AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > December > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCourting Parcells bold move for Blank
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Bill Parcells would buy back a sizable chunk of the credibility the Falcons have lost. He’s a big name, a big fish - heck, he’s the Tuna.
Having an outsize presence like Parcells would also signal an end to the Blank Way Of Doing Business. Arthur Blank believes that decisions should be a collective thing, and the Falcons, for both better and worse, have operated on that principle since he bought the team in 2002. Indeed, it’s one of the reasons Dan Reeves was fired in 2003, Reeves being an old-school football coach who didn’t much care what the marketing department had to say.
Parcells is so old-school that he built the gymnasium. He doesn’t much care for anyone’s input. He does things his way. He and Jerry Jones formed a fairly cohesive partnership in Dallas, but that was with Parcells as coach. If he comes here as CEO, he’ll have been given the freedom to make every football-related call. And that would be a brand new thing for Blank.
And that new thing might well be a good thing, given that every decision the Falcons have made lately has become a horror. But a front office with both Blank and Parcells - we can safely assume Rich McKay would have little or no role in such an arrangement - would be a combustible thing. And would a hierarchy so heavy at the top undercut any coach Parcells deigned to hire? How many heavy hitters can one franchise stand?
Those are questions that cannot be answered this minute and might well, given the Tuna’s penchant for changing his mind, be rendered moot in the next few hours. But say this for Arthur Blank: By apparently reaching out to first Bill Cowher and then Parcells, the much-derided owner is doing exactly what he should be doing. He’s being bold at a time when boldness is the only viable remedy for what ails these Falcons.
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By Brave Fan
December 19, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this
Great article. I personally would love this hire, and I think it would bring life back to a franchise that has been dead since January.
By Misawa Agent
December 19, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
Arthur Blank has made some pretty foolish decisions and looks like he is getting ready to make another one probably the worst yet. (It’s ashamed that the National Media and to some extent the local media has been given Blank a free pass on his poor decisions- more to come on that) But he started with firing Dan Reeves, hiring Jim Mora, hiring Bobby Petrino, and now it looks like he is getting ready to turn the keys to the kingdom over to Bill Parcells. That would be the worst mistake yet; just look at Parcells; all he does is make players, owners, and team personnel unhappy. Blank should look no further than the Dallas Cowboys this year - same players and team as last year but the difference is the entire organization is happy thus putting forth the kind of effort it takes to win. Mr Blank, do yourself a favor and wise up by not hiring Parcells. You fired Dan Reeves for no reason with games left in the season; you put no thought into the kind of offensive system Jim Mora would bring and that system was the worse kind of system for Vick (Vick stated he didn’t understand it at the pro bowl but you didn’t listen) and why would you hire Petrino knowing the baggage he brought with him. So needless to say, you’ve self inflicted much of the problems with the current Falcons. Now, how can WE turn the thing around. Well, you are on the right track by getting a Football Man to run the Football Operations (but it should not be Parcells). Then let him go thru a due dillengence process to get the right coach. Make sure you look at former Falcons as a coach. Try to build something from within by getting one of the Falcons own - somebody with some pride about the organizaton. That would be a great start to fix this debacle and it would make us 35 year life long Falcon fans feel much better.
By PoliticalMan
December 19, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this
What coach would want to work under the second-guessing Parcells?
I agree that Blank has proven beyond a shadow of doubt that he was no business in the football aspects of his business.
If Parcell can rein in his ego, maybe it can work. In any event, Blank is soon to become the invisible man, that is, if he has finally learned his lesson.
By gamelover
December 19, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this
Now thats what i’m talking about!! The term thug will vanish from the team. Respect will be demanded, and he will hire Singletary as the coach. The house cleaning will begin!
By John Lovelace
December 19, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this
I don’t think the players can take parcells. Players who run their mouth and play their silly games will be history, because he won’t permit it. I think there will be a lot of changes made, and a lot of people won’t like them. I know there will be trouble, because the Falcons don’t have the quality players that can take orders. his will be fun to watch.
By Bigshelly
December 19, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this
Hey, Misawa agent are u located at the Airbase in Misawa, Japan. If u are, it’s nice to notice another falcon fan in Misawa. I don’t care if it’s Parcell or Bo Didley just as long as Mike Singletary becomes the coach.
