino’s character shouldn’t be questioned. He’s a excellent coach, and a fine person. This was a bad marriage. Why not take the Tech job if offered? The Falcons are at least five years away from a winning season. They’re in a mell of a hess.

By Rod

November 26, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Mr. Cash - you’re a pretty stupid one there. You said: “…the owner is ok with 5 and 11 seasons.” Yeah, that’s why the last guy was fired after 8 and 8 seasons.

What a moron.

By JustAnotherGuy

November 26, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Petrino would have to be out of his mind to leave an NFL job after only 1 year. Doing that would prove that he has no endurance, guts or fortitude when times are bad, and no AD or GM would hire someone with even a hint of that in their past.

Coaches have to be strong leaders - and leaders don’t bail out when the going gets tough, they dig in and fight harder and smarter.

By jeanE

November 26, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

What’s Petrino going to say, yes, I might leave, why would he do that even if he was thinking if leaving. His track record speaks for itself, he’s always interested in a better oportunity. Go for it, Bobby! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. McKay should be canned as well. But they won’t. At least Petrino learns from his mistakes, Benching Joey again would be assisine. Kind of like throwing the challenge flag 1 play TOO LATE. Way to make this team an even bigger laughingstock.

By Vick Supporter

November 26, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are getting exactly what they deserve. You people keep making your stupid jokes about #7, he will be back. Atlanta fans wouldn’t know a great athlete if they seen one. Vick will be back, and he will wipe the floor with your sorry a$$ team.

By Michigan President

November 26, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Hello Bobby Petrino, this is the president of Michigan University. We want you to coach our program because we believe you are a quality coach at the college level. Would $8 million do it. give me call tomorrow and we will have the contracts ready for you to sign. This is way more than what Alabama offered Nick Saban. We’re doubling that. Nebraska offered $6 million so we got that beat too. Call me, you have my number.

By St. Bernard

November 26, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

We’re worried about him leaving? That about sums up this season. We’re worried about the coach leaving!

By Wink from Lithonia

November 26, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Petrino is coming back hoo ray! Wish him luck in 2008. These season tixs are history. I’ll take that season tix money and invest in widescreen tv to watch whoever is on in our area during the black out of 2008 home games. Arthur, this guy is a joke and it’s makes you look silly for hiring and continuing to endorse this sorry excuse for a coach. Your product on the field stinks and if were at home depot you would take it off the shelves…at least I would like to think you would:)

By God Do You Guys Suck

November 26, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Anyone who expected Petrino to pick up Mora’s trash and magically convert it into gold is either seriously deluded or extraordinarily ignorant. It’ll take two to three years for our O-line to recover from Greg Knapp. It’ll take our backfield 2 to 3 years to recover from the felon Vick’s disappearance. What the hell did you guys expect?

By Bobby's Travel Agent

November 26, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

If you look at his career over the past 10 years, Bobby’s focus has always been on the next job. Ask Louisville about Auburn and other schools and why it was necessary to have a discussion with him about really wanting to be at Lousiville. Mere months after signing a 10 year extension with Lousiville at his request, he is calling the Falcons about their opening. Is this really the guy we need. It is easy to tell when Bobby is lying, just check to see if his lips are moving!

By know what i'm talking

November 26, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

PLEASE, PLEASE. PLEASE Petrino take the Neb. Ark. Mich. or Ole Miss job and take your college assistants with you. A man has to know his limitations you are a great college coach but you are not a Pro coach, please don’t hurt ATLANTA by taking 3 years for this to be proven-you have money-you can command a great salary from college alums-we can hire Norm Chow or some other pro guy-please BLANK-PETRINO do the RIGHT THING- but them swollen egos aside PLEASE!!!!!!!!

By Just Groovy

November 26, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Come on! Say it ain’t so. You mean to tell me Petrino will be back? Damn!!!!

By and u believe him?

November 26, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Like the guy would really come out and say no im not coming back. GET REAL. This guy is leaving town as soon as some big school calls him up. They guy will on the first thing smoking out of town. He might not even take the time to pack his belongings up..

By cc

November 26, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

The one who should be laughing is Dan Reeves

By Greg

November 26, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

is there a typo in every story written in the ajc?

By Robert

November 26, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Oh, with that statement, He’s GONE!!!

Isn’t this the same guy that just stuffed Louisville, after signing a long term contract, moved almost every year and caused the Auburn controversy?

By BlueEagle

November 26, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Does it matter? Really? Does it matter who coaches this mess of a team? We have the least talent in the league now and will have even less after the defections likely begin in the offseason. If you have no real legitimate options at replacing the guy then you might as well stick with him and see if he can pull a rabbit out of a hat; however, its going to take more than magic to win here, to do that with this bunch is akin to walking on water.

