AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBlank makes a mistake by rushing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Flowery Branch — Arthur Blank wants to light a fuse. Arthur Blank wants to end this nightmare. Arthur Blank wants to change perceptions, blow up images, save the world, create some buzz, salvage ticket renewals, sell sponsorships, win games, and he wants to do all of this in roughly seven minutes.
This is what Arthur Blank really needs to do: Take a breath.
Arthur, this is the holiday season, but you are no longer in retail. Chill.
Blank shot high. It’s great to shoot high. But only Bill Cowher qualifies as shooting high. Bill Parcells qualifies as shooting in the dark.
Bill Cowher coached one team for 15 seasons. Bill Parcells coached four teams, including three in a span of 14 years. He slept with several others.
The Falcons need stability. Bill Parcells has never so much as dated stability.
Blank has been lied to by his starting quarterback (Michael Vick) and played by his head coach (Bobby Petrino). He merely was used by Parcells. At least this time, he was misled by a guy with a strong resume.
But why Parcells? What was the rush?
“That’s one thing about Arthur — he likes to make a splash,” tight end Alge Crumpler said, when it appeared Parcells was heading to the Falcons. “When he hired Petrino — I know his search was thorough, but he seemed to hire him pretty fast.”
Splash is overrated. Buzz is overrated. Splash and buzz only get you to the opening kickoff. Blank is correct in believing that his next hire needs to create a sense of credibility. He is incorrect if he believes that credibility has to arrive in the form of a 72-point headline.
Blank has told Rich McKay that he’s done calling the shots. That’s a start. But the owner needs to step back and understand that there are several potential general managers capable of fixing this mess. Floyd Reese (formerly of Tennessee), Tom Donohoe (Pittsburgh and Buffalo), even Billy Devaney (Falcons assistant GM) come to mind.
Forget the headline. Just bring in someone with a plan.
Yes, Parcells would have brought credibility, at least initially. He knows football. He knows personnel. And, said Crumpler: “I know he loves football enough to keep dying his hair for that camera.” I think that was a compliment.
But there is one thing Parcells loves more than football: being pursued. He has retired and unretired so often that the WBC is considering ranking him. He takes jobs. He leaves jobs. He vows never to return. Then he plays footsy all over again. He is Hamlet in togs.
Blank should have known better. You do not speed through red lights to get Bill Parcells because he’ll just make you look bad. Ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who still have a signed contract by Parcells somewhere in a desk. “Parcells has coached here four times for 12 minutes,” said Gary Shelton of the St. Petersburg Times.
Parcells knows how to motivate players. But he wouldn’t have been the coach. Can you motivate from the balcony?
He would’ve had to overhaul this roster. But he is 66 years old — older than the owner. When he resigned from the Dallas Cowboys after season, Parcells looked and sounded beaten down.
He won Super Bowls with the New York Giants and he made it there with New England. But he has not won a playoff game since 1998. He did not quit a job to the extreme that Bobby Petrino quit a job, but in a sense he did something far worse: He coached New England in the Super Bowl while negotiating his next job with the New York Jets.
A truckload of negatives should have screamed to Blank to proceed with caution. If at all.
In his statement Wednesday, Blank said: “We remain committed to looking at every option for building a championship-caliber team for our fans. I have stated we will leave no stone unturned in doing so, and this effort is one example of that.”
Looking under that stone: not a problem. But Blank’s chase of Parcells smacked of emotion at best, panic at worse. The Falcons’ problems aren’t going away with one hire. They’re certainly not going away with one headline.
Arthur: Take a breath.
Permalink | Comments (179) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By jerome
December 19, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Dennis Green be good for Falcons.
By Singletary
December 19, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Yeehaa! Tuna is not coming here because he didn’t want to have McKay in his chain of command. He wanted total control.
That also means we can hire Mike Singletary, who would not have been hired by Parcells. I’m a great believer that with his intensity he can make even mediocre players into a playoff caliber team.
By The Old Goober
December 19, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
I think the very best choice for CEO and GM of the Falcons is none other than Martha Stewart!! She would restore instantaneous law and order in the locker room with her cupcakes and her assortment of munchies and she and Arthur would be great together on TV. And I would bring in Rosie O’Donnell to be the head coach. She most certainly would take control of our band of brothers and their RonMexico-loving costumes. We could continue to make laughing stocks of ourselves throughout the NFL and have a lot more fun in the process. Oh, and I would hire Donald Trump to roam the sidelines as a team “consultant” and advise the players how to build wealth while the game is in progress. Forget about winning, let’s just have a lot of fun while we watch the Falcons players make mistake after mistake after mistake after mistake. It’s all entertainment to watch the Falcons organization from top to bottom as they imitate the Keystone Kops!!!!
By Al
December 19, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Take a breath Arthur. It was easy finding Peyton Manning but not so easy finding Tom Brady or Tony Romo. There are only 32 NFL teams and a few billion people in the world. There certainly are a few qualified candidates.
Deion Sanders, maybe one.
By watchyourback
December 19, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Jeff, you are right. Arthur Blank needs to slow down and really think through who he is hiring and why. You have to wonder if at this point he is even capable of thinking this through and seeking some sound advice. Even he must be questioning his own judgement, or lack thereof.
On an unrelated note, I think you better watch your back. Terence Moore was just on ESPN cackling hysterically like a witch while he threw Arthur Blank under the bus with such vitriol one has to wonder if old Terence isn’t a tad bit anti-semitic. Watch your back.
By AJC BLOWS
December 19, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
Schultz and the rest of the AJC need to take a breath and not rush to opening their mouths. Half the crap they spat out will eventually come up wrong. Remember the Schultz retraction a week or two ago? These AJC writers need to stop watching ESPN for their next headline. Research and report…it’s not that hard. Stop trying to make a news splash by trying to be a Falcon or UGA homer when you can’t get half the stuff correct.
By John
December 19, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Excellent back seat driving. Good, uh…work. I eagerly await your insight on the next Falcons development.
By Will
December 19, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Singletary has no experience & Green couldn’t even get it done in Arizona. We need someone that’s a proven winner with experience. Our last two head coaches had no NFL head coach experience. Zero.
By Drayton Xavier
December 19, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Exactly. Take a chill pill. It has been a bad year, and that will not be changed by a quick (but not well-thought out) announcement. It was a trip to read Parcells in the paper today, already talking about how he was going to hire a new GM for the Falcons. This looks a little nutty now that he’s going to the Dolphins.
By Theo
December 19, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Jesus. Parcells would’ve brought immediate credibility, yes, but he would’ve been gone in two years, leaving a bigger mess than Bobby P. I think that Jeff is right - AB needs to slow down, let the season finish, let the players rest for, I dunno, a day, maybe, and then move on a new GM and Coach in January.
Singletary will still be available to talk to then. No need to hurry. Hurry screwed us last winter…
By Theo
December 19, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Jesus. Parcells would’ve brought immediate credibility, yes, but he would’ve been gone in two years, leaving a bigger mess than Bobby P. I think that Jeff is right - AB needs to slow down, let the season finish, let the players rest for, I dunno, a day, maybe, and then move on a new GM and Coach in January.
Singletary will still be available to talk to then. No need to hurry. Hurry screwed us last winter…
By B.K. Yardigan
December 19, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Parcells coming in and actually sticking to his GM, Parcells and a Quality Head Coach plan was worth Mr. Blank pursuing immediately. It’s not his fault that Parcells’ narcisstic personality disorder ignited and blew up the deal. I applaud him for jumping at that opportunity for the benefit of the team and his fans, and even more so that he slammed the door on this Nutjob before he could have come in and done even more damage! If he didn’t take a shot and the Dolphins announced Parcells’ hiring, we all know Schultz would have written a column about why is Blank taking his time?! I’m betting on Blank!
By Tommy Maddox
December 19, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Greene? No.
Singletary? No. What has he won?
Dieon? Joke.
Someone with a proven record - not just someone who coached somewhere - yep.
I was wrong. Mr. Blank has all the money in the world and no one wants to come here. What a bummer.
By WHOOAAAHH
December 19, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
why is everyone in love with Singletary….the guy has zero experience. None. If you want a defensive coach w/ a great track record then look at Mike Zimmer’s bio. Please, do some research people before you post this @#$@#$…
By Daniel
December 19, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
parcells used the falcons like he did 21 years ago to get a better deal with the giants and now a better deal with the Dolphins, Parcells likes the dolphins because they have a better chance to turn thier misery around faster then the Falcons, Dolphins have abetter defense and yes, Parcells would love to face his arch rival Bob Kraft and Billicheck. All Mike singletary has done in the Nfl has been being on a very bad Niner team, as a LB coach not even a coordinator, Falcons cannot risk another Dan henning situation, Go safe, the choice must be Coach marty, the former Charger coach, yes his playoff record is dismal, But come on this is the falcons, Who cares about playoff records, we just want to win regular season games, marty’s history says he can do this, I’d go after him right now
By Whopper Dog
December 19, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
Glad the Tuna didn’t come. Here is what you do. Drastic times call for drastic measures. Hire Cowher. Now. Hire him and pay him for 08, but he starts in 09. Give him complete control and with Blank’s resources, you will have a champion in short order and for a long period of time. Hire him now. He needs to have input into the draft in 08, but that is it. Let whomever coach the team in 2008, I don’t care, no way this bunch wins more than four in 07 anyway. Cut ticket prices to fill the stands, have great and mean great promotions and entertainment pre and post game and a half. Sell the game as an event and make it one, and with Cowher coming in 2009, the stands will fill. That will fix it and fix it long term. Create a Bill Veeck atmosphere for 2008 and when your football is good enough to be your product, go back to football. Think about it, not a bad plan vs the alternative.
Whopper Dawg
By paul
December 19, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Here’s the thing we should remember: Arthur Blank is a genius businessman. But it most likely took a few miscues for him to guide Home Depot, but he ended up doing OK there…
Alright, look: he needs to take time, and also to be a little more in the background. They need a stable guy with a reasonable plan. What they don’t need is the “flavor-of-the-month”. I don’t know (or care) what happened to the Parcells deal, but there has to be someone somewhere who wants this job (and the $$ that goes with it)
By Dewayne
December 19, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
How about Marty? Hell he can help Atlanta. I mean he got fired for being 14-2 hahaha, and he did a good job with Cleveland back in road block days of John Elway!! Hell let’s get crazy and get Jerry Glanville, June Jones, or Dick Vermil nothing like seeing a man cry on the side lines hahaha
By Curt in Atlanta
December 19, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Jeff, I must admit that I don’t usually agree with you, but in this case I will make an exception.
Mr. Blank needs to relax, allow the season to come to an end, and then see who is available in the normal merry-go-round that happens as all the teams reshuffle.
He doesn’t need to force the issue at this point. What he needs to do is allow all of the NFL scenarios to unfold, do his homework and then it will work out. What he doesn’t need to do is bring in some old, worn out retreads. This team needs new invigoration and innovation. He needs to think outside the “box” (pun intended).
One of the liabilities concerning our team is it’s terrible history. I imagine that was one of the reasons that Cowher passed. I’ve lived here since 1973, so I know what I’m talking about.
So, Arthur, enjoy the holidays, get rested and refreshed, then you can come out swinging after the Big Game. As an added plus, rethink the level of your participation in the day-to-day operations. When you ran Home Depot, you delegated brilliantly. It wasn’t necessary for you to don an apron and make sure all was going smoothly on aisle 9. You need to do the same with this team.
By Malone
December 19, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Please!…
If Parcells had said yes, everyone would be thrilled. Huizenga threw more money at him. Bad luck. Move on.
By NC_Falconfan
December 19, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
I remember,Hecker(vaguely),Van Brocklin,Cambell,Peppler(remember him?),Bennett(3rd best we ever had),Henning,Campbell(again,because Smith could not get anyone who wanted to coach this team!12 games,sound familiar?),Hanifan(interim…lol),Glanville(great defensive man.(That QB in Green Bay would have NEVER been what he is without Glanville!),Jones(lol),Reeves(had a chance,but this IS the Falcons)Phillips(Wade)Best w/p(@2&1) of any coach for Falcons ever,time will tell in Dallas),Mora(2nd best ever w/p,probably not head coach again, not soon anyways)Petrino ( I agree with Malloy… COWARD,Thomas(interim….?).
In the words of Bill Goldberg… WHO’S NEXT?????
By Dewayne
December 19, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
Why would you want Parcells? He can’t even coach his way through a Jenny Craig diet, so he surent couldnt coach the Falcons!!! Deion can’t even tackle, so how could he even show how to do the fundamentals?!?! Cowher wants a job where everything is in place, so he can look good!! Its not the Falcons!! Parcells took Miami, because he can sit on the beach and get fatter with the over payment the Dolphins made for him!!!
By Ima Loser
December 19, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
Lets face it-the Falcons are a contagious cancer. Top mgt. picking coaches/players is about as good as the Heisman morons and their picks. Remember a few years ago when Peyton Manning was not chosen? Do you remember who that player was who “won”?Does anyone remember how “that player” turned out in the pros? Do you remember the Heisman morons DID NOT pick McFadden(AZ) this year? Enough said?
By long time falcon
December 19, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Parcels has no credibility as a great front office man. He didn’t build either of the two teams he took to the super bowl. And if he was going to hire a GM and a coach exactly what role was he going to play after he made those two hires? And what GM is going to want to come in and have an overbearing a*******hole like parcels looking over there shoulder every day. I didn’t like this idea and I’m glad the deal fell thru. I would be willing to bet that there will be disharmony in Miami in the near future between Parcels and whom ever he decides to hire. My advice to blank is to hire ron wolf as a consultant to help him in the search for a new GM. Once a good GM is on board then let him hire the coach.
By bill
December 19, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
LEAVE AUTHER BLANK ALONE. HE’S THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN TURN THIS TEAM AROUND. IT WON’T BE T MOORE OR JEFF SCHULTZ OR ANY OF THE MEDIA. AUTHER BLANK IS DOING EVERYTHING HE CAN SO GIVE HIM A BREAK. IT’S HIS MONEY. TO HECK WITH PARCELLS. BLANK NEEDS TO GET SOMEONE WHO WILL CLEAN HOUSE, AND GET RID OF ALL THE DEAD WEIGHT, STARTING WITH HALL DUNN AND CRUMPBLER AND HORN. GIVE BLANK TIME HE WILL CLEAN IT UP.
By Mike
December 19, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Schultz, you prove time and time again what a moron you are. Parcells almost went to Miami less than a month ago. The only thing that stopped him was his belief that there would be new owners down there by next season. The assurance from Huizenga that he wasn’t selling the team is the only thing that got Parcells to turn down Atlanta. This was a great attempt at a bold move by Blank. Give the man credit for trying. This team needs a personnel guy before it needs a coach, Parcells was and is the #1 man in the business. Not going after him would have been bad business.
By Navigator
December 19, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
Although I have no proof, the big Tuna changed his mind after talking to Blank, and went to Miami. I really think that what Blank said affected the decision. Things like: We need a certain kind of QB, we need big mouth defensive backs that regularly get burned on deep routes, we want to appease all special interest groups in the state, and oh yeah play football too!
By BIRD WATCHER
December 19, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
ARTIE NEEDS TO HIRE HIMSELF HAS COACH. SINCE NO COACH COULD WIN WITH THIS ROSTER ,IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO COACHES. THEN THE ORGAN GRINDER CAN DO HIS OWN TEAM PRAYER; STAND ON THE SIDELINES LOOKING BRILLIANT AND EVERY TIME THE BIG BIRD SQUIRTS A TURD, HE CAN FLY AROUND THE FIELD LIKE A CLOWN. ERGO, HE CAN BE OWNER, COACH AND MASCOT AND SAVE A PILE OF GREEN DOING IT! SORT OF A THREE STOOGES IN ONE SET UP. PERFECT!
By dr soul
December 19, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
I think Blank has proven his ineptness at this job of ‘ownership’manager..he does not have Bernie covering for him anymore…he needs to get a committee of REAL football people together to advise and lead him through the maze of, for one time in the entire franchise, putting a real management team in place, then find him a seat far up in the corner of the stands, shut up and become invisible…his moves have not been very professional nor approached very smartly…he needs to get the ego off the table and try and be smart… facts speak louder than words, Arthur…find someone who really knows football AND management and give them the reins to find you a staff..and stay out of their way..
By Dan
December 19, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
Will the Smiths buy the Falcons again? At least Rankin got us the the Superbowl with a great coach. Of course Arthur fired Dan Reeves because he wanted a young energized Home Depot Manager like Mora JR. Blank is the cancer. That’s why Parcells didn’t want to come here. He already worked for Jerry Jones. Why would he want another situation like that?
By Tom The Terrible
December 19, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Since no one of good reputation will coach this bunch of misfits, let them coach each other…
By John
December 19, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
I was all for Parcells since day 1, but I’m glad he is not coming now, especially if he was never going to coach. We need that “proven” coach/GM to be the same person, for now anyway. Marty Schottenheimer would be the only “proven” one left to choose from. Who else is really left? Arthur really messed up letting Dan Reeves go. I would go and tell him that personally, and beg him for a second chance to right the ship.
By Fatalbert
December 19, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank needs to kick back and relax for the holidays….then call Marty Schottenhiemer on Jan. 2.
By Chrono
December 19, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
You’re wrong, Jeff. Blank needs to make a big splash, and fast. The fans and the team need something to give them hope and to put this season behind us. The longer the Falcons’ ship goes without a rudder, the worse things get. A big name like Parcells would have had this town talking all through the off-season, but in a good way. It was a great idea, and if it had gone through we’d all be excited. Instead, its just another instance of Blank/Falcons organization looking like a smacked a$$. Every hire is a gamble, but Blank keeps coming up empty.
By GTME87
December 19, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
All Atlanta Falcons fans should be proud that Mr. Blank is at least trying to get the best available/most proven. Keep on trying and you will get it right. Sooner or later our luck will turn as long as we have an owner that wants to do the right thing.
By Jack Sheet
December 19, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Bill Parcells is a “failed human being”.
We just dodged a bullet.
Showing his true (lack of) character he just used Blank to jack up his Miami offer.
Please Arthur hire someone who will be loyal to you and the team not to their ego!
By Lou
December 19, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Jeff, I detect a little bit of Jelousy in your article. I have never been a fan of the Tuna, however all I have seen is success where ever he has been, Giants, Jets, Patriots and the Boys. He knows how to put teams together. You make him sound like he is not worth it. If Blank had landed him your tune would be different. Lou
By BIRDY
December 19, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
PLEASE FORGET DAN REEVES. HE HAS A GOOD SEASON ONCE EVERY TEN YEARS. I KNOW THAT WOULD BE A HUGE IMPROVEMENT FOR THIS SORDID FRANCHISE BUT WE CAN DO BETTER. MOREOVER HIS DRAFT RECORD IS ABYSMAL. JAMMI GERMAN ANYONE? MARTY IS SHOT [NO PUN HERE]. LET’S AIM HIGHER OR SHIP THIS WRECK OUT OF HERE.
By big fabric softena'
December 19, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Okee Dokee d******* read this learn this love this…Prime Time new coach after all if he can build a house he can build a team M.C. Hammer is G.M. Hammer can’t touch ‘em Team Pastor Eugene Robinson move hq back to falcon complex President of Operations Jerry Glanville follow my advice and we will be 2legit2quit hey hey no need to thank me I got pm phd in genius
By Chrono
December 19, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
You’re wrong, Jeff. Blank needs to make a big splash, and fast. The fans and the team need something to give them hope and to put this season behind us. The longer the Falcons’ ship goes without a rudder, the worse things get. A big name like Parcells would have had this town talking all through the off-season, but in a good way. It was a great idea, and if it had gone through we’d all be excited. Instead, its just another instance of Blank/Falcons organization looking like a smacked a$$. Every hire is a gamble, but Blank keeps coming up empty.
By Falcon consultant
December 19, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
O.K. here is what arthur blank needs to do. Team up floyd reese as GM and marty shottenheimer as coach to get this sorry franchise on track. Reese has a proven track record as a very good and underrated GM. Did you know that he had 3 rookie of the year picks in 11 seasons as GM of the titans. From 1999-2006, reese was 3rd in the NFL in draft choices that remained playing in the league. The guy is solid and would love to get back in the game. And marty shottenheimer has made every team he’s coached a perennial playoff participant. I know people will gripe about his playoff record but hell we need to get there before we get to cocky. I would rather be b*** about playoff failures every year than this crap we have going on right now. These two moves might not be as flashy as cowher or parcels but they would get us to the playoffs. Take my advice Blank and make those two phone calls and this franchise will be on it’s way to respectibilty.
By George Holman
December 19, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
No one credible is going to work for Blank as long as he micro manages EVERYTHING….and I mean EVERYTHING. Get of the sideline Arthur, bring in some real professionals, and LET THEM DO THEIR JOBS WITHOUT YOUR INTERFERENCE.
I would not want to work in any environment where the owner is omni-present and ever second guessing.
By Murray
December 19, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Blank is a control freak…maybe his wife should coach the team…
By Murray
December 19, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Blank is a control freak…maybe his wife should coach the team…
By War Eagle
December 19, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Mr Blank get your wallet out and call Coach Mike at Seattle, invite him as a Atlanta resident and bring some of those Auburn players(5) with him.
By Orlando Rivera
December 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
No coach worth his salt will want to fix this mess unless he has a serious God complex. I appreciate Blank for giving his best to make a big splash, but you could have Parcells, Lombardi and Tom Landry on the sidelines and it still doesn’t matter if you don’t put together the right talent on the field.
The problem is that Atlanta is now a wasteland for anyone in the NFL. That said, it’s probably best to make Hue Jackson the coach and have him put together an offense in the draft. No reputable person like a Mike Singletary type will want to come here, so Atlanta will need to get seriously lucky and hope whomever they draft will develop into a team.
Hire a low level personnel guy to become GM. The players will come together if you bring in an offense that everyone will want to play in.
Seriously Blank, stay under the radar for a while. For the past 3 years the Falcons have become a national joke not to be taken seriously.
Whomever wants to be GM of this operation should just draft offensive players to set up Jackson’s offense and begin to weed out those veterans who don’t want to be here. Live with a couple of 5-11 seasons and by 2010 make a serious effort to bring in some coach with talent.
Just stay off the radar for now Blank. Thanks.
By Jolt of Reality
December 19, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
If Arthur Blank is not careful, the Betrayno debacle will pale by comparison to the next one. Get it right, not quick.
By Harry Osbourne
December 19, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank……………..The answer to all of this mess is………………………
RUSS GRIMM
By jerome
December 19, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Johnson
By Murray
December 19, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
It’s sickening to hear a billionaire whine…get somebody who can hire the right person to coach this team…or get out of this business.
By Gene
December 19, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
Part of the problem is, Arthur Blank wants to be loved and respected by players like George Halas was, and that is not going to happen. What he has now are a bunch of whiners who want to exercise freedom of speech on national television when they should be concentrating on the game. I think Parcells realized that Blank would be sticking his fingers into things he knows nothing about. Terrell Owens ran Parcells out of football with his me, me, me, complex. Parcells would get more of the same in Atlanta. Blank is not going to get any established coach to come to Atlanta anytime soon, but someone better get control. What we have now are the inmates running the asylum.
By Murray
December 19, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
It’s sickening to hear a billionaire whine…get somebody who can hire the right person to coach this team…or get out of this business.
By dawgsarejokes
December 19, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Let’s review, the coach left because he couldn’t stand the insubordination of his players, you can’t find a general manager and you can’t find a coach…any chance that the fact of the matter is nobody wants anything to do with these sorry losers who put forth no effort during a game running around with their free Mike Vick shirts and 7’s under their eyes who have the false hope that this Con Vick is somehow going to rejoin the team and take them to their glory land, these same morons that run around on a football field on Sundays looking like the Keystone Cops????????? Get Real Atlanta, clean out the locker room of your Fat Crumplers, Shodddy Whites, and Me Only Halls and Hornless Horns and get some real football players in here then maybe you will be able to find someone who will be willing to come to this nasty house and clean it up.
By dirty byrd
December 19, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
the thing that i think we falcons fans see is mr blank getting played over and over by everyone he has trusted so what will stop this bad cycle for this owner what will it take to have a person not use the falcons to make there real agenda better who is the real deal who can blank trust to build this team from top to bottom he will give them any thing they want to do the task at hand but the question still remains who is the real deal? it is a great story yet to be written on the rebirth of a nfl team or not, best drama in nfl who will step up and take this major task on only brave need to apply whats in your wallet happy holidays to all fans u know who u are god bless this team and mr blank!!!!! apply at atlanta falcons .com attn A BLANK
By Drexel Gal
December 19, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
I agree. The falcons need someone who has shown stability by staying with one team for a long time. My suggestion: Connie Mack.
By PimpC
December 19, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
One think Arthur Blank is doing is making an ESPN star out of Terrence Moore, and Terrence is making a national joke out of Arthur Blank and the City of Atlanta. Moore has done more to inflame racial tensions in the city than the Grand Wizard back in the 60’s, and now Arthur Blank has provided him with a national soap box.
By George P. Burdell
December 19, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
Is it my imagination, or does Virginia Tech seem to breed thugs and selfish players?
By Chris Mortenson
December 19, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Hey Jeff,
Do you get all your column material from my radio reports? Get off your a** and get your own subject matter
By WHO CARES
December 19, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Maybe P. Diddy or Snoop Dog could lead this bunch of thugs!
By mj
December 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Sometimes when you try to push the needle it sticks you instead of the recipient. Things happen for a reason! Certainly Parcells brings instant creditability, but so would others. I think Arthur is on the right page with his business thoughts; he needs just to find the correct fit to make things happen. A good director of football operations will make the right choice on GM and coach. Have faith and patients and we might just get it right.
By Idjitboy
December 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Two Thoughts on Today’s Events:
Arthur Blank is a FOOL.
The Atlanta Falcons are a moribund franchise with NO prospects for future success.
By Lawrence
December 19, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Would someone please wake me from this nightmare? When I awaken, please GOD let it be Marty Schottenheimer!?!
We the people have had enough of this p***-footing around, Blank is right to go for real coaches with egos the size of texas!