By AfanInCali
December 19, 2007 2:50 AM | Link to this
Parcells? He’s no better than what just quit. Look at his employment record, first he’s gonna coach, then he’s not, then he’s gonna coach and then he’s not, over and over. Talk about dumpin and jumpin teams, Parcells is the pro version of college coach’s today. Glad you want to make an impact move Arthur but please think it out and don’t just try and make a splash.
By TCM
December 19, 2007 3:00 AM | Link to this
I like the move and I personally feel it’s what the organization needs. You people can talk about PARCELLS all you want but he is a winner. And the last time I checked the LAME DUCKS haven’t had back to back winning seasons in franchise history. Are you kidding me? Anyone who has a problem with this hire is an idiot!!. What other direction can the Falcons go? Who else is out here? It’s not like four or five years ago when you had coaches galore looking for jobs. The pickins are very slim these days and the LAME DUCKS are in NO position to just blow this off with another coach who can’t get the job done.
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t it PARCELLS who built that nucleus the Cowboys have now, especially on defense? PARCELLS will bring real football players to this team and cut all this status-quo GARBAGE that keeps taking up roster spots year after year. He also built the GIANTS, JETS, and PATRIOTS into winners as well. We need a peronnel guy who knows how to properly evaluate talent and stop wasting and reaching for draft picks. The FALOCNS can ill afford to MISS on draft picks with all the holes in the roster currently, and not to mention also all the “dead-weight” over-paid free agents past their prime.
PARCELLS will bring in the best coach to help build this team. He would also help with addressing the following team needs, OLINE, RB, DT, LB’s, special teams, another big-game WR, and a place kicker. Who else should the Falcons hire, Chan Gailey? This is not a yesr where you have a plethra of coaching candidates to choose from. You idiots tripp me out with this we can’t hire this person or that person crap like this organization has a history and tradition of excellence like GREEN Bay, or Chicago, or even Dallas, or San Fran, or Pittsburg. PARCELLS is the right move and if ATL can get him over MIAMI that would be HUGE
As a life-long FALCONS fan and season ticket holder, I would much rahter have PARCELLS and all his so-called “baggage” with this team competing every year for the playoffs, versus what we have right now and have had under the SMITH’S for the last 35 years!! You idiots tripp me out!!
By cashmere
December 19, 2007 3:33 AM | Link to this
EMMIT THOMAS, MIKE SINGLETARY OR RON RIVERA ITS THAT SIMPLE
By cashmere
December 19, 2007 3:33 AM | Link to this
EMMIT THOMAS, MIKE SINGLETARY OR RON RIVERA ITS THAT SIMPLE
By Ewendel
December 19, 2007 4:17 AM | Link to this
I was at the Hawks game Monday night and ran into Billy Knight having dinner. It is absolutely amazing that just 1 year ago the Falcons were the persona of the city and the Hawks were a mess! Today the Hawks are the only winner in town and Rich McKay can’t even hire a new custodian much less a coach!
By Dumbing Down
December 19, 2007 4:35 AM | Link to this
Great move. Parcells won’t put up with MeAngelo Hall’s franchise killing stuff… the new cancer that took Ron Mexico’s place. I hope he comes in and cleans house. Horn must go as well, also “too slow Brooking.”
Parcells is needed because this franchise is in dire need of a leader. Blank is smart with this one… FINALLY!
By The_Future
December 19, 2007 4:52 AM | Link to this
Anything to get McKay outta town. Blank could introduce Ronald McDonald as the new GM for all I care and it’d be an upgrade.
Coaching candidates (if Parcells doesn’t want to do it himself): Either Leslie Frazier, Rex Ryan, or Mike Singletary
Cut the dead weight and washed up vets…. and voila, back to respectability, gentlemen…
By Jim
December 19, 2007 4:58 AM | Link to this
Most personnel decisons made by Blank have been a disaster, and if past behavior is any indication of future behavior, that is what will again happen. Blank can’t change who he is or his basic personality, and he can’t give us the control that needs to be given up…plus Blank is a publicity hound and relishes all the exposure on national television, something he would lose if he took a back seat. Don’t look for a big improvement in this team anytime soon. Blank has completely destroyed the long time, old Falcon fan base. He marketed to the hip hop crowd, and with their leader gone (Vick), Blank is left with nothing.
By Mr. Fuji
December 19, 2007 5:30 AM | Link to this
You a terrible man, Hulk Hogan
By gram
December 19, 2007 5:53 AM | Link to this
A question for all those who would criticize this move: What are YOUR ideas? Do you know of anyone better equipped to turn the Falcons around who’s available? Didn’t think so. Parcells has won everywhere he’s been. Dallas was more Jerry Jones’s fault. Yes, Parcells is a b*******. So what? He WINS. Turn everything over to him. For one of the few times in their sorry history, the Falcons will have someone at the top who knows what he’s doing. McKay is a smart business man and lawyer, but he’s a lousy GM, turns out. Blank should do a Ted Turner and hire smart football people and then get out of their way.
By kris in alpharetta
December 19, 2007 5:54 AM | Link to this
There’s no doubt Parcells is quality. But he’s very impatient and overly bossy. Kinda like Petrino? I would rather see Parcells as a coach, an area where he has certainly proven himself. On the positive side, at this point, it warms your heart to know that Blank finally recognized what his been the heart of the problem all along: Big spending Mckay, the man everybody loves to hate, the man who Tampa didn’t want, we don’t need, and the man who if left unchecked may run the organization into the ground.
By the Truth
December 19, 2007 6:02 AM | Link to this
Parcells? Ur kidding right? 1st Mckay sneaked off to Atlanta and you all jumped up and down with glee.Now your finding out the truth about him. And about Parcells, he never showed up at the alter with the Bucs at the last minute.Now you want him too? Duh, wake up people …get a grip. The orange apron dude needs to stay the hell away from the team and quit looking like the fool he is! Some of you people are really screwed up,no wonder your turning into cry babies so fast.
By the Truth
December 19, 2007 6:02 AM | Link to this
Parcells? Ur kidding right? 1st Mckay sneaked off to Atlanta and you all jumped up and down with glee.Now your finding out the truth about him. And about Parcells, he never showed up at the alter with the Bucs at the last minute.Now you want him too? Duh, wake up people …get a grip. The orange apron dude needs to stay the hell away from the team and quit looking like the fool he is! Some of you people are really screwed up,no wonder your turning into cry babies so fast.
By baloney
December 19, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this
The last time the Falcons courted Parcells he was the coach of the Giants. He ended up getting a raise to stay with the Giants and the Falcons, well they ended up with either Dan Henning (or Marion Campbell). I’m not holding my breath.
By Big Ed
December 19, 2007 6:17 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait for Parcells to refer to MeAngelo as “the player.” One thing he can do well is recognize talent. Tony Romo was an undrafted free agent.
By JohnGTFan
December 19, 2007 6:31 AM | Link to this
Me personally, I would LOVE to see this happen. You can’t look at Parcells the coach and think he’ll be the same in management. He’ll hire the right type of coach…get the right players, and turn this around. As stated earlier…the man is a proven winner…EVERYWHERE he has been.
By Singletary
December 19, 2007 6:34 AM | Link to this
Hello? Hello? Why does this help? Adding an add’l layer of “manage-ment” into am owner-driven miasma?
I guess I fall into the KISS mode: Keep it Simple, Stupid. If pre-setting your front office structure with a big-swath personality is the way to guarantee you can’t hire the uber-coach, then I don’t understand the problem.
This just sounds like more high profile bandage application rather than a methodical Pittsburgh Rooney-style “pick your guy, and let him grow a Super Bowl” patience.
I honestly thought Mike Singletary was the right call in January. I still think that. Would he take this job now with the threat of a Tuna Sandwich? I dunno.
By Greg
December 19, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this
The folks are right who say, essentially, you can’t have two tough guys. The Falcons definitely need a tough-guy coach. But a tough-guy coach can’t work with Parcells. This move will only possibly work if Parcells is everything, including coach. Otherwise, just hire MIKE SINGLETARY, fire McKay, trade D-Hall and Roddy, and win some games.
By Max
December 19, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this
Instant Respect. Love him or hate him Bill Parcells will turn the Falcons around. The Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys were all the laughingstock of the NFL before The Tuna. I hope he coaches for the first year. Great move Arthur, now shut up, sit in your booth and sign checks.
By Tunasmells
December 19, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
Maybe he’ll bring Vinny in to QB for us. Romo was a stroke of luck, nothing more, and he was forced into playing him and sitting his boy Vinny. Even a blind hog will find an akcorn now and then.
By PAYO
December 19, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
WHO CARES JUST SELL THE TEAM ALREADY !! ON A POSITIVE NOTE THE HAWKS ARE 12 AND 12. BRING ON MIAMI AND STOMP ON THEM TONITE!!!
By Lane
December 19, 2007 7:14 AM | Link to this
I am neither a Falcon or BLANK FAN, would like to offer the following to the “BLANK MAN”:
A- Stay away from the players and off the sidelines-PERIOD!!!
B- Hire a football guy and get out of the operation - COMPLETELY!!!
Petrino, was considered a very competent OC, while with the Ravens. There are 2 sides to every story. Blank, was meddling - did not like the pregame prayer!!!
Blank needs to go ALSO!!!
By Kevin
December 19, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this
Bill Parcells will bring stability to an unstable organization. Everywhere he has been, he builds a winner through the draft and free agent process. He is a proven leader who say’s “lead, follow, or get out of the way!” He would be the right selection at the right time for an organization that needs clear direction.
By Chris
December 19, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this
Marty Schottenheimer folks, look at all the great teams he has had. 12-4 with the Chargers last year and he got FIRED!!!
Marty Schottenheimer, let him run the whole thing
By WestSider
December 19, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this
To all of the nay-sayers out there…how can you argue with this record:
Games over .500: 42 Super Bowl Wins: 2 Overall Championships: 2 Conference Championships: 3 Division Championships: 8
If you guys want another unproven “nice-guy…geez DeAngelo, I’m your friend!” kind of guy go ahead…but if you want proven leadership, a no-nonsense approach, and someone who will kick the crap out of these childless primadonnas on the Falcons then Parcells is your man. So he didn’t get along with Jerry Jones…big whoop, who can?
By aaaetc
December 19, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this
I think Parcells would be a good hire, but I do have questions. I imagine it will be in the front office, and not also on the field. What experience and successful track record does he have off the field? And at 66, how long will he have the passion to stay and turn the Falcons’ around, given that’s a long-haul proposition?
By boots
December 19, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this
Bad move! No coach will take a job where “The Tuna” is looking over his shoulder, second guessing him and pitching tantrums after each loss.
Keep looking. You’re moving in the right direction.
By Getaway
December 19, 2007 7:34 AM | Link to this
I don’t think this is the right move for the current Falcon FAN base at all. I mean, Parcells is a WINNER and wants to WIN. Period.
Winning doesn’t play here. We have to be PC. We have coddle and cajole. Peace, and love and understanding. Quincy Carter was Parcell,s man, but Quincy didn’t win. So, he got dumped. No grace period, no give him time to adjust. Just, NEXT!
Why hire a professional winner? We need a former pro-bowler who runs the 22nd best defense in the NFL who went to the Super Bowl, ONCE, as a player.
I mean, Defense wins games, right? And judging by the demand for Singletary, his defense must be putting the 49er’s in the playoffs every year, right? No? He has a proven record for success as a coach right? No? Oh well then, he is perfect for the Falcons.
Surely the Falcons can’t hire someone who wants to WIN. There is a certain satisfaction in leaving the dome after watching them WIN. But, you know, that feel good feeling from having given someone his first shot as a head coach is important too.
By PoliticalMan
December 19, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this
The Falcons need a great coach who is not hamstrung by the likes of Parcells. Blank is desperate at this point. Just calm down Arthur.
As far as personnel, the Falcons are about 15 short of enough decent to good players to compete. Hard to see that happening in a years time.
I agree that Hall, White, Horn, Crumbler, and gang need to shown the door. They have a bad case of Mora diesease.
By Cruzin
December 19, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
Mr. Blank is an excellent, hard working businessman who made billions. His problem, he is not a football exec. If Parcels comes to Atlanta, he has to hand him the keys to the front office and walk away. If he does, in a few years, the city will have a winning team on its hands.
By Powell
December 19, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
Thanks Chris. Finally someone else recognizes the best coach available, Marty Schottenheimer. Why has his name not been mentioned by any sport’s writer. All he has ever done is WIN. He would also eliminate the “loud mouths” and the complainers.
By Getaway
December 19, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this
Lane Nice try, but Petrino was not an OC for Baltimore (not that that would have been a ringing endorcement), he was quarterback coach/assistant OC for Jacksonville.
Thanks for playing.
PS. If you spent the kind of money on a football team that Blank does, would you give a rip what some dope thinks about you being on the sideline?
By Rusty
December 19, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
Here is yet another example of a billionaire with more money than brains. Mr. Blank should walk Rich McKay to the door and wave goodbye. McKay has been the source of every bad decision since he came to the club. Fired Reeves, fired Mora, hired Petrino..a college coach unproven at the pro level. Don’t even get me started about paying a guy $130 million and not knowing he has some pretty bad habits in his personal life. But, nooooo! Blank creates another high-dollar position and offers it to Parcells. But, other than the generous money that’s likely involved, why should Parcells want this job? I realize he’s turned every team he’s coached into winners, but he won’t be coaching the Birds. I wonder if Parcells knows he will be window dressing for a billionaire who wants an NFL franchise but has no commitment to winning. I hope Blank hands the keys to the kingdom to Parcells and gets out of the way. Maybe some good football would come to Atlanta at long last. Finally, forget about making an affirmative action hire for coach, like Singletary. I thought MLK wanted all men to be judged by the content of their character, not their skin color.
By Sam
December 19, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this
Falcons should hire some really big guys who can run forward and run into things really hard. And some other smaller guys who can hold/throw/catch/kick a ball really good. Then they should work up a few plays and go out and run the plays. This may sound like a joke, but it’s called playing football. What the Falcons have been doing since the Super Bowl year has not been playing football—it has been fighting over the scraps of whatever made them good for that one year. That doesn’t get them anywhere. Every year should be a rebuilding year where they make sure everyone on board is there to play some damn ball. Anything else—drama, tantrums, criminal acts—ANYTHING else should be shown the door, every time. They might actually become known as a team of professionals, not the collection of crying babies they are now.
By fatz
December 19, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
wow. i really wonder if he can coexist with Arthur. But i also think Arthur has drifted off the highway and is choogling down Desperation Drive and needs a drill sergeant like Parcells to at blow this out-of-control mess up and try again. Think of Dan Reeves with permanent PMS. that’s the tuna-man. He probably ought to take over the whole thing, soup-to-nuts- GM and Coach- for the first couple years to rework the roster. Get himself a Jason Garrett type to stand next to him and learn while he orchestrates the blood-letting. having said all this, i still like the Mike Singletary idea- not so much because i think he’s a super bowl caliber coach- i mean at this point who knows?…but i think he’d stare down the attitude of the players and install a work ethic with no excuses and no deangelo meltdowns allowed. if they BOTH would come on board it would be an absolute coup.
By Big Rick
December 19, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
Bravo King Arthur! Onward! Forward! It’s about time that consideration for something other than a yes-man (or yes-sir man) is brought to Flowery Branch. Listen folks, this team NEEDS to be about a little discipline. Who cares if he’s liked, if he can assemble a cast of disciplined and focused WINNERS. Last time I gave it any thought, this is about WINNING, not about who likes whom. As for what that pathetic organization would like, how about WINNING for a change (no back-to-back winning seasons in 40+ years — Are You Kidding Me!). All of you whinners need to get real. Have you noticed anything at all about past trophy winners in the NFL? Seems they all have a similar quality of discipline and WINNING. It is a bold move for Arthur, and it’s about time. And another thing, this team (and it’s fans) needs to prepare themselves for a multi-year process of redefining just who the (bleep) they are. I say build for the long run, with consistency riding shotgun. Not just trying to say “yes” to Arthur one more time with a bunch of who-ey and even more useless players past their time to shine (see Jim McKay). Mr. Parcells, welcome to the A-T-L. Now go sign Mike Singletary and help him set winning records in the NFL for many years to come as our beloved coach. Jim McKay, SEE YA! All the rest, sit down and shutup!
By Jim 70
December 19, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this
Parcells as GM and Marty as coach - not sure they could work together, but if they could, a dynamic duo.
Parcells will clean the house of Hall, Crumpler (I liked him until this year - too much lip and then did not perform, unlike T.O. - a lot more lip but performance), Horn, etc. They were coach killers by their actions both on and off the field.
Not sure what happened to Marty this year. Baby boy Snyder ran him out of D.C. and he excelled in San Diego. I am sure the Charger fans are more upset that Falcon fans, if that is possible!
By DOG LOVER
December 19, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
I LIKE THE IDEA
GO PARCELLS COME TO MY HOME
CLEAN HOUSE
CREATE SOME HOPE PLEASE
THIS HOUSE IS A MESS
THANKS
By Robert P. Trino
December 19, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
Having anything to do with Parcells is a step backwards. He’s just looking for one more fat NFL paycheck. There’s nothing bold about hiring some retread.
By Bubba, Lower Forty
December 19, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Hi y’all!! This would be the move to make. Parcells is football, thru and thru. Turn it over to him. That will give Atlanta immediate respect within the league. Let Parcells determine who the new coach will be, his responsibilities and who to draft. The guy has proven over and over he knows what to do. Bill, no more cutting bait, let’s go fish…
By CTim
December 19, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
The best comments were by TCM. He’s right. What the Falcons need is radical surgery, a heart transplant. Parcells brings that heart. Plus, he has three Super Bowls and four (!) playoff teams in his history. Cowher was the first choice, but he already said no. Parcells is the next best available. Super Choice! I now see a Super Bowl in the Falcon’s future.
By scott
December 19, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
great morning blog , i like it i like it show that blank is not this idiot everyone assume him to be and he is doing every thing he can to make this team a winner ,your right credibillty first and every thing else will come as far the a great coach and players. right now no one want a part of this team before credibilty happen , sure hope it work out for the falcons ,go blank lol
By Wink from Lithonia
December 19, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
Parcells in front office management not as coach… could this work,hmmm….
Parcells knows talent, proven winner in NFL, resume provides good snapshot of career, possibly the NFL version of Petrino (few job changes but teams win), can relate to player on this level & still be a dictator…hmmm!
I believe in business you don’t really have to like a guy to work with him, happens everyday in corporate america. You work for me, you make me money, I hate your guts, you make me money, we don’t even speak, you do your job you make me money… I don’t like you very much, but I promote you..so you can do what make me MONEY!
This could work, Parcells is given the key to the kingdom, Arthur gets out of his way, team get a point guy,one voice & one direction.
He hires his coach, brings in his players, builds team for 2-3 years, fan support comes back, community pride comes back (“where you from ATL,baby), we make playoffs, everybody gets a warm an fuzzy feeling, players are playing football the right way, Arthur is making MONEY…then the TUNA quits to retire or take analysis job, The FALCONS go to the SUPERBOWL that same year Parcells leaves…hmmm
See, this could work, EVERYBODY wins!!!
By GE
December 19, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Just when I thought that the Falcons could not screw up things any further, they go out and bring in another ego driven administrator who cannot communicate. The Falcons need a good on-the-field coach and a few more players in key positions. I know Blank is a smart person, but I am beginning to think that he likes corporate stucture more than bringing Atlanta a good football team. Please hire Mike Singletary; acquire and good QB; improve the OL; and go back to the exective suite and get the hell out of the way.
By DR
December 19, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Let us be realistic here, what is there to loose at this point in time. Authoritative no-nonsense and hard hitting football is exactly what is needed for Falcons at this time. As far as Parcells is concerned, players are supposed keep their mouth shut and go out and play to win week after week, he doesn’t give a crap about how well players can talk.
That is exactly the team needed and that was exactly the difference of the Falcons when he coached this team to a super bowl, win or loss, first time in the history of this franchise and he did it without a marquee quarterback.
Bring on Parcles, clean house and let Parcels tell the players what they are paid to do.
Does anyone here think he will Deangelo, Roddy and Crumpler carry on with foolishness on national TV.
I think NOT!
By Manny
December 19, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
Well,
This is a bold move. Immediately there will be some changes in attitude around there.
I mean, who’s going to run over Bill Parcells? Who’s going to do something foolish on the football field when Bill Parcell’s signature has to be on the requisition form for you to get your check?
There will be discipline. There will be order.
And the next head coach will be Mike Singletary, because no well-established head coach will ever coach under Bill Parcells. However, Mike Singletary would learn so much from the Tuna, that he will probably make history.
I like it, but I am a little cautious about this move. It’s kind of breathtaking.
By Regular Joe
December 19, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
TCM,
Before you call people idiots learn how to spