Falcons

By chi chi

January 9, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

D.Orlando check out espn now supposedly Caroll is interested. Bad move if you ask me if it happens.

By Rob in ATL

January 9, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

please no more college coaches

By BirdMahn

January 9, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Please say no Pete. We don’t want no stinkin’ college coach from the left coast. Talk about a bad PR move! Hrumph!

By Anyone but him

January 9, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

Any but Pete Carroll, please!!!! This guy was Jim Mora-esque when he was in the pros. Too nice to the players, not smart enough to win. He’s great for college because he can lure the best talent to USC (the school is pretty much heaven). Then, he uses the superior talent to dominate to the tune of 10 wins, but always seems to have some dumb decisions when it comes to coaching (losses to Stanford, questionable play calling in the Vince Young game). Now, you’d want to give this guy control over personnel? NFL with the cap isn’t the same as recruiting in college. Anyone but Carroll.

By Bk Hawk

January 9, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

He!! No! to Carroll. No more college Coaches. Blank is playing games with all the Head Coach talk. He needs to get GM and let the GM get the Coach and stop the BS. Mckay is trouble, he needs to be fired.

By Iro Deniro

January 9, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

If they gave him full control I could see him leave. Remember USC might have some sanctions imposed on them this year by the NCAA…

By FALCONFAN

January 9, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

PLEASE NO MORE COLLEGE COACHES!!It doens’t work.

By carlun

January 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

Pete is better than any assistants they’ve interviewed so far.

By Blaze

January 9, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I initially said no because he’s a college coach. The difference, however is that he has been a head coach in the National Football League with Jets & Patriots. He had a winning record in New England with 3 postseason trips & 1 divisional championship.

Of all the coaches the Falcons have interviewed, he’s the only 1 with head coaching experience. The priority should be to get an EXPERIENCED GM so we can surround our next coach with talent!!!

By Boots

January 9, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

Word of advice to Pete Caroll: If the Falcons call, don’t answer. If they show up at you home or office, run. You’ve got it made. You’re a rock star. Don’t blow it all on this bunch of losers!

By Bubba, Lower Forty

January 9, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Hi y’all!! This idea makes my toes curl. It sounds just like another ‘Bend over, babeee!!’

By Bo

January 9, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Will Blank ever learn. Mora, Mckay and Petrino and now CARROLL>Someone needs to get his attention. Please NO to Carroll.

By quint

January 9, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Please hire Caldwell. If Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy endorse him, what else could Blank be looking for? I know that these are all preliminary interviews and that the best candidates will be interviewed a second time, but please. How many coaching and GM candidates will be interviewed? All of them in the NFL?

Hey, why not see if Bernie Marcus would be the General Manager since everyone agrees that he was the business brains behind Home Depot?

By Cairo

January 9, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

HELL NO!!!

By Poor McKay

January 9, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

If he comes here, he will leave in 1-2 years when Weiss is bounced from Notre Dame. It is absurd that Blank would consider going after a guy who so clearly loves college football after the Petrino debacle. Much like our former QB, won;t he ever learn?

Find a younger upstart (Ryan in Baltimore sounded good to me) and a proven personnel guy to promote to GM and let’s build it the right way and avoid attempts for a big splash.

By Cheryl

January 9, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Blank has lost his damn mind!!! Why wasnt’ Singletary interviewed? After the Bobby Petrino scam, Blank should just say NO to college coaches. I wouldnt be suprised if McKay didnt influence this interest.

By Rock

January 9, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Pete Carroll-NO. Mr. Blank, please do the following: 1. Tell Dan Reeves you made a big mistake when you let him go. 2. Hire Dan to managed, coach and to built-up your football operations.

Dan Reeves was winner and loyal to the Falcons. You are not going to have the negative distractions generated by the previous coaches.

By Singletary

January 9, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

No, it’s ABBB: anybody but Brian Billick.

While I welcome the breadth of this search, it seems scattershot. I do realize some coaches had to be contacted in the bye week, but it really does make sense to hire your GM first and then your coach… as not to come in with any preconceived ideas.

I think back a year ago when I was in a sports zone and got to ask Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon what they thought of the Petrino hire. They were both relatively positive. I repeat that because, hopefully, now everyone knows him for a louse and we aren’t going to pick a lemon because of anyone’s preconceived ideas.

Too bad Chudzinski just reupped his contract: he could come, and bring Brady Quinn so we don’t have to wait for a QB from the draft to start learning the playbook. (And yes, keep Redman, allow him to compete for the top job, but secure the longterm solution.)

By Dawgs

January 9, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

He was an ok HC at NE and had terrible talent to work with at NYJets. He would have terrible talent to work with here and if not for the salary cap i would say go for it but since we have a cap and he can’t just go get who ever he wants then the answer is no. Can we convince Shot to coach for 2 years til we can offer Cowher 8 mill to coach us in 2010?

By SirReal

January 9, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

As long as Blank continues to listen to Rich McKay the seats of the GA Dome will be blank as well. Please no more college coaches. It went really well last time.

By jw

January 9, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

If Mr. Blank wants someone for the long haul, look through the assistant coach ranks - there are many that would like the shot - and can’t do any worse than what we had. Also, the Dennis Green sightings are out - please don’t let him get anywhere near Flowery Branch, please - sure don’t need a whiner and person who let the game pass him by.

By keith

January 9, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

for the sake of all of us, please go look at the 1 jets year and 3 N.E. years and see who he drafted. for all falcons fans sake, if you get him as a coach do NOT give him control over decisions with the draft and free agents. if he’s a coach only let him coach and get a REAL G.M. PLEASE< PLEASE< PLEASE

By Todd

January 9, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

If there’s any truth to not only Blank’s interest in Carroll but also that he would offer full control of personnel decisions to him as well, then this is really sad for Falcons fans. It shows us that, despite all of the horrible stuff that the organization has gone through over the past year, Arthur Blank hasn’t learned a thing. If Carroll has control over personnel decisions, no decent candidate is going to want the GM job with the Falcons (Tom Heckert, the Eagles GM - supposedly Blank’s top choice for this VALUABLE position - would definitely have no interest in the job if Carroll had that much control). And all this for a guy who didn’t even have that much success in the pros???

By Disgruntled Atlanta Sports Fan

January 9, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

Gee, if we throw enough money at John Madden, maybe he will come to Atlanta. He has the greatest mind in football…if you don’t believe me, then just ask him, he’ll tell yeah.

By Ryder

January 9, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

McKay’s probably behind this so he can keep his job. It’s a proven fact that in the NFL coaches can’t succeed with dual roles. Besides, do you think this team is really going to listen to ANOTHER college coach after what just happened?

I don’t think anything will come of it though, as they have to get the GM in place first.

I will admit that I like how they are interviewing as many assistants as possible before making the best selection. No matter who they select half the fans will like it and half the fans will want Blank burned at the stake.

By JMS

January 9, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Okay, lets take a moment to breath here. Are we really thinking about hiring a man with a horrible NFL record. He had his chance to win in the NFL and blew it. If there is any good left in this world, hire a defensive minded person with NFL expierence.

By Yellowjacket33

January 9, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

I don’t think he is the answer.

By Manny

January 9, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Why, oh why are the Falcons interviewing head coaches without a GM? Huh?

Also,

Why are we going back to college coaches? Why are we not interviewing Mike Singletary? He said that he wanted the job.

And why is Rich McKay still around, giving advice on football decisions? Shouldn’t he be on the phone, trying to talk to the groundkeepers about new irrigation strategies for the greenery around the Georgia Dome? Or the painters about those cool racing stripes?

By Francois Papillion

January 9, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Thank Reggie for ruining the Trojans:

[http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/report-pete-carroll-manning-lifeboat-for-atlanta-15348]

By GlenU

January 9, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

What about Vince Dooley as GM??

By harrywx

January 9, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Please not another college coach that can not run with the big dogs. Carroll has already failed twice in the NFL. Does Arthur believe three times a charm? I think not. At least I hope not.

By gm

January 9, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Bad idea - but for the record, McKay is a Princeton alum - not USC. he grew up around the program with his Coach dad.

By KevinM

January 9, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

If you are looking for a football coach, get someone who understands how to coach these ego-inflated players. Get someone who can relate to DHall and Crumpler and respects the vets on this team. Go with Caldwell over any other SF assistant. Do not purge the college ranks again. Even the Hawks learned their lesson with Kruger. Go for Shottenheimer and hire an up and comer to take over like Dallas has formulated their staff.
Does anyone want to see Jason Garrett come in and run this team?

By WarParty

January 9, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

I’m now convinced that the main problem with the Falcons is their moronic owner, Arthur Blank.

I’m also convinced that Blank rode the coattails of his Home Depot partner toward success in the home improvement warehouse concept.

Blank is without a clue. His ego fills the Georgia Dome and spills over. He alone has all the esoteric NFL knowledge to succeed? Falcon’s fans, be advised:

The franchise will remain a loser until Blank sells the team, which hopefully will come far sooner rather than later.