By Forrest Gump

November 26, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

Petrino assured the U. of L. that he would not leave just before flying to Arthur Blank’s checkbook. I would be very surprised if he remained with the Falcons, considering how many colleges will be calling.

By MWDawg

November 26, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

I think its great. When the anouncement was made that we hired Petrino, everybody was excited about it. Why? B/c we needed a real coach to work with Vick. Everybody was buying into it. Now all those fair weather falcon fans want to point the finger at the coach for the season. Yes, this team is probably the 2nd best football team in GA. Yes, we have had injury after injury and one more conVICKtion than needed. But to throw in the towel on a below average team is ridiculous. Let the coach do his job and invest in his plans, see what happens then draw conclusions. I don’t think any of your dads/supporters gave up on you after your first try at anything. Here’s a thought… Support the team and pull for the coach. Winning is an attitude. Try it on for size… you might find out you like it. No one seems to realize that this season has been doomed a failure since 3 days after the draft. I think they’ve done a decent job with what they got handed and the attitudes that came with it. Winning is contagious and so is the attitude that goes along with it. Quit questioning the coach and start questioning the players and what motivates their money hungry butts. Do your thing Petrino make people buy into your system and watch all these flip-flopping fans turn into your biggest supporters when the dirty birds start winning. And Bobby, remember DJ will be healthy next year and he’s a better fit for you.

By jay

November 26, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

GET RID OF RICH MCKAY!!! WAIT FOR MICHEAL VICK RETURN, IS WHAT PETRINO & ATLANTA FANS REALLY WANTS!! DON’T LET THE NEWS MEDIA & R. MCKAY FOOL YOU ARTHUR BLANK……!!!

By Tommy

November 26, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

I hope Bobby comes back. I love to see Alge sit on the bench and Warrick on on 3 and 11. This Wide open offense just keeps me on pins and needles. I never know whats next. We pick up an All Pro like Byron with that speed and agility, never been hurt, bench the starter after two decent wins. Yea, I want to keep the entire staff around. Sign ‘em all, give em raises if you can, raise ticket prices AGAIN, see if you can raise the price of parking 10.00 ain’t enough. See how many sell outs you will have next year. These prime time games will be a thing of the past. Authur don’t know of the Falcons when they played in the OLD stadium in front of 10 -15000 people. Keep up this pace and those days are on the way. The Pre Bart days will be here again. I have been at the stadium when you could sit any where you want too. Upper deck to field level all the seats were available. Keep up this pace and those days are just a season or two away. Falcon fans are a band wagon bunch they jump OFF as quick as they jump ON. I been there since the NOBIS days. I know.

By Vick doubter

November 26, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Hey Vick supporter, The NFL banned Vick, not the Falcons.

By BB

November 26, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Tech needs to fill the stands. Petrino quits and the Falcons hire Gailey to be their coach to insure that the Falcons get top draft picks for next few years. Meanwhile, all respectable Falcons fans become Tech season ticket holders and purchase personal seat licenses. These funds can be used to hire the Old Ball Coach to return to Georgia Tech, obtain East Lake privileges for him, and purchase his PDC membership when he gets tired of life in Columbia, SC.

By Browns Fans are the Truest

November 26, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Petrino must go. He will never succeed as a NFL coach because the players don’t respect him. He is not a total failure, just a failure as a NFL coach. Go back to college ranks with the boys.

By Falcons Fan

November 26, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

When will you idiots realize it’s not as simple as pointing the finger at Blank, McKay or Petrino. It’s disgusting to read all of your incredibly naive commentary on who you think is to blame — if only it were that simple. Why don’t we as a fan base beg for consistency, rather than switching the players, coaches and personnel in and out every few weeks. Stop the moaning and complaining, and try being a loyal fan base for once! Lord, it’s a wonder why any coach, GM, etc. would ever want to come to this awful city full of the antithesis of NFL fans.

By Memo to Arthur

November 26, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Arthur,

In case you forgot, the coaches work for you. They serve at your pleasure. Any comments about coaches should be answered with a “We’ll re-evaluate the entire organization at the end of the season”. PERIOD. Don’t ASK your coaches if they’ll be back. You TELL your coaches if they’ll be back.

By tj

November 26, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Exactly what did Blank expect Petrino to say, I’m exploring all options and I just love you and McKay.He probably told Louisville he was staying there too when he signed that new contract. Please don’t encourage him to stay.Let him go back where he belongs.

By mars

November 26, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

I agree, Vick will be back in the NFL someday. He’ll make an incredibly talented flanker. His days behind center are long over. It’s a leadership issue. He can’t lead himself, much less an NFL team. Now, DJ, however is a future leader that will make some team ( I hope the falcons) very happy.

