AJC > Sports > Falcons > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 30
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
New OC Mularkey: Falcons will be physical
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Phoenix — I just got off the phone with new Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, who kindly took a few minutes away from video study back in Flowery Branch to chat. I know a lot of you don’t care about the media’s relations with players and coaches, but as messengers to you about what’s going on with the team, what Mularkey did was big-time professional.
He’s got a lot of work to do evaluating personnel so he and the other coaches can figure out how they’re going to structure the offense. For him to shed a little light on things, via me, will go a long way toward the AJC being able to communicate things to you guys.
On that note, Mularkey declined to get into specifics of personnel and what he plans to do, however, he said that players will be told every day that if they want to play for him, they better be physical. He would not say if that meant he was going to try to run a smash-mouth type of offense but he did say that fullback Ovie Mughelli would have a significant role. Take that for what you will.
Like new head coach Mike Smith, Mularkey said they are not going to force a system on players. Talent will dictate the scheme, play calling and the like, Mularkey said. There will be a base offense but the draft, free agency and those types of personnel decisions will determine how the Falcons play next fall.
In a side note, no OL coach has been hired but indications are that some are expected to be in place by next week, when the playbook begins to be formulated.
Mularkey, who gained notoriety as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator before getting a head-coaching job with Buffalo, also shed some light on Smith. He said the new head coach has been ultra communicative with his assistant coaches and accepting as much advice as he can.
The open lines of communication have made the transition for the new staff very easy, Mularkey said. Coaches are not afraid to approach Smith with suggestions and vice versa. That allows for a good work atmosphere, which in turn, causes everyone to want to work harder, Mularkey added.
Having been a head coach, Mularkey said Smith has asked him for advice about what to expect in every facet of the job. Keep in mind, Smith has never been a head coach at any level, so he’s going to need some shepherding to get through a lot of unforeseen developments.
Tailback Warrick Dunn won the inaugural Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP award Thursday. The honor was selected by fans via the internet and a panel of judges. After Dunn hoisted the trophy at a news conference, he later told a handful of us reporters that he hopes to get one more shot at a Super Bowl.
He acknowledged that might not come with the Falcons and not because they have such a steep hill to climb.
He’s keenly aware that he could be among several players released for salary-cap reasons. Dunn said he wants to finish his career in Atlanta, though, and hopes the new coaching staff has a place for him.