By Elroy Cohen

January 9, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

I hope this is a joke. Why? For two simple reasons. Giving somebody “total control” doesn’t work. and college coaches don’t work. It’s EASY to get talent to USC. It’s in L.A., the females, the beach, the dominate the conference, etc. Who in the hell wants to come to Atlanta? No damn body. Look at all these pro negros that have houses here, but they wouldn’t consider playing for the Falcons. Please, King Arthur, don’t screw this up again. Hire a GM who has a history of successfully evaluating college and pro talent. Stop shuckin’ and jivin’ and DO IT NOW. It didn’t take the Tuna that long. Why can’t you make a decision with all the qualified people you have interviewed? THEN hire a coach. Personally, I like Caldwell. He’s an offensive guy and that’s how you put butts in the seats: offense. He’s got buku experience and he knows QBs. (We’ll probably draft one, so he can whip him into shape) Then get back to basics in free agency and in the other rounds of the draft. BUILD THE LINES, WITH PRIORITY TO OFFENSIVE. I could go on and on, but that is enough for you to digest for now. Don’t hesitate to email me for additional advice.

By CDS

January 9, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

It’s bad enough to consider another college coach, albeit one with decent head coaching experience in the NFL, after the Petrino situation. But to consider one for both the role of GM and head coach will spell doomsday for this franchise. If you bring him here, these guys will walk all over him. Just because he can get the recruits in college does not mean he can bring in talent for one of the most god-awful franchises in NFL history.

I don’t see why Blank just doesn’t start fresh. This current team still stinks of being built around Vick. Blow up the team, and start fresh. Get a good assistant or head coach in here to build a rapport with the new guys. Go get a VP of a good team to help bring in the talent. If you bring in Carroll, he’s going to follow Butch Davis, Spurrier, Saban, and Petrino back to college where he is treated like a god in Southern Cal.

Besides, I’m sure he wants as far away from the Vick supporters as most of the coaches do.

By Will

January 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why Blank is interviewing for the head coach position when he hasn’t even hired a GM yet. Hire the GM then let the GM hire the coach like you said you would do. And why in the he!! is Blank letting McKay in on the decision process again?? They better get it right this time.

By Nina

January 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

The only reason Carroll would leave is if he knows there are sanctions coming to USC from the Reggie Bush issue. He may know something is about to happen with that.

By Danny

January 9, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Now that Vick may be out sooner than anticipated, Carroll may be interested. Can’t wait until 2009, when MV7 is back on the field.

By mave2124

January 9, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

All I want answered is how many people are going to these interviews? The rumors of nine people and IQ tests are pretty disheartening and scary.

PFT is the first and last place to go for NFL gossip, as Florio does all the work for you. Checking in with Foxsports Jay Glazer wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

By jack

January 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Arthur, I know this is hard. I know fans, players, media & me, expect you to chose the “Just Right” persons for these two jobs. With all due respect, it is time to get a REAL MAN FOR COACH and a GM who can evaluate players “in concert with the Coach, and Yourself”. It is not likely to be a Pete Carroll type person. Someone said Dennis Green. Maybe Singletary or Billick or Dan Reeves (Ugh) or talk Joe Gibbs out of retiring. But, enough of the College coaches thing. Get an NFL experienced person with some guts; I know you have the $,$$$,$$$ to even get Pittsburg`s X-Coach, if you really wanted to. Do not get into a hurry with this decision.

By Bryan G

January 9, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Um, anyone have Marty Schottenheimer’s number?

By Harlan

January 9, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

It’s becoming quite clear that Blank needs to put this franchise up for sale. Or, rather, that he intends to if he can find someone to prop up the image and value of the team in the short run. Bottom line is that Mr. Blank, while a nice enough sort, is in over his head. His ineptitude is approaching Smith family levels and that’s saying something. ARTHUR - SELL, SELL, SELL.

By Gary

January 9, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Here’s why Singletary hasn’t interviewed. 22nd ranked defense in the league, middle of the pack in 2006, no previous head coaching experience and only 3 seasons as a DC and his teams are in the middle to bottom of the defensive ranks. I know he is a HOF, but that alone does not make you head coaching material. Now Pete Carroll would not be a bad hire. He would have full control and bring in an excellent NFL coaching staff. He won some in NE with decent talent and can build talent here. USC has made him look much better and players will want to come here and play for him. Now does he want the job? Who knows, i sincerely doubt it though. Anyway, here is who i think should be on this immediate list:

Coach: Jason Garrett Brian Billick Rex Ryan

GM: Reggie McKenzie Eagles GM

By Artie

January 9, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

Carroll isn’t THAT stupid!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 9, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Ah, yes, an accomplished college coach who can’t relate to NFL players and failed in the NFL. Exactly what we need.

Oh wait, I was thinking of Bobby Petrino.

Fire McKay.

By Tinsley

January 9, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Why not Singletary? I just don’t understand why another college coach.

By Loyal Falcons Fan

January 9, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

Get your facts straight. McKay is not a USC alum…he went to Princeton. And, what a grand idea of the AJC — let’s start another column that is completely based on speculation and no concrete facts.

AJC — whoops you did it again!

By B.Petrino

January 9, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Hey, are you serious? Do you think the USC job might open up?

By Da Analyst

January 9, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Hire Tony Dungy as the GM and Mark Richt as Head Coach. Two good honest and hard working people that don’t need the lime light to produce success.

By Filster

January 9, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Who cares? Only another loser would get involved with the looneytunes that is the Falcon’s organization. Maybe Blank and McKay will get really daring this time and hire a high school coach. We need to really accentuate the “L” in the the “AtL”.

By ssidawg

January 9, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Why would Pete Carroll want to join the Falcons? He’s got it made at USC. Great school, great football program. Why leave that to work for a losing organization?

By Joshua Barlowe

January 9, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

If all it takes to be a journalist is to cruise internet message boards looking for rumors, that explains a lot about the quality of the AJC.

PULEASE.

By savannahdawg

January 9, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

mr blank please do all you can to get coach carroll just for the fact it will be one less a* espn and mark may can kiss on during their 08 ncaa preview show next year go dawgs!!!

By B.Petrino

January 9, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if Carroll leaves. I’m not going to USC. What do they pay their coach, anyway?

By Shirley

January 9, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Mr. Blank, how can you make a decision if you interview every Tom, Dick and Harry out there for either of these positions. Why not give Singletary a chance and please No More College Coachs. Please give the season ticket holders a reason to stay.

By long time falcon

January 9, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

If they hire pete carroll I am officially done after 30 years as a loyal but suffering fan of this moribound franchise. Hire a damn up and coming personnel guru to become general manager. Then let him hire a bright young assitant to become head coach. How can this embecile owner not get it right this time? Watching this search from day one I finally thought that he was on the right track interviewing bright young front office personnel from around the league. But now I hear these pete carroll rumors and it disgust me that he would even go there after the Petrino debacle. Blank had better get it right this time or that dome will be empty for years to come.

Ledbetter, btw, thank you for giving us a forum to discuss these very important events that will shape falcon history, good or bad. The last week or so I have been very disappointed that the AJC had no new blogs in which to discuss these matters.

By Jim P.

January 9, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Pete has a great job as USC and great succsess he sucked at NY Jets and at New England. Why would we want him?

We need Marty S.!

By Fight on!

January 9, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

I have personally witnessed Pete Carroll in the USC Setting….he would be crazy to leave USC because he will win there because he can recruit and he has developed a feeling of never losing the status they have now….he does not have it made his facilities are not as good as the worst SEC School, The neighborhood USC is in is not the Greatest in the world…they play in a Facility that is older than dirt….He is the reason they win…I agree he should not leave t come to Atlanta because Blank is always looking for a fall guy….he pushed Vick around in a wheel Chair and Reeves out the back door…now he’s tring to cut McKay Loose….He is a Jerry Jones wanna be….but he doesnthave the background or the contacts to build a winner….Please stay in LA you don’t deserve the fate that lies ahead in Atlanta….I love Mark Richt and would love for my son to play for him but the ROSE Bowl Did you Dawg fans a favor….USC would mop the field with them…SEC or no SEC GA ain’t in that Class…Fight ON!

By Disgruntled Atlanta Sports Fan

January 9, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Gee whiz, the answer is so simple I cannot beleive I am the only one to see it. Let’s hire an interim GM until Mike Vike gets paroled in 12 months. Wow, what a great GM he would make. Repent now Michael!!!

By STRETCH

January 9, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Why in the hell do these guys keep overlooking coaches?!!!!! Bellick from the Ravens, Singletary is out there. They didnt even try and contact Wisenhunt last year! And they keep going after college coaches or guys who havent proven themselves yet!

By Desperate Fan

January 9, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Like Nike says, “Just Do It”, Mr. Blank “Just Don’t Do It”

By artyc

January 9, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

THIS IS LIKE A 3 RING CIRCUS

By ChicagoPOW

January 9, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Looks to me like Blank and McKay are actually doing their jobs - conducting an exhaustive search to find the best candidates. I could live with Carroll, but have you seen Singletary speak? That guy has the persona and moral fiber to be as much a legend in coaching as he was as a player. * Check it out here. *

By BronxBomber

January 9, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

Pete Carrol is not the answer to the Falcons head coaching problems. Arthur Blank should have learned his lesson bringing in Bobby Petrino as a college coach. NFL101: College coaches DO NOT win at the pro level, Period. Period. They NEVER do. Let me rephrase that. Ok pete carrol has a steller college record and MAYBE an exception to the rule. But before you interview Pete Carrol, first interview Mike Holmgren, Joe Gibbs, Mike Singletary and if those candidates turn the job down, THEN ITS OK TO BRING IN PETE CARROLL BECAUSE YOU HAVE EXPLORED ALL OF YOUR BEST OPTIONS FIRST. That is the only way I see to handle ascertaining a good, solid head coach for the Falcons.

By Elroy Cohen

January 9, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Please tell me this is a joke, right? I mean, surely King Arthur knows that “Total Control” doesn’t work in the NFL. Also, Petey Carroll is too far removed from the pro game to step back in a deal with the current Mike Vick - type of pro athelete. What King Arthur should do is hire someone to be GM who has a record of success in evaluating pro and college talent. (Floyd Reese would be good but there are other qualified folks.) He should then hire an offensive mind who has extensive experience with quarterbacks as the coach (Caldwell, Norm Chow.) THEN re-sign your own free agents or veterans (give D’Angelo Fall his extention), pick up a few guys in free agency focus on the O and D lines, then pick a QB with your 1st round pick, and beef up the lines with all subsequent picks. Pencil in Fat Albert Leftwich as next year’s starter with your 1st round pick warming the bench and Redman and Shockley fighting it out for the backup slot. Shock might lose that battle. Release Harrington. With a beefed up line and Muhaley at FB, I want them to run Norwood like a dog. See if he is the man. Dunn is getting old. We need an answer at the RB position.

By Recovering Sportswriter

January 9, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Maybe Pete Carroll isn’t the best choice. But don’t dismiss him because he’s “a college coach.” What was Bill Walsh before the Niners hired him. Or Jimmy Johnson. Tom Coughlin. Jim Caldwell? His head coaching experience was … in college! His ability to handle grown men and overgrown egos will determine his ability to coach in the NFL.

By ck

January 9, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

as reported from wxia in the ATL

http://www.11alive.com/sports/article_sports.aspx?storyid=109295

University of Southern California Head Coach Pete Carroll is interested in the head coaching job for the Atlanta Falcons, ESPN.com reported Wednesday.

According to ESPN.com, Carroll is expected to meet with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank via telephone Wednesday.

Carroll has been the head coach at USC since 2001. He has led the Trojans to two national championships.

Under Carroll, USC is the first school to have 3 Heisman Trophy winners in a 4-year span.

Carroll, 56, has been a head coach in the NFL before. He spent three seasons as head coach of the New England Patriots (1997-1999) and one season as head coach of the New York Jets(1994).

ESPN.com is also reporting that the Falcons are also looking at Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith. The Falcons are expected to visit Jacksonville to talk to Smith Saturday.

The Falcons have also scheduled a Friday meeting with Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz in Atlanta.

By long time falcon

January 9, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

Enough already with the singletary for coach of the falcons chant. Mike singletary is not a canidate in Atlanta or any other team in the NFL. Where do you people come up with this crap? He’s not even a coordinator on his own team and we got folks here wanting him as a head coach. Singletary is only a linebackers coach for goodness sake! Unfortunately, singletary was only being used by the falcons last year to satisfy the rooney rule. Now some misguided fans think that he is a viable canidate for a NFL head coaching position when he is not. Singletary must first become a defensive coordinator and then have some success if he wants a head coaching gig.

By Bernie Marcus

January 9, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Arthur needs to sell the team and either help me with the Acquarium OR get back into ‘retail’ or bagels that simple!

By The Truth

January 9, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

There’s no way Pete Carroll is leaving USC for an NFL job that is not San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, or LA if they ever get a franchise. Pete’s wife, Glena, didn’t enjoy living on the East Coast and they were both thrilled to return to California. Last time I checked, Atlanta isn’t in California and Pete as had better opportunities than Atlanta to coach in the NFL again. Blank has two options — find a top young assistant who wants to make his mark, hire a caretaker like Marty to try and get the train back on the rails, or throw so much money at Cowher that he can’t say no. But there are other teams with openings who can throw around just as much money and who have much more palatable situations, e.g., Baltimore. Mr. Blank would be best served to run the team more like Bob Kraft and less like Jerry Jones (albeit without Jones’ knowledge of the game). Kraft runs his team like a business instead of a hobby.

By ck

January 9, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

LOL isn’t it funny how suddenly Pete carroll is interested after Joe Gibbs retires? I smell another Parcells move here using the Falcons to get what he wants at washington…Wait and see

By Mad Dog

January 9, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Hillary for GM and Obama for coach both are recent winners and both will have no job soon. Blank is in over his head. Get a GM and get back in the owners box.

By drmondo

January 9, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Reapeat after me: SHOTTENHEIMER, SHOTTENHEIMER, SHOTTENHEIMER. COWHER, COWHER, COWHER. SHOTTENHEIMER, SHOTTENHEIMER, SHOTTENHEIMER.

By No Dawgs Here

January 9, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

I think Pete Carroll is a step in the wrong direction. Mike Singletary would be a good choice. He would have the players respect. He would be a “hard nosed”, “in your face” style coach (which the Falcons need). No more wanna be college coaches PLEASE!!!! Enough is enough. Arthur Blank needs to stop trying to be buddy buddy with his players and start being their boss. Jason Garret would be a great choice! He is both hard nosed and a visionary. He had paid his dues. Give him a chance. Just no Pete Carroll. Heck, I’m available and could do a better job.

By ck

January 9, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

drmondo… Dude both coaches you mention have already said NO. get on with it and accept it. At Least Pete Carroll will bring NFL experience to the Falcons and I for one would much rather see him here then Someone with no experience. We have a multitude of draft picks and Carroll knows how to assess the talent for his system. I still believe that he is only listening to Balnk and not a serious contender at this point. If Blank overwhelms him then maybe… just maybe he will come in.

By Beware

January 9, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Pete Carroll knows better. The coaching fraternity is well aware of the way Blank tried to strongarm Petrino. First telling him he could go back to the college game at any time, then changing his tune a few months later and saying he would do anything he could to prevent it. These tactics have scared all respectable coaches away. Blank lies to them, stabs them in the back, and then tries to trash their reputation through the media. Who wants that?

By True Falcons Fan

January 9, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

If Tom Heckert wants to come here and be the GM, please let him. He has turned down many other NFL offers and stayed in Philadelphia. He has shown an amazing ability to put together a super talented team. Look at their roster, look at the people that recently left. You want to put a team together, he will do it. That’s a GMs job. Then its up to the coach, that’s a different ball game all together. I’m thinking a father figure like Dan Reeves was, Vick even loved him. Only coach to ever take us anywhere, We were in the Super Bowl for christ sakes, with a less talented team than now. Players respect older guys, not younger ones, and will play there hearts out for them. Compare the records of coaches over 50 to under 50 and see, BIG DIFFERENCE.

By ty

January 9, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

There are so many proven assistant coaches in the NFL…Stay away from college coaches. The Falcons are a veteran team. Not like the young 1996 Cowboys where Jimmy Johnson, fresh off Nat’l championship titles with the ‘Canes, was a great fit for a college coach….Also, stay away from recycled coaches….Assistant coaches like Jarret for the Cowboys or a proven player as well as asst coach in Mike Singletary will would be a great player’s coach for the Falcons….DON’T EVEN WASTE YOUR TIME WITH COLLEGE COACHES!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 9, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

College coaches generally don’t succeed in the NFL. College coaches whose strength is recruiting are GUARANTEED to fail in the NFL. Pete Carroll succeeds at USC because he gets the likes of Reggie Bush and Carson Palmer to play for him every year, not because he’s some kind of genius coach. Hiring him is no different from hiring Steve Spurrier.

Bring in Schottenheimer to coach and a low-profile, high-intelligence personnel guy to be GM. Please.

By rob

January 9, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Blank: Hire a freaking GM and then disappear for a year or ten. Go save some babies in Africa or something! You don’t know squat about football!!

By idea

January 9, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

umm…maybe because Singletary sucks? Who cares if he’s interested…I’m interested in coaching the Falcons…doesn’t mean I’m going to.

By doobird

January 9, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

What’s with everyone panning for Singletary??? What’s he done as a coach? Sure he was a great player but that doesn’t mean he’s a qualified head coaching prospect! And a GM should be hired before a head coach so he can have an input into what kind of coaching philosophy he would be able to work best with. So Artie, don’t get too carried away yet with hiring the coach, especially a college coach!!

By Vasily D'Efferins

January 9, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank’s search for the Holy Grail is proving him to be the fool we all thought him to be. He has singlehandedly made himself, the Falcons, and Atlanta national jokes. Dumber than a bag of the hammers he used to hawk in his former career

By Ken Strickland

January 9, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

It’s been well documented that JMora and BPetrino weren’t ABlank’s choices. He let his football people, namely RMckay, make the final decision on those two hires. Yet, there are still many of you blaming the whole fiasco on Blank. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, too many Falcons fans have developed a complete losers mentality. That’s a mentality that focuses on finding someone to blame for the problem rather than seeking a possible solution to the problem.

Whatever coach/GM they select, I hope they concentrate on solidifying the DEF first. Outstanding OFF’s will win gms, especially during the regular season, but outstanding DEF’s wins championships. Last yr, the Bears went to the SB with a strong DEF, special teams and no OFF. The Colts have been an outstanding OFF team the last 6-7yrs, but they couldn’t make it to the SB until their DEF improved drastically.

By William Byrd

January 9, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank, please do not consider hiring Pete Carroll. He is an excellent college coach, but he was a horrible pro coach. He would be another coach Petrino. He would run back to college, after a losing season. Hire Mike Singletary or Jim Caldwell. College coaches are terrible pro coaches. Jimmy Johnson was the exception.

By ty

January 9, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

There are so many proven assistant coaches in the NFL…Stay away from college coaches. The Falcons are a veteran team. Not like the young 1996 Cowboys where Jimmy Johnson, fresh off Nat’l championship titles with the ‘Canes, was a great fit for a college coach….Also, stay away from recycled coaches….Assistant coaches like Jarret for the Cowboys or a proven player as well as asst coach in Mike Singletary will would be a great player’s coach for the Falcons….DON’T EVEN WASTE YOUR TIME WITH COLLEGE COACHES!!

By GT80

January 9, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Blank has gone from being a shrewd top notch businessman to being the laughing stock of the NFL. Jerry Jones just loves giving him advice and then laughing like crazy when the Falcons fall apart.

The Falcons have had 1 “professional football man” with class in the organization their entire history and his name is Dan Reeves. Blank ran him off when he didn’t win after MyVick got hurt. And we’re right back to the bottom of the heap like when the Smiths owned the team. He could do a lot worse than hiring Schottenheimer, who is in the same mold as Dan. But he’ll try to make some “sexy” hire and 3 years later we will still be stuck at the bottom.

Man it sucks to be a Falcon fan.

By henry

January 10, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this

I cannot believe that Blank would revisit this so soon after the Petrino fiasco. I always like and defend Arthur when i hear people criticize him, but if he does that now I know that his ego is getting the better of him. I will not renew even if he lowers ticket price 50%.

By daddy-o

January 10, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this

It seems like a nostalgia tour by the Falcons. Back in 87 or 88 they tried for an established Super Bowl winner, retired head coach (Dick Vermine) and then went after UCLA poster-boy head coach (Terri Donawho), only to be rejected. They then hired the old standby, Swampfox (Uga) Marion Campbell. When Carroll turns them down, maybe they could do an old Atlanta Flames act and try to sell the team to a past-his-prime movie actor (is Glen Ford still alive?). Carroll’s in Hollywood too, so maybe the best bet is to start a new search there. How does the L.A. Falcons sounds? Nah. Needs more pizaz.

By Steve

January 10, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this

It’s obviousous who the next Falcon head coach should be. They should hire Chan Gailey. It’s not the super bowl, but they will be guaranteed 7 wins every year.

By Ed

January 10, 2008 4:08 AM | Link to this

TONY DUNGY!

By Raymond Collins

January 10, 2008 5:48 AM | Link to this

I really think this is a publicity stunt. If not, I would be disappointed if they went this way. Going back to a college coach wouldn’t be good for this frachise right now. With the Vick situation and Petrino, it just isn’t right. There is some saviors for this team, just take the time and find THEM!

By Hoot Gibson

January 10, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

Redskins are in same fix with Gibbs retiring. Check out Mike Wilbon’s column at washingtonpost.com: hiring head coaches who are also football czars has much less success than hiring football czars who then pick the head coach. Great idea, imho

By M Neely

January 10, 2008 7:18 AM | Link to this

Atlanta needs to stay away from College coaches.

FIGHT ON!

By Miranda

January 10, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this

This is hysterical…..wow. Who knew That Arthur Blank himself would be the whipping boy for the AJC and all the “fans” for 2008?? LOL!!! This is hilarious.

By jeanE

January 10, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Has Arthur Blank lost his mind? I really am beginning to think Bernie Marcus was the “brains” behind the Home Depot success bucause Arthur has shown me nothing during his tenure owning this team. There’s no difference whatsoever between his ownershop or the Smiths. Pete Carroll being considered is a joke and reeks of desperation. There is no quick fix that will turn this trainwreck of a team around. Deal with it. We don’t need a “buzz” choice, we need a smart choice and to hire a proven GM and then a proven coach & build on that. That might mean dealing with blackouts & an empty dome for a while, so be it. Arthur made a crucial mistake the second he fired Dan Reeves & it’s all downhill from there. If you’re going to give total control to someone, why not Marty Shottenheimer who would be a much wiser choice?! Why is his name never mentioned by the Falcons? And why does Rich McKay still have any kind of job with this team?? It’s unbelievable!

By scribe

January 10, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this

If you think Pete Carroll is coming to this disfunctional franchise, with its disfunctional players, you are CRAZY

By DJ

January 10, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

ANOTHER college coach??? OK - now I am convinced that the only reason Home Depot was ever successful was because of Bernie Marcus. Clearly Arthur Blank, who genuinely wants the Falcons to be something Atlanta can be proud of, doesn’t have a clue.

By New Owner Please

January 10, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

What the Falcons need is a new owner. If Blank was half the man he claims to be he would sell the team and do us all a favor. Maybe when Blank gets old he can hire MV to push him around in a wheel chair in a fur coat!

By Call Me Earl

January 10, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Carroll knows talent you can’t complain about that. He has a great collection of assistant coaches. He wouldn’t be a bad selection. At least we’ll have some better players on the team at the end of the day

By VESAVERSA

January 10, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

carrol would be very bad for the falcons coaching job . we have had enough of ncaa coaches we don’t want him here in atlanta move on next!

By gdawgfan

January 10, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm. there is something brewing in ATlanta as it pretains to their hiring practices. If they are courting Carrol, then whats wrong with the other guys? Has the falcons ever had a black coach? Owners are skeptical about hiring black coaches. I personally like Caldwell from Indy or Garrett from Dallas, he reminds me of Sean peyton from NO. Getting Carrol would be a sexy pick, however I am not sure he the players will accept him, judging from the reaction to Petrino.Some of those players in ATlanta need to be gone, that locker room is hard to please and they play like crap anyway.

By Me

January 10, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this

Pete cannot coach in the NFL…He is a proven loser.

By john

January 10, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Why not get Carroll? Sure it will be a mistake but whoever they get will be a mistake. That’s who they are. Deal with it. Just don’t paint yourself up in red and black and look like an idiot.

By GM

January 10, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

How can Blank promote McKay to team president after all of his bungled decisions and once again go after a college coach that didn’t succeed when he was an NFL coach? Who is giving this guy advice? Makes one wonder who was the real brains at Home Depot?

By Blue Devil Block

January 10, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

I say offer the head coaching job to Brian Van Gorder and give D.J. Shockley a real chance at QB. Look at the success those two had at UGA!

By Dawgfan4Life

January 10, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

This would be another bad move in a long history of bad moves by this franchise. I don’t have to tell you because the Falcons history is well documented. I just don’t see the appeal here. Yes Pete Carroll has been very successful at the College level. His program has produced a lot of NFL talent however, he has a track record in the NFL. He’s one game over .500. Granted getting back to .500 would be an improvement for the Falcons but is that really what we want to strive for? We need someone to come in here and establish a winning attitude and tradition. Someone that can build a franchise. I don’t see that in Pete Carroll.

John

By Beebee

January 10, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Here we go again. Anither sexy hire. If he is hired, everytime an opening (college) occur, his name will be mentioned. The falcons will be on pins and needles his complete tenure. He will not be able to get along with rich mc. He needs someone to be a buffer between him and mckay. Why would anyone want to work for richie boy, he’s a proven loser who just got rewarded for nothing.

By VickBeliever

January 10, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Arthur Blank it does not matter who your coach is. If you don’t select the right GM to select and scout players it will not matter. So in other words you can get the milk before you have the cow.

By Chio

January 10, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

PC would be crazy to come to the ATL. Why ruin his legacy? And hasn’t Blank learn his lesson with BP? Character issues aside college coaches aren’t a good fit for the NFL. Does Blank just want a flashy hire for the pub.? For the sake of FOOTBALL fans Pete stay at USC so we watch exciting college football.Let the Falcons and the Pros work out their own problems. And do you think Mrs. PC wants to come to the Atl after being on top of the world in LA?

By Howard

January 10, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

Arthur, bless your heart. I know a good Middle School coach that went un-defeated this year. Would you like his name? His wife would make a fine GM.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 10, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Mr. D’Efferins, if I may, I’d just like to compliment you on your choice of screen name. I must say it is second only to mine on the ajc.com blog.

By Joey Mo

January 10, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

As a former resident of the A T L and a current resident of SOCAL, I can tell yo there is no way that Pete Carrol will go to the Falcons. He is coach of THE football team in a city with no NFL franchise, He is a star among Movie, TV and Music stars. Sorry, Atlanta, you don’t have enough to offer.

By Nick

January 10, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

I love how everyone says “no college coaches”. And they probably have no clue that P.Carrol took the Pats to 4 straight playoff appearances as head coach. You know who has never had 4 straight playoff appearances? The Falcons. I’d take him in a heart beat.

By Nikki

January 10, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Did the AJC really just quote something from PFT?! You’ve got to be kidding me. That site is full of nothing but misinformation.