By mecqtate

November 26, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

All you Vick haters will fill the stands to overflowing….LOL Does the end juastify the means…???? Maybe PETA will buy all the tickets..LOL..!!!!!!!

By Scooter

November 26, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Ease up on Petrino. Bill Belicheat could not have come in this year and done anything special with this team. The starting QB was a huge distraction the entire off season and is now history. The offensive line is soft and the whole coaching staff has been revamped. Most realize it is going to take a couple drafts and free agency periods to even get Petrino’s guys in here. Then we can go out and compete. For now we will just have to hang tough for the rest of this season and look forward to the off season moves that bring us new hope.

By Vickless In Georgia

November 26, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Vick supporter, This is about Petrino, not # 7 and quite frankly, it wouldnt hurt my felings if neither one of them ever came back.

By robo

November 26, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

What-Petrino leave? and who the heck else would you get or rather who would even consider taking on this wreck; oh I forgot about the dude who did coach the wreck of Tech. Get ready for some sub 500 years bird fans.

By sl

November 26, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

MW DAWG- Right on…you are 100% correct!

By Navigator

November 26, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed how many west coast quarterbacks are drafted high and don’t produce: Leaf, Harrington, Lienhart, Houston’s previous starter (I can’t remember his name). Now we have the kid a Oregon (great runner, average passer), USC’s Booty. I hope the Falcon’s understand the good ones come from east of the Miss. River.

By Welcome to Reality

November 26, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Vick supporter, did you know that the NFL scouts have Vick projected as a receiver (if he comes back). Whether you admit it or not, the NFL understands that Vick’s talents can best be used by throwing him the ball, not Vick throwing it. I know, don’t cry, he’ll be back, he’ll be back.

By bill

November 26, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter- Don’t underestimate the Atlanta Fans. They know a football player from a crook. When and if Vick comes back, maybe you can get him to wipe your a$$.

By savannah dawg

November 26, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

God do you guys suck, is dead on it. It’s gonna take a couple of years for Petrino to get his type of players, and when he does he will take us to the SUPER BOWL. GO FALCONS!!!!!!

By JJMB

November 26, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

I think Petrino (~neutrino?~) has had one year of the horror that is ATLANTA. Not the Falcons necessarily, but just ATLANTA.

I wouldn’t blame him if he did jump ship.

By runc

November 26, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Unless a miracle happen during the off season Petrino will be stuck with most of the same cast of characters. It will take a few years to turn this around. I wonder why so many people keep blaming Vick for this losing season when he was blamed when we were 8-8. The same people said we would be better without him. HA! HA! HA! He is gone now. Let it go lovers and haters of #7.

By stendec

November 26, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

PLAY REDMAN! PLAY REDMAN! PLAY REDMAN! PLAY REDMAN! PLAY REDMAN! PLAY REDMAN! PLAY REDMAN! Oh yes, one more thing, PLAY REDMAN! There is not a damn thing to lose. At least the kid has some speed when it comes to running for his life!

By yardbarge

November 26, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Make vick owner, gm, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, QB, public relations manager and all seeing guru over everything Falcons. Then, finally we can be champions. He is the man……….Oh, woops, he’s in jail. So is our ex mayor…dang….maybe Vick can be mayor, govenor, senate….what about president…..He’s that good

By stendec

November 26, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Mr Blankbrain! Putridwino guaranteed Louisville HE would be THERE forever. My, my, my, forever certainly is not as long as it used to be! BP is a back-stabbing opportunist not to be trusted. This from a day one Falcon follower. His coaching speaks for itself! A team often mirrors its coach. What if said coach completely lacks character? Falcon players already quit. They do not require more negative incentive. BALA HULL KIMAEL!

By zorro

November 26, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks ahead of time,PETRINO for building a O-line that the three future quarterbacks can stand in the pocket if they want to and throw far down the field as they want to . that being said the three are D.J. Vick woodson and oh yea go back to the basement and watch the games next year on your hdsrtv and leave the Dome to us .

By Tim

November 26, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Vick Supporter, get real. Vick is not coming back. He bankrolled an “illegal” gambling operation. The NFL doesn’t like that “G” word associated with their games.

By guy

November 26, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

i think nick saban and steve spurrier both said the same thing right before they hit the eject button. personally, i hope petrino cleans out his desk yesterday. i haven’t been impressed with anything he’s done. we’re not the only team starting our backup QBs. heck, even AJ Feely was looking pretty decent last night. petrino has zero play calling ability, zero ability to evaluate talent, and zero leadership skills. and thanks to his genius about cutting grady jackson, we don’t have any DT’s.