Arthur do the damn thang and get the dirty birds a real damn coach, so we can get some real ball players, that like to play hard nose football and grand it down others throat from week to week!
By Larry
December 19, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
NO RUSH TO JUDGMENT HERE:
ARTHUR BLANK HAS BEEN EXPOSED (YET AGAIN) FOR A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FOOL.
By Please Mr. Blank
December 19, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Please do research on Singletary! He might look good in the role but what has he really accomplised -coaching wise? The defense for SAN Fran. is not good. Our defense has been bad at times but thats because sometimes they are playing entire game. We need someone who is innovative with the offense. I think A.Blank should contact Floyd Reese. He was very good with small mkt Titans. Or someone in the Colts -maybe find out how their owner built them. A.Blank needs to seek advise from teams/owners that win every year. (EXCEPT JERRY JONES cause he is a liar)to u Mr.BLANK! Deion? - costume designer.
By Henry M
December 19, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
Scott Pioli!
Get a good GM and then let him get a good coach.
Anything else is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic!
By Rob in Gville
December 19, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Can we please now just call this the CURSE OF VICK!! The curse will last and the falcons will suck badly for the next 23 months or Petrino moves to a new job.
By boots
December 19, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
It would have been a disaster of monumental proportion if Parcell had been hired as EVP of Football Operations. He’s too fractious, irratable, grouchy and domineering.
What coach in his right mind would want to have “The Tuna” looking over his shoulder and pitching tantrums when things didn’t go the way he wanted?
I agree. Take a chill pill and wait until after the holidays to start the search. After 40 years of waiting, we can wait a few weeks longer.
By Falcon Fan 101
December 19, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Jeff is right about Blank slowing down on his rush to pick somebody/anybody. Arthur has to remind himself that he just provides the money, and should dial up the number of the Great Professional Football Think Tank Consultants for guidance, and let them guide him on his selections. And this time, Arthur, please check their past track records and personnel files.
By mj
December 19, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Arthritic paper writers stir up stink. Which the AJC has plenty! No facts, no insight, just money takers of the Cox family. What do they have to lose? Take your millions and play the hand, business owners will get back to the basics and make something happen! Patients for the newbie (Mr. Blank), he will be a winner. Regardless of the embarrassment of the moment, principals and professionalism with prevail. Bouyah AJC!!
By JSS
December 19, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
You people are idiots!!! First, you say like the NO TALENT HACK Jeff Schultz did two weeks ago to run off fast and hire a Cowher or Parcells type, then when reality sets in, you bash the man for actually trying to please you!
As for Floyd Reese, this proves that Atlanta fans are the most unaware in all of sports… That man tried to run Jeff Fisher out of Tennessee… He tried to Schottienhemer him!!!
Look, the Niners defense spend 40% more time on the field than other teams in the league defending a short field because of the inept offense… Doesn’t that sound familiar? Start watching the games for goodness sake, we actually them, REMEMBER?
By Keno
December 19, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Parcells is a loser. Schultz would do a better job. How about O’Leary? It’s got to be someone tough. Then get someone who has a clue to be the brains of the organization, ie., GM. Some of you people are really funny. You want a sports writer to wait to write something (AJC Blows)? Don’t shoot the messenger. Just write your comments about the situation and leave the judgment on Schultz to God. After all, it is Christmastime.
By faraway
December 19, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
I say bring in June Jones and Jerry Glanville
By Keno
December 19, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
Thank you JSS. If you don’t mind, I’ll watch what I want to and be as informed as I feel like and make my comments to pi$$ you off. Get over it! A “No Talent Hack,” is Jeff. What are your great qualifications for passing judgment? I think the AJC owners can make a better call than you. Go back to reading the Tallapoosa Times for your sportsnews if you don’t like it.
By David Duke
December 19, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
A line from Casablanca seems appropriate here: “Round up the usual suspects.” Parcells, Schottenheimer, Singletary and whomever else has been around a long time and has been found incompetent enough to get on the coaching carousel. This franchise is cursed by the devil of mismanagement. Just move it to Los Angeles.
By Keno
December 20, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Do the next coach a favor and get rid of the losers who want to publicly demonstrate their weird affection for a dog torturer/killer. What is wrong with these people? Get rid of them!
By tenneseetitanfan
December 20, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
Floyd Reese? LOL Go ahead and get Floyd if you want to be in salary cap hell for the next 8 years.
By faraway
December 20, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank should change his name to Shooting Blanks.
Blank for Vick. Blank for Petrino. Blank for Parcells. Blank for 2008.
Time to let someone else do the real job of managing an NFL team.
By Ken Stallings
December 20, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
The AJC sports columnists are turning into a collection of contrarians. They say one thing and then criticize the action they opinionated for once carried out!
There is nothing wrong with interviewing a good candidate. It is not a failure when that person declines the position.
Blank did precisely what it seems so many urged him to do. He contacted Bill Cowher. Cowher declined saying he would not return to coaching until no earlier than 2009.
He interviewed a very interested Bill Parcells and it was only because Miami sweetened their offer that Parcells ultimately declined. It’s business.
The situation with the Falcons is concerning enough without the AJC columnists creating bad news to add to actual bad news.
In terms of slowing down, it would be a good idea for the AJC staff to “chill out” themselves. I suggest a 72 hour self-imposed moratorium on writing any columns on the Falcons.
What’s that I hear? Oh yeah, the AJC columnists expressing outrage that I comment on their profession. I guess it’s easier to give than to receive unwanted advice!
By abisae
December 20, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
If I saw A. Blank coming towards me, I’d run as fast as I could—THE OTHER DIRECTION. Why would a Hall Of Famer ever stoop so low as the Falsecons????? Certainly, he knows better.
By bigeasy830
December 20, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
DEAR ARTHUR BLANK
HIRE THE PRESIDENT OF PETA SINCE YOU DID ALL YOU COULD TO APPEASE THEM. I TOLD YOU PEOPLE IN JULY, PROFESSIONAL SPORTS IS ABOUT WINNING, THAT IS THE BOTTOM LINE. I ASKED THE QUESTION THEN, DO YOU WANT A TEAM THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF BECASE IT WINS, OR YOUR SO CALLED GOOD CHARECTER TEAM THAT LOSES, THAT YOU CLAIM THAT YOU COULD BE PROUD OF AND HAVE YOUR “KIDS LOOK UP TO” BECAUSE YOU ARE TO LAZY TO RAISE YOUR OWN KIDS. FOOTBALL IS A GLADIATOR SPORT, THIS IS NOT HOME DEPOT SO I DO NOT CARE HOW MUCH YOU ALL CLAIM THAT BLANK IS A GREAT BUSINESS MAN. HE CAN NOT SURVIVE IN THAT ARENA CALLED THE NFL. HE HAS NO CHARECTER HE SETTLED THAT SEXUAL HARRASMENT LAW SUITE AND HE LIED TO THE FANS SO THEY WOULD BUY THOSE SEASON TICKETS AND HE KNEW HE WAS GOING TO THROW VICK UNDER THE BUS, DON’T GET IT TWISTED VICK DID IT TO HIMSELF, BUT BLANK LIED TO THE FANS. HE GETS WHAT HE DESERVES AND TRUST ME NO FREE AGENT WORTH A NICKLE WILL SIGN WITH THE FALCONS AFTER THE WAY THEY TREATED GRADY JACKSON.
P.S. YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER FIRED DAN REEVES, AND TO D. HALL, M. VICK, HALF THE CINN. BENGALS, PACMAN JONES, THOSE IDIOTS IN THE NBA THAT CANNOT STAY OUT OF THE STRIP CLUBS MAKING IT RAIN ON A WOMAN THAT DO NOT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THEM INSTEAD OF TRUELY HELPING OUT THE COMMUNITY NEEDLES TO SAY YOUR OWN FAMILY AND THEN BE BROKE IF YOU DO NOT GET A PAY CHECK FROM THE LEAGUE AFTER MAKING MILLIONS…… THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER GAVE YOU N%%A MONEY.
PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
By J
December 20, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
Aurthur I have faith in u and so should everyone else in this city. Aurther probably cares more about this team than anyone and he will get it rite people so chill. I’m keeping my season tix.
By 4cryingoutloud
December 20, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
This is not a personnel issue, it’s the return of the Curse. (I won’t say which one for fear that naming it will give it power). I’d say bring a Priest in with Holy Water and have done with it; but that’s politically incorrect. Get a group effort going: Priest, Rabbi (Orthodox and Reformed), New Ager, and Snake Handler from the piney woods. Springle, chant, smoke things up, commune…do it all. Then, go take on the day.
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
December 20, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
Mark my words in 4 years the Dolphins will be playing in the AFC Championship Game thanks to Bill. Where will the Falcons be? Who wants this job? Ugh!!!
By Chris
December 20, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
Good points, Jeff. Be willing to think outside the box and shop around for talent evaluators. Heck, I would love to be a scout if that warrants anything.
By Russ
December 20, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
Everyone say’s it was good that they didn’t hire Parcell’s. The truth is that if Parcell’s was hired everyone would have said “Great Hire”. It may be due to money, but it also could be that in Parcell’s mind, he thinks that the Dolphins (even though they barely won 1 game) have a better upside than the Falcons. The Dolphins have been down for 4-5 years, but look at there history compared to the Falcons: You think of the Dolphins, you think of 1)The undeafeated season (granted it was YEARS AGO and the Patriots will probably get one this season also. 2) The Dolphins have 7 Hall of Famers, the Falcons have one (Tommy Nobis, may be in) or none. 3)The Dolphins (even with the past 4-5 years of not making the playoffs and this current embarrasment of a season) have the most victories in the NFL for the past 30 years. They had a stretch of making the playoffs 26 times out of 30 seasons from 1970-2000. THE FALCONS HAVEN’T HAD TWO WINNING SEASONS IN A ROW IN 42 YEARS!! The truth is that the Dolphins have a more prestigous, stronger and deeper history.They are more relevent in the NFL landscape. It will be hard for Mr. Blank to get a decorated NFL guy in here. He may have to find a “diamond in the rough”. He will also need to lay back a little. Get less face time on the sidelines AND LET THE COACH, COACH!! A good choice may be Jason Garrett (OC at Dallas), but he too has a lack of coaching experience. Marty S. may be the best choice.
By ASIA
December 20, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this
I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU FOLKS DON’T SEE THIS COMING….HELLOOOOOOO, BILL PARCELLS AND CURTIS MARTIN…YOU GUYS, OPEN YOUR EYES!!!
By Scott
December 20, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
Jeff, If we all had your understanding, your intelect, your insight, your knowledge of the game of football and of sports in general…We would all be morons!
By scott plomgren
December 20, 2007 2:35 AM | Link to this
when did you become a coons fan? im not sure you understand. pls suggest, or ask terrance, to suggest, in your both almighty journy wisdom,,,,,who is our coach?????
By Buzz
December 20, 2007 2:41 AM | Link to this
Thank you Arthur Blank for what you are trying to do. Sometimes things just don’t work out but I applaude you for trying. Keep trying and hopefully this time it will work. As a lifetime Atlanta Falcons fan from the beginning in 1966, I pulled for the Rankin Smith family and I will continue to pull for you.
As for you AJC reporters, please stop the vitriol and pull together with US true blue fans. WE want a good football team in the Falcons but WE as fans need to be a TEAM too. Let’s ALL get behind Arthur and give OUR support. GO FALCONS ! ! ! GO ARTHUR ! ! ! GO ATLANTA ! ! !
This has been a bad year for sure but it WILL get better.
By the Truth
December 20, 2007 3:12 AM | Link to this
First off …….who wants to move to a town with no water to drink,than get taxed to death on top of it. The only goober you will get to hire for your next coach is Ajax Babaloochee
By bennie
December 20, 2007 3:19 AM | Link to this
In 1966, the Falcon’s won 1 game, and my father took me to that game. He died a year and a half later and the Falcon’s have done the same ever since… Who really thinks that anyone with an ounce of self-respect wants to take over this mess??? The owner is true to his investment, but too meddlesome… The so-called play-makers incur fines for their support of “an idiot”, yet they can’t run,catch,block,or do anything that warrants a paycheck. A complete overhaul is due but where does it start? I think we need to go low profile and hope to correct this gradually… The critics say that Jason Garrett will be a coach someday… Why not now??? The Falcon’s need a rebirth and a coach to grow with… Chill out Arthur- this isn’t Home Depot. We’ll support you to the end but you need to return the favor!!!BFH
By jc_dawg
December 20, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this
M Shottenheimer?
By jc_dawg
December 20, 2007 3:31 AM | Link to this
M Shottenheimer……
21 seasons as a head coach.
Only 2 losing seasons in those 21 years.
He has a 61% winning percentage of reg season games. That is nearly a 10-6 record every season?
Yes his playoff record is his downside. But would it not be nice to make the playoffs?
Bring him home, Blank!
By Pacquer
December 20, 2007 4:53 AM | Link to this
Two years ago my Packers hardly made a ripple, hiring a no-name GM and a little-known coach. Last time I checked, the team seems to be progressing quite nicely.
ps: I nominate Jessica Simpson for Splash Coach of the Falcons
By falconmaniac
December 20, 2007 5:50 AM | Link to this
Blank needs to fire Rich McKay first and get this incompetent out of the organization totally (president of the falcons? what a joke). Bring in top, established NFL people with a long-term plan) and get rid of all these attitude / thug type players on the team.
By DR
December 20, 2007 6:02 AM | Link to this
Bring on Marty and Dan Reeves. Together, they can turn this sucker around.
Atlanta sports writers don’t write anything until you have intelligent alternatives.
It appears AJC sports writers are the ones that needs to take a breadth, they making crap up as they go along.
T Moore with his crap yesterday and J Shultz with his crap today. Geeeeeezzzzzz!
By Mama Bella
December 20, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this
Blank is a total control freak…ask anyone who has worked with him. He’s not what you think he is. He is not loyal. This is why these people are fleeing from him…not because they don’t want the coaching job. Any NFL owner who controls what is said in a prayers is a jerk. Even Jerry Jones wouldn’t do that!
By Mama Bella
December 20, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this
Blank is a total control freak…ask anyone who has worked with him. He’s not what you think he is. He is not loyal. This is why these people are fleeing from him…not because they don’t want the coaching job. Any NFL owner who controls what is said in a prayers is a jerk. Even Jerry Jones wouldn’t do that!
By Mama Bella
December 20, 2007 6:04 AM | Link to this
Blank is a total control freak…ask anyone who has worked with him. He’s not what you think he is. He is not loyal. This is why these people are fleeing from him…not because they don’t want the coaching job. Any NFL owner who controls what is said in a prayer is a jerk. Even Jerry Jones wouldn’t do that!
By Dumbing Down
December 20, 2007 6:24 AM | Link to this
A Snake-bitten organization.
Get rid of the “THUG LIFERS” and guys like Parcells might sign on!
What a bunch of BUFFOONS!
I’m going to enjoy hockey more and more! This THUG LIFE crap is too much.
The NFL is now NBA lite!
By Dickey
December 20, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this
One word
Embarrassing!
By Myrtle Beach
December 20, 2007 6:31 AM | Link to this
I can not stop laughing at “The Old Goober” i think i’m going to have a heart attack! I’ve loved the Falcons since Bob Berry but “The Old Goober” is exactly right!
By Bill H
December 20, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
Slow down my a$$!! Full speed ahead. Blank is doing exactly what he should do to bring in the best available personnel to give the front office an enema. If McKay stays, it’s a travesty. He personally brought in Mora and Petrino. Enough said, get a Parcells or someone with a track record. Don’t wait like Mr. Schmultz suggest in his pitiful article.
By Adam Burke
December 20, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
Marty Schottenheimer is the answer for goodness sake. 2 seasons and we will be in the playoffs every year. He’s bound to get lucky win a Super Bowl eventually.
Hire Dennis Greene if yo