AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBlank should go get Cowher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Arthur Blank seemed in an awfully good mood for someone who’d spent Monday night talking about his imprisoned quarterback and watching his team lose its 10th game. He was kidding the AJC’s Steve Wyche about the writer’s shirt-and-tie ensemble — “It’s beginning to grow on me,” Blank said — and he’d just seen the guy he’d identified as his team’s “CEO” hold an angered and aborted media briefing. And then the rich man walked with his wife and his security chief toward the Georgia Dome’s exit, surely believing the worst had passed.
Eighteen hours later, the CEO cut and ran.
Eighteen hours later, the worst got worse.
The franchise quarterback is in prison. The coach/CEO is bound for Arkansas. Once again, the rich man has been caught unawares by the true nature of one of his employees. Once again, the long-suffering Falcons are left to wonder if anything will ever go their way again.
What makes coach Bobby Petrino’s exit even more galling is that Blank had come to trust him. If the owner ever referred to Jim Mora as the “CEO,” I missed it. Indeed, Blank in conversation almost always paired Mora with Rich McKay, and speaking with writers before Monday’s game Blank mentioned the GM only when asked about the details of Vick’s contract. In Blank’s eyes, Petrino had become the man with vision, the man with the plan. (I should confess that I also held Petrino in high esteem and am stunned that he took a hike.)
The CEO takes a salary cut to become a Hog. What does that tell us about the state of the Falcons?
It might be funny if it weren’t so sad. Say what you will about Blank, but he has poured body and soul into this franchise, and today he looks like just another rich guy with more money than sense. I wouldn’t blame him if he sold the team to the lowest bidder — would the last man in Flowery Branch turn out the lights? — but I believe he’s in it for the long haul. Alas, the haul keeps getting longer.
For the second time in 11-1/2 months, the Falcons need a coach. At this late date, they should try anything and everything. They could round up the usual suspects, Steve Mariucci chief among them. Or they could try to lure Jimmy Johnson away from Fox. Or they could pursue Rick Neuheisel, the wild card in Georgia Tech’s search. Or they could do what makes the most sense: They could hire Bill Cowher.
Question is, would Cowher, having worked for one of the best organizations in Pittsburgh, want anything to do with the franchise now seen as the absolute worst? That’s where Blank would have to be brave. He’d have to spend big, sure, but he’d also have to be willing to let his coach become the focal point. He seemed to be moving toward that with Petrino, who didn’t stick around long enough for anything to take hold.
The Falcons are no longer Vick’s team and they never quite were Petrino’s, and the Blank Method — coddling and cajoling and empowering — has stopped working. No, the owner didn’t make Vick develop a thirst for dogfights or make Petrino turn tail, but it’s the owner who must clean up after them. Blank spoke Monday of the need to move forward, and 18 hours later his coach moved out.
The next coach needs to be made of stronger stuff. The next coach needs to be tough enough to ride out the losses and bend the organization to his will. The next coach needs to come equipped with an ego and a persona as outsized as the owner’s. Half-measures won’t rescue a franchise that has become a full-blown mess.
Petrino was a bold choice that didn’t work out. Having hit what surely must be bottom, there’s no cause to get timid now. Go bigger. Get bolder. Get Bill Cowher.
Permalink | Comments (201) | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Mark Bradley
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By Jonathan
December 12, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
Cowher is loving it because Blank will overpay because he must overpay. He’s the only choice that gives anyone any hope at this point.
By crookbythebook
December 12, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this
Ok so I took my butt over to that horrible / miserable / depressing place called the GA Dome last night (Free ticket. I refuse to any longer support financially) to watch the game last night .. (Falcons vs. Saints). It was my first time going back to he Dome since #7 was around and it felt ……. well it felt as if someone had passed away … How can a place that was once so electrifying come to this!?!?!? It wasn’t until I got home and turned to ESPN and I saw the support from his teammates … I thought it was a classy move and LONG overdue. Mike Vick made the “modern day” Falcons. Last night was the last time they will be on the national stage for a long time. Check out the link and you will see one classic photo with Roddy White holding up his Jersey with the “FREE MIKE VICK” statement underneath. I can’t belive it came to this …..
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3149600
I’m gone /Alright /Alright/ Alright
FREE MIKE VICK!
Crook By The Book —Get that knowledge—
By george
December 12, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this
How fitting it is… Petrino’s a PIG..
By NCR
December 12, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this
Sure, to Atlanta fans he looks like a double-talking lying loser (which he is when he said that he didn’t know anything about the Arkansas job until Tuesday, ha!). But look at it from Arkansas point of view. Here’s a college job that they believe Petrino can handle, they call him up and say “why don’t you come here and get rid of all that Falcons crap that you inherited. Start fresh and clean.” I’m sure that message resonated with Petrino.
By Keith
December 12, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
Amen, Mark! Get Cowher!
By Stinky Pete
December 12, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this
Cowher would be a great choice, if we were lucky enough to get him.. and I hope the Bulldogs kick Bobby and the Hogs backsides when they play!
By Jay
December 12, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this
Screw Patrino
By Dale
December 12, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
Interesting Mark, you didn’t mention Rich McKay in any of your ranting.
By A real fan
December 12, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
Only Cowher or Parcells have what it takes to save this organization. Otherwise Blanke might as well move the team . He has lost my support until then. Enough is enough.
By reggie fortner
December 12, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
i say go try and get bill cohwer.he will not put with diangelo hall attitude.
By Brenda
December 12, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
One thing is for sure…no more college coaches. As a season ticket holder I will not continue to throw money away unless they can find a coach who is strong enough to handle the pros
By lbrown31525
December 12, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this
What the Falcons really need is a coach like Bill Parcells who would bring alot of discipline to the team. If a player doe not perform, cut his a**.
By bootsiebanty
December 12, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
CALLING MARION C-A-M-P-B-E-L-L CALLING MARION C-A-M-P-B-E-L-L!!!!! LOL!!!!
Blank is a chump. The Falcons are a chump organization. IF Cowher came, he’d be a chump too.
By Falcons Stink!
December 12, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this
I told you losers that Petrino was bush league! Ha Ha! Now who do you morons get to run this team of losers? Cowher? Are you kidding me! He wouldn’t coach this team and coach this city for all the money in the world! Time to fold this franchise up and move it to LALA Land where it belongs and you moronic fans can go straight to the bottom of the sea! You idiots got what you deserve!
By GUPPY
December 12, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
Cowher! Are you kidding me? No one in their right mind would come to Loserville to coach at the Coon Dome. This is the worst sports franchise in history.
By Cairo
December 12, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
Mark,
It is interesting that you just name ALL WHITE coaches and did not even mention one Minority candidate. I guess the last three WHITE coaches worked out. It is apparent that this organization needs to turn its attention from the GOOD OLE BOY network and try something different. Every time some one is up for a coaching job in this city it ALWAYS has to be a big name, but this should be noted, it is not about the big name it is about integrity, leadership and someone who is held with high esteem. If Blank meant what he said about one ex-LB who currently works for the 49ers then he should get another shot.
By hatfieldgeoff
December 12, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Patrino must have had one heck of a recruiting coordinator at Louisville, because there is no way that lack of personality and insincere nature could have closed the deal with a teenager and his parents. Pat Forde at ESPN put it best that the only thing Patrino deserves from an empoyer is a 1-year contract and an ankle monitor.
By DiscoLives
December 12, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Let’s get rid of all of these Vick supporters/losers and just start all over. WHat could happen, we lose some games?
These Vick endorsements are making this city look like trash, who would want to come here and coach this bunch?
By bcj
December 12, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Excellent Strategy! I’m looking forward to seeing who Blank signs as the next coach. …A ‘New” Beginning.
By Al
December 12, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Any new coach hired by the Falcons will have to rid the team of the thug mentality that perpetuates them now. Vick was not the only one. Advice to those vocal players: SHUT UP! You’re next……
By Jim 70
December 12, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
parcells is like gibbs - old and should remain retired. he was great once, but not since.
skins fans up here are hoping they get cowher when gibb’s contract is up next year - wouldn’t be surprised in danny-boy makes a quick move if the falcons are going to talk with him. after all, the skins have three or four ‘head coaches’, what is more one if cower gets everything when gibbs retires again.
By D.Ellis
December 12, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
Dear Guppy-You are racist MFER and your thoughts are worth less than the crap I lay every morning:
OK-Here is my list of candidates:
By theo
December 12, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
I would hire Dan Reeves. This franchise is worse now than when Blank took over. One bad decision after another, starting w/ McKay. We need an NFL guy that knows talent and winning! That leaves you with Reeves or Parcells, other than that you will still be the laughing stock of the NFL.
By ralph
December 12, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
Go for Cowher and get Jimmy Johnson as General Manager. The Falcons front office has a credibility issue. The key players will rally around strong leadership as long as they are allowed to have an opinion and work as a team rather than a bunch of overpaid prima donnas. These guys are pros and get paid accordingly.Give them some strong leadership and let them do their jods.
By JimJ
December 12, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
So, the expected end came sooner than expected. I am amused at all of the idiots who are piling on Petrino this morning. Do I think he was a good coach? NO. Do I think he baled out on the Birds? YES. Do I blame him? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Petrino is in actuality an offensive mastermind. He was brought in as “HEAD COACH” only to cater to the franchise prima dona MV7. Well, the expected happened sooner than expected and MV7 is now where he belongs: IN JAIL. So Petrino, the offensive mastermind, was left without an offense. The only thing “offensive” about this sad situation is Arther Blank Check. He created this whole situation. He deserves the egg on his face for breakfast this morning. HE gave a thug the world. (MV7) HE gave MEAngelo the world. HE gave ALLME Crumpler the world. What he has really given is Atlanta Falcon fans the shaft. BLANK CHECK: Get off the sideline. Get out of the locker room. Get in your suite and entertain your Fortune 500 friends and let someone who knows about football run the organization. DON’T YOU EVEN GET INVOLVED IN HIRING THE COACH! Hire Dan Reeves as a special assistant to McKay and turn it all over to them. Today in Atlanta, the mettle of Petrino and Blank has been exposed. Slip back into the shadows Mr. Blank. We are tired of your circus.
By GW
December 12, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
Cowher would be great but Blank is no Rooney. Cowher won’t put up with MeAngelo and he won’t appreciate Blank pushing an injured star around the sideline in a wheelchair. Blank would have to fade into the background and let Cowher handle the players. Is he willing to do that?
By Patpeppler
December 12, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
The perfect choice: Mark Richt. Ole Mark doesn’t recruit and coddle thuggish babies.
By Football Fanatic
December 12, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
I doubt any respected coach would want to come and coach this bunch of cry babies and cry baby fans. Maybe the football God MV7 should be the coach. That would be the only thing that would make a lot of the fans and players happy. What a damn fiasco I dont blame Petrino for running away at all.
By Hank in Decatur
December 12, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
Thank god the voice of reason, MeAngelo Hall is speaking for the Falcons. It’s clear Petrino took the job as a stepping stone to Fayetteville.
Why not put together a playa committee to run the team…Artie Blank you can keep your ATL falcons.
By C. Gailey
December 12, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
Hey Guys! Remember me? I have NFL experience and a huge loyal fanbase here in ATL. I can win 7 games every single year…CALL ME!!!
By Big Daddy
December 12, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
I agree with Cowher, but the Falcons are in such turmoil I am not certain any quality known coach would be willing to take this job.
One other thing you Falcon fans need to understand is Vick is a criminal not a victim. He done the crime now he will do the time. He could’nt pass anyway!
By Despise Lies
December 12, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Guppy: Your mother’s a coon lover. I know….., I had her last night, howling at the moon!
By Kevinga
December 12, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
We need a decent respectable coach in the mold of Peyton down in NO (maybe Jason Garrett fits the bill ). Of more importance to the franchise is a QB who can win (See McNabb if sooner)and a new GM who is a better talent evaluator from top to bottom. Superior talent will trump coaching expertise. As a season ticket holder forced to endure this past twelve months the only thing that would bring me back is a move to the burbs.
Disenchanted former falcons fan
By Red Fox
December 12, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Chan Gailey needs a job…LOL!
By Glenn
December 12, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
I semi agree with you about calling Bill Cowher or gaging his interest in the job . His reputation is deserved . In my opinion though ,it is Dan Rooney who owns the Steelers who we ought to be in contact with . They just hired their third head coach in almost 40 years . The Falcons don’t need big . They don’t need bold . They need stability . They should be looking for the next young head coach who will bring discipline & a no non sense attitude . I would rather have Mike Tomlin as Falcons head coach than Bill Cowher . He is going to be a good one & last year no one could believe he was anything more than a token minority interviewee . He will probably be the next Steeler head coach pushing 20 years on the job . That is what the Falcons could use .
By Stay in School
December 12, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
Schottenheimer did well in turning around an imploded Redskins team in the 2001 season…only to be fired by the Danny. Question MS’s abilities come playoff time, but I’d like to see him here. Or Singletary. Cowher…I think that’s a pipe dream. One thing is for sure…No more college coaches!
By Tom Tom
December 12, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
I think Petrino’s timing is all wrong. I noticed, for instance, that by the 3rd quarter of Monday night’s game every fan left in the stands cheered his every decision.
By Good Riddance
December 12, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
As much as I can’t stand UGA, I will now pull for them if they ever play Arkansas. I hope the pigs lose every game that slimeball coaches.
By Nikki
December 12, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
Cowher is the only person that makes sense. I hear Cowher may want a lot of control and that may mean McKay gets the boot. See ya, McKay. You haven’t made great picks anyway.
By Art Twosticks.
December 12, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
The recommendation and desire for Cowher is flawed on multiple levels and betokens a knee-jerk reaction and ignorance of Cowher’s history. First, with the Petrino debacle so fresh, note that Cowher is himself a notorious liar: Most recently, he denied what was widely reported, i.e., he intended to resign from the Steelers following the 2006 season with 1 year left on his contract. This is precisely what he did, still owing the Rooneys 1 more year of service. He blindsided the Steelers with his purchase of a palatial North carolina estate subsequent to winning the Super Bowl. his wife and daughter left Pittsburgh, and he visited them multiple times during the 2006 season. Do you want someone whose residence in Atlanta is a rented condo? Kaye Cowher is not moving to Atlanta. It’s been obvious for some time that Cowher is looking at either the Washington Redskins or the Carolina Panthers. the other reason that Cowher resigned as that he was miffed, like a petulant schoolgirl, that he was not paid as much as Mike Holmgren. That he hd signed a contract was a matter of preternatural indifference to him. Finally, even though in the Falcons’ universe, he would seem to represent the second coming of Vincent Lombardi, there is some school, of thought that the Steelers finally won a Super Bowl during the Cowher regime in spite of him. Note his playoff failures in the 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, and 2004 seasons — including 4 losses in the AFC championship games.
So, wish on for Slobberin’ Jaw, but you won’t get him.
By Joe Cofer
December 12, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
I really can not blame the coach for leaving Blanks remarks on Monday night football about Mike not coming back to the Falcons hell I would have ran too!!Blanks should have hold those remarks.Joe cofer ATL.
By D.Ellis
December 12, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
Grab Mike Singletary or Bill Cowher
Grab McNabb out of Philly
Draft Chris Long or Glen Dorsey.
By MV23
December 12, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
Yes, your are right Mark, Pittsburgh is one of the best run NFL franchises and also the most beloved by the country. We dont need to call ourselves America team like other self proclaimers do.
How about we bring Cowher down here, change the teams colors to Black and Gold. Pop the roof off the dome. Drink some IronCity Beer and call them dirty turds the “SteelCons”.
There are already plenty of Steelers fans down here. We will take over the dome like we did last year.
Yeehaw…..
By Marie
December 12, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
Mark — Cowher would be the worst choice for this team. His style of ranting, raving, pushing, shoving, and spitting on players to get results is passe. Players simply DO NOT respond to that kind of hysterics anymore.
Even Rothlisberger and the other Steelers prefer the calm demeanor of Mike Tomlin over the bullying of Cowher. Yeah he won a Superbowl, but, most folks consider old lady luck having shined on Pittsburgh (Carson Palmer getting hurt, the kicker missing for Indy, bad officiating in the SuperBowl, etc., etc., etc.)that year more than Cowher being some kind of great coach that year.
The top teams this year are being led by player coaches (Dallas, New England, Indy, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, etc.)who do not jump, scream, and yell on the sidelines.
Dallas responds better to the jovial style of Wade Phillips and even New York has become a more disciplined bunch after the players had a come to Jesus meeting with their coach; telling him they DO NOT like his bullying style of coaching.
And speaking of Wade Phillips that is the man Arthur Blank should have hired after he stupidly fired Dan Reeves, instead of hiring that “frat boy” Jim Mora. The players LOVED and RESPECTED Wade Phillips.
I agree with Theo bring back Dan Reeves and bring back Michael Vick and lets play some football.
By Pete
December 12, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
I think that we should go after Cowher. If we he doesn’t want the job or we can’t afford him, then we need to sign Dan Reeves!
By wdm02
December 12, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
Who ever they decide to get, they need to get him as soon as possible to start prepping for the next few years. I’d hate to see McKay pull another lame duck in the draft and then hire a coach who has no use for them.
By Stay In School
December 12, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
Whoops…forgot to mention, the Danny fired Schottenheimer after one season to hire Steve “Sorry, I can’t coach, I’m playing golf right now” Spurrier.
By James
December 12, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
You people talking about no longer supporting the team and turning your back on the organization are NOT real fans and the Atlanta Falcons don’t need you nor do they want you around. I am a long suffering and loyal Atlanta Falcons fan and will continue to support the team and watch every game. When it gets tough, you don’t turn your back and walk away. Go Falcons!
By James
December 12, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
You people talking about no longer supporting the team and turning your back on the organization are NOT real fans and the Atlanta Falcons don’t need you nor do they want you around. I am a long suffering and loyal Atlanta Falcons fan and will continue to support the team and watch every game. When it gets tough, you don’t turn your back and walk away. Go Falcons!
By Marie
December 12, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Mark — Cowher would be the worst choice for this team. His style of ranting, raving, pushing, shoving, and spitting on players to get results is passe. Players simply DO NOT respond to that kind of hysterics anymore.
Even Rothlisberger and the other Steelers prefer the calm demeanor of Mike Tomlin over the bullying of Cowher. Yeah he won a Superbowl, but, most folks consider old lady luck having shined on Pittsburgh (Carson Palmer getting hurt, the kicker missing for Indy, bad officiating in the SuperBowl, etc., etc., etc.)that year more than Cowher being some kind of great coach that year.
The top teams this year are being led by player coaches (Dallas, New England, Indy, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, etc.)who do not jump, scream, and yell on the sidelines.
Dallas responds better to the jovial style of Wade Phillips and even New York has become a more disciplined bunch after the players had a come to Jesus meeting with their coach; telling him they DO NOT like his bullying style of coaching.
And speaking of Wade Phillips that is the man Arthur Blank should have hired after he stupidly fired Dan Reeves, instead of hiring that “frat boy” Jim Mora. The players LOVED and RESPECTED Wade Phillips.
I agree with Theo bring back Dan Reeves and bring back Michael Vick and lets play some football.
By Manny
December 12, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Mike Singletary.
By Ronnie D.
December 12, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Let’s interview Cowher, Singletary, and a couple of others who WANT to be part of Atlanta. Actually, we have a very talented group of players who need a leader/developer of talent. Arthur Blank was right on point with the “type” of coach that we needed. Petrino didn’t anticipate losing one of the most talented/gifted QBs to ever play the game. In all fairness, a lot of you reading this may have bailed out too (but probably at the end of the season).
By Retired Falcon Fan
December 12, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
**I retired from watching the falcons after they built the dome. Football was so much more fun outdoors. Right now the falcons have to many thugs, ex VA tech thugs. I could not stand to watch Vick, who could not even look people in the eye while speaking get paid millions. I knew he was a criminal way before he bought his first dog. He and his brother Marcus are druggie thugs. I did not watch the game against NO but no player should be wearing a free mike vick shirt or carrying any signs. I would cut them on the spot. There really needs to be a house cleaning in Atlanta to bring the team back to the fans. All the fans, not just those who show up with free tickets from the players or some charity group.
By SC45
December 12, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Its high time the Falcons clean house. Rich McKay should accept some responsibility for this nonsense he helped create by bringing in Patrino. He has also been very quiet of late. I personally think he knows he is walking on eggshells, and is trying to hide in the shadows. Falcon’s fans will support the team, if they would just stop making such bone headed decisions. This is still a good city for a team.
By We Ain't Marshall
December 12, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Here we go…. Let’s get ready for the T. Moore sermons about how either Denny Green or Art Shell would be the right fit, and be able to relate to these “gifted” athletes. Oh crap, I forgot.. Marvin Lewis is on the chopping block this year. Let T. stir, but someone like Cowher would finally realize that D. Hall is the most overrated corner in the league, Roddy White hasn’t earned “squat”, and Alge Crumpler can’t even push himself away from the dinner table. We need a coach with the stomach to come in and finish mopping up the remnants of this self-centered, dog-killin’, no coach-repectin’, hip-hoppin’, shameful era in Falcons history.
By Steve
December 12, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Here is a good one for you —- You Will Love This June Jones head coach Jerry Glanville defense coordinator Arthur you can catch them when they fly in to New Orleans
By doc
December 12, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Dan Rooney has stability in Pittsburg because he hires the coach and then gets out of the way. Blank is not capable of doing that so we will never have a consistant winner. Just ask Dan Reeves.
By mv23
December 12, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
Oh I love to see the Falcons self destruct. It warms my heart.
Just goes show money doesnt solve everything.
I would get rid of smackhead DeAngelo Hall and the other thugs supporting Vick still. They just dont know when to quit. He is a self admitted criminal if you support him you are piece of SShiitt.
By Dawg
December 12, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
The falcons won’t be able to win until they can pay their players as much as the other red & black team in the state.
By andy
December 12, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Hold on everybody the FALCONS still have the GREAT Brian Van Gorder that is the best coach in the business, if you don’t believe it ask him, If we’re lucky whoever Blank hires will get BVG out of the state of GA.
By Petey
December 12, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
SINGLETARY - he’s exactly what this team needs. Young, Hard-nosed, and he will immediately have the players respect (if he doesn’t its a lost cause).
SINGLETARY - Mark, this team is going to have at LEAST a 2 year building process. We can’t bring in an older coach that’s already burned out. We need a young guy that will be here for the long run. Singletary.
By ATLSteve
December 12, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
ARTtwosticks…7 playoff appearances and 4 in the AFC title game? You make that sound like a bad thing! As an Atlantan, I would love to see that LIAR in my city. If not Bill, Marty HAS to be the next coach.
By cashmere
December 12, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
THE FALCONS SHOULD GO FOR MIKE SINGLETARY
By brownsfan99
December 12, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Bill Cowher would not give the Falcons the time of day. Marty ball might be a good idea, if you want a coach who will take you to the playoffs, then blow it! Give the job to a certain ex-Bear defender and see what happens.
By Brett
December 12, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
I agree with you this time, Mark. Cowher is the definite and only choice for now. And, when the Dawgs play the Hogs, I hope that we repay Mr. Petrino…royally!!
By WILL
December 12, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
ARTHUR BLANK,I HOPE YOU READ THIS,YOU NEED TO GET ON YOUR KNEES,AND BEG,DAN REEVES TO COME BACK,LET HIM CONTROL,THIS TEAMM,IN ALL ASPECTS,I HAVE PUT UP WITH THIS CRAP OF ATEAM SINCE 1966,IKNOW YOU MEAN WELL,BUT,STICK TO SELLING NUTS AND BOLTS PLEASE,YOU ALL NEED TO DRAFT,MCFADDEN,AND DEFENSE,SIGN 3 GOOD OFFENSIVE LINEMAN,IN FREE AGENT POOL,AND GET DAN REEVES BACK,OR BILL COWHER, OR JIMMY JOHNSON,MY BIRTHDAY,IS NEXT WEEK,PLEASE GIVE ME A GIFT,AGOOD HEADCOACH,MEERY CHRISTMAS,BUT AS FAR AS JJ WE DONT HAVE A PLAYER,LIKE HERSHEL,WHO HE TRADED 13 FOR 1,TO BUILD A SUPERBOWL,
By Dirt Devil
December 12, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Clean House. The Dirty Bird era is cooked, black is what you wear to a funeral, and criminals belong in jail… I’m done with the mourning process.
Now, go back to the red, clean up your image, shave Artie’s mustache, find a quarterback (or steal one, fits our ATL theme), and hire a respectable coach. Wipe the slate clean, you can’t do any worse so start all over. Rebuilt the O-line to protect that guy called a QB, whip the defense into shape (gave up 34 pts to a 5-7 team), get your running backs healthy, train a quarter back to not lose the game for you, and win the games your suppose to win in your division…
BUT, it all starts with cleaing house and getting rid of the other cancers within. Free Mike Vick? Why don’t those who still support Vick go join him in jail. He lied, he cheated, and he personally destroyed a city, and that’s what we’ve found so far. A real coach wouldn’t put up with this kind of BS…
+1 on Cowher…
By LN
December 12, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Mark, please send me some of whatever you are smoking. Why would Cowher even consider such an inept, deadend organization such as the Falcons……….not to mention the meddling owner who makes all things worse.
By Dan Shenise
December 12, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Cowher would be an excellent choice. He has many similar qualities to Tony Dungy. Both are defensive minded, both require CHARACTER from their players, both are hard but fair men. Tony had/has an excellent relationship with Rich McKay in Tampa. A relationship that built the foundation for many years of playoff football and one Super Bowl win. I believe Cowher and McKay would see eye to eye on most football related issues and could potentially build a similar foundation here. Cowher would control the locker room, through respect, honor and integrity, not petty bullying, or whining like Petrino. I also think that Cowher has the integrity not to hold Blank over the barrel over money.
By Dee
December 12, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I have not watched the Falcons all year for 2 reasons. The first being there really is no team without Mike Vick as you can clearly see secondly, and I knew Petrino was no good for the Falcons the day that he arrived. He was very vocal in the media and he did not know anything about the team, which makes him an idiot. The team is better off without him. Now, they need to work on getting Vick back on the field and they may salvage this organization. I do hope they continue to go down hill though, only because they did not stand up for their fallen soldier during his ordeal. Except for the acts by DeAngelo Hall and Roddy White during the Saints game, I have not heard any of the players stand up for him and that makes me angry. This is just about the best the Falcons can do without Mike Vick so, they should just prepare themselves the a bad season and look forward to vick returning to the team and taking them to the Superbowl. And to all the Vick haters, don’t even waste your time responding to my comments on this because anyone who thinks a dog deserves better treatment than a man is too stupid for me to even have a conversation with anyway, so I won’t even be reading anything after my post. See ya!!
By jp
December 12, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Wow, such strong opinions by certain individuals who wont be named about a fallen falcon. Number 7 committed a crime and should pay for his transgressions. To belittle him in every way, shape and manner sounds like hatred, maybe borderline racist.
In reference to the coach who I was not fond of but started to support because he was a falcon, I expected nothing better so I am hurt for the organization but not bitter because of the nature of his past actions. Though Dan Reeves was not the most popular person to the average sometime falcon fans, Dan was a stable presence through the good and bad times. I think that Dan deserves some consideration as well as Jeff Jagodzinski, Tony Sparano, Jason Garrett, Jim Caldwell, Rob Chudzinski, Rex Ryan, Mike Singletary and Tim Lewis.
Bill Cower, Bill Parcells and Pete Carroll would give you a big name but the return on your investment may not match. Due to their past success, they would command a huge salary and anything less than a superbowl would turn this city of fare weathered fans cold enough to relocate the franchise. Wildcard coaches who should also be considered is Steve Mariucci, Mike Martz and Dennis Green. With that being said, I dont feel that there is a slam dunk candidate available right now.
As for Number 7 supporters and haters, may God bless you the way you bless others with your words and thoughts.
By TommyGator
December 12, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
So, really, deep down, are you surprised to find out that Petrino is a raging opportunist? Come on, now. Remember the Auburn fiasco? At one time, I thought Petrino would look good on the Gator sideline. Thank God, Jeremy Foley and Bernie Machen, that did NOT happen.
I say all that to say: Mr. Blank, please get out of the way, get some football people in there , and let them run the place. I’ve been a Falcon fan by default) since day one of the franchise (the only game on TV in those days in the Florida panhandle was the Falcon game). I’ve watched these guys lose ,more games and waste more talent than any other sports franchise in my experience. And I’ve never seen the Falcons at this low of a low point.
I think Arthur Blank’s heart is in the right place, but I believe his organizational skill have been trumped by his willingness to place his faith in the thugs and opportunists of the NFL. Thank God for college sports…..
By kool$kat
December 12, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
MARK RICHT!MARK RICHT!MARK RICHT!
He deserves a shot. He can do it.
MARK RICHT!MARK RICHT!MARK RICHT!
By die hard falcons fan
December 12, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
What a selfish sob! He came to ATLANTA and straight up rob Mr. Blank of his millions.
I demand MR Blank go after Petrino’s $$$ and bonus money like he trying to go after a FRANCHISE PLAYER’s $$$ whom by the way should come back to ATLANTA because we support him.
FIRE MCKAY!
I was at the game and I never been so quiet at a Falcons game, Redman should have start since game one.
Joey and Bryon needs to go in the offseason
Stop drafting sorry defensive players in the first round. IS THERE ANY REASON WHY we didnt get that dude that went to the Texans??!?
Who did we get in return for giving up the best Returner in the NFL in Rossum??
WHY for the love of Jesus, Mary and Jospeh did we give away Patrick Kearney to Seattle Seahawks?!? He was the heart and soul of the Defense! I miss that dude who know how to get the crowd involve on critical downs!!
I coulda sworn I was at a funeral MONDAY night!!!
At least I got a shot at getting season tickets now =)
in the meantime, HEEHAW how about them Cowboys!!
Note to GA TECH and GA BULLDOGS Atlhetic Directors please schedule a game against the Razorbacks so we can cuss out Petrino on the football field!
By Get A Life ajc sports dept.
December 12, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Don’t laught but Lou Holtz did the EXACT same thing to the Jets years ago.
Get Marty Schottenheimer (he lives in Charlotte). Let him bring his son and brother with him (daughter and sister if he wants).
He will turn it around like Sherholtz did for the Braves. He will make the Falcons a consistent 10 win team in no time.
By athensdawg
December 12, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Marty Schottenheimer.
Sure he “can’t win the big game” but he can build a winning football team. We cant win any game right now…
Hire Schottenheimer and give him the 5 year task of rebuilding the football team and grooming and choosing a successor….
By KP
December 12, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
With my favorite team being the Steelers and me being an Atlanta resident, I would LOVE to have Coach Cowher here in Atlanta!
If not Bill, then Mike Singletary!
By dougmo
December 12, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Mike Singletary is the answer. He will not take any crap from MeAngelo Hall,
By PsychoJES
December 12, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Why should anyone be upset that Patrino left? This is not the same Falcons team that he was hired to coach a year ago. When he was hired, the team had potential (and a quarterback).
A year later, Patrino’s asked to start from scratch. I don’t blame him for leaving at all.
Instead of trying to win, he’s had to deal with the Vick-situation, Deangelo Hall, and not having a quarterback.
By WILL
December 12, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
GET SOMEONE GOOD,WE ARE GETTING OLD, ALL WE WANT IS A SUPER BOWL WIN BY THE ATLANTA FALCONS,ARTHUR BLANK,YOU NEED TO GIVE PART OWNERSHIP, OF THIS FRANCHISE,TO GET JJ, COWHER, OR PARCELLS,GET RID OF PLAYERS, THAT DONT WANT TO PLAY,WE NEVER HAD THIS CRAP, WHEN,MR DAN REEVES, WAS COACHING, WE HAD A GOOD DEFENSE,CHRIS CHANDLER, QB,JAMAL ANDERSON, RBGOOD OFFENSIVE LINE,=REMEMBER ASUPER BOWL.NOT A WIN BUT NOT,3-13 EITHER, I KNOW WE WILL LOSE THE NEXT THREE,BECAUSE THIS TEAM HAS NO PLAYMAKERS,I DONT KNOW WHATS WORSE, THE SMITHS,OR YOU, MAYBE ITS LIKE EVERYBODY SAYS,THE CITY OF ATLANTA IS JINXED,BETWEEN BRAVES,FALCONS,TRASHERS,AND THE AWFUL HAWKS,I CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE, AFTER CHRIST,THANK GOD FOR THE BULLDOGS,AND GEORGIA TECH IN THE FUTURE, WITH PAUL JOHNSON THERE.ARTHUR,GET RID OF RICH MCCAY,USE YOUR MONEY TO GET US A WINNER,WE THE FANS DESERVE ONE, SINCE,1966.WHERE IS PLAYERS, LIKE NOBIS,VAN NOTE,ZOOK,CLAUDEHUMPHREY,AND A COACHNAMED LEEMAN BENNET
By garrett
December 12, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
It’s becoming more and more clear that Blank: a) ain’t that bright. Or, b) his vanity clouds his better judgment. He is a great people person/salesman, and his drive to be a billionaire (vanity) is how he succeeded at Home Depot. He obviously wasn’t the one making the management/operations decisions or judging character of executive hirings there.
How he can be so clueless as to put his mug on MNF (again, vanity) for fifteen minutes in the midst of what was happening under his nose tells us all we need to know. I understand you are walking a fine line in your position as far as how much you can rip Blank, but let’s face it: this guy is the main problem here. McKay, Mora, Vick, and Petrino all stem from Blank not being able to assess personality/talent and being snowed as a result.
All we can hope is that he lucks into a good GM hire and gets the hell out of the way. Needless to say, McKay needs to go now and we need to start with a clean slate.
By PsychoJES
December 12, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Here’s six reasons Bobby Patrino will not be successfull at Arkansas either….
Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
Good luck, Bobby. Should have stayed at Louisville!
By kool$kat
December 12, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
People! Mark Richt is the man. Hire St. Mark, Mr. Blank. He won’t lie to you!
By ABC
December 12, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Make Cowher the GM and Head Coach. Give him the power to turn this team around. Get rid of McKay, he’s made poor choices for us.
By RB
December 12, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
what about Jerry Glanville? is he available?
By terrell barron
December 12, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Cowher and Parcells will not come here as long as McCay is still around. Like Parcells once said, IF I’M GOING TO COOK THE FOOD, I HAVE TO BUY THE GROCERIES. They want to be GM and Head Coach, my friends.
By joe
December 12, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Someone in the blog mentioned Van Gorder. Is he w/ the Falcons??
By D.Ellis
December 12, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
I read in ESPN preseason magazine that one assistant coach from another team said he didn’t know of any coach that would want to coach the locker room of me first out of control players like the Falcons had. Guess he was right.
This organization needs some kind of stability. They need a foundation. They need to start back from the beginning. We need to look at this organization as an expansion team. They need to start over from scratch. We have holes everywhere. We are aging in numerous positions.
We start at the top…HEAD COACH…then we work our way down. Do i blame him for leaving…nope not at all. IS he a coward….yes I believe he can be labeled that. Was he run out of town by his players….yeah I think so…the players never respected him from the word go. So waht does that say about the players? That they a need a no nonsense coach who doesn’t take crap from anyone no matter who they are. However that coach must have NFL cred. That coach must be willing to start from scratch and so should the owner. This is not a quick fix team. This team needs LB’s. This team needs OL. This team needs Interior DL. This team needs a SS and FS. This team needs a big RB. This team needs a QB.But most of all this team needs a COACH. this team needs a coach with NFL cred. A coach with Super Bowl exp. A Coach with a DEFENSIVE MINDSET. A coach who can relate to NFL players..because he was one for some time. THis team needs alot of things…but this team really needs Mike Singletary.
By Randy Wilson
December 12, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Get on both knees and beg Mr.Reeves to come back!If he refuses then go to Cower!
By Chan Gailey's Designated Driver
December 12, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
There’s a lot of decent unemployed NFL coaches out there. Take Chan Gailey. PLEASE!!!!
I’ll be here all week…don’t forget to tip your servers…is this thing on?
By Scooter
December 12, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Art Twosticks might be the worst writer I have ever experienced. Learn to speak Artie….
By Greg Leader
December 12, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
What about Doug Plank???
Former player, done wonders in the AFL and Arthur Blank already knows the type of man and coach he is.
By Darth Hater
December 12, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
“Blank should go get Cowher” - Mark Bradley
Blank should go violate himself with a power drill in Hell.
On a side note, I would gladly buy a ticket from Mr. Blank to watch Mr. Vick (try to) outrun roadside bombs in Iraq.
By Dave
December 12, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
I would call Cowher first if he turns it down my next call would be to Mike Singletary. Reality is the best players the Falcons have are on the defensive side of the ball. Singletary as an African American coach could bring this team and fans together that has fragmented by the loss of Vick.
By MV23
December 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Hiddy Ho, This is Michael Vick texting you from jail.
Please no longer refer to me as “MV7”.
Like Prince and Didly P, I am chaging my nickname.
Please refer to me now as “MV23”.
Have a blessed day.
Sincerely,
MV23
By bob from winder
December 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
**no Black qb’s or Coaches please!!! havent we learned our lesson yet?
By Jim P.
December 12, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Bill Cower is a good choice, but I dont think he will come to the Falcons for any amount of money. On the other hand, what about Marty Schottenheimer? He built from scratch, not one, not two but three teams that made the play offs. The Browns, Kansas City, and the Chargers. I think he has alot to prove to San Diego for firing him and I think “Marty Ball” is the way to go!
By BC
December 12, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
NFL owners need to realize that that Joe College “I am your King” approach does not work in the pros. Also, Vick could be on the field right now if Blank supported him from the beginning. Think about it. These billionaire NFL owners are some of the most powerful men in America who are well connected with political and law enforcement officials. Remember when Michael Irvin was going through his cocaine stuff? Jerry Jones helped him get back on the field with minimal long-term harm. Cowboys GM Tex Schramm also helped his players (Harvey Martin, Tony Hill, Tony Dorsett a.k.a. “The Cocaine Cowboys” in the 1980s. The real reason the ATL will never have a winner is because the owners and fans don’t put winning absolutely first and foremost above all else – they’re too busy looking for guys that they “like.” GO COWBOYS!!!
By Raymond
December 12, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
I am not sure if even Bill Cowher wants to walk into a situation where the entire team has pretty much “cratered” the entire season due to the Michael Vick fiasco. Especially considering that the Falcons might not be able to recoup the US$20 million in bonus money from Vick, which means a multimillion-dollar hit against the salary cap for the next two seasons.
By Eddie
December 12, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Bring in The Chin!!!!
By Skip
December 12, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
How many bad hires can Arthur Blank make? First Rich McKay, vastly overrated as a GM and as a judge of talent. Then Jim Mora, the boy coach who was not ready for primetime. Finally, Backdoor Bobby Petrino, expert at the cut-and-run maneuver.
Skip Haas
By GoFalconers_CJ
December 12, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
STOP. Please, stop the ‘Free Michael Vick’. He is not a political prisoner. He confesed to a crime… just let it go.
Back to Football, Atlanta has a few issues here. Starts at the top with the owner and GM, just like the winless Dolphins, they are making wrong descisions in personal.
I think they should go with a young talent (Mike Singletary) or perhaps a first time coach that was an ex player (Russ Grimm) to fire them up. This team needs a change in attitude and a new QB. For every Caron Palmer, there is an Akili Smith/Tim Couch/Eli Manning/David Carr/Joey Harrinton etc, so going with a QB with their first round may not be the way to go. Good luck to us all as we watch this team in the future…
By scott
December 12, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Why would Bill Cowher come here when he has a home in North Carolina and the Panther’s job is about to be open?
The Falcons need to wait to see all of the head coaches who are available instead of jumping the gun and hiring a guy like Petrino, who nobody really wanted on the NFL level. Marty Sch., Dan Reeves, or even Joe Gibbs is needed here for about 4 years to settle the ship. Remember how the Rams went from nothing to Super Bowl champs and contenders under Dick V. No more college coaches or wonderkids, with all due respect to Jason Garrett, he needs to call plays for my Cowboys another year so we can get back to back Super Bowl wins. P.S. the Falcons should have hired Wade Phillips last year when they had the chance. But thanks, we love him in Dallas.
Look on the bright side, the Falcons still are not the Miami Dolphins.
By Jake
December 12, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
This is the best news the Falcons have had all year. An offence based on 3 yard passes won’t work.
By fred b.
December 12, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Good riddance to Petrino! I was suprised to say the least when he was hired because i didn’t think a college coach was the way to go. a part of me can’t blame him after not knowing he would have to deal with this mess but this is what he does. Arkansas better beware ‘cause if he did this to the Falcons he’ll definitely do it to them when things get rough or a better opportunity presents itself. He’s in the SEC now with a lot of ground to make up. Let’s just see how patient the folks in Pig country are when things don’t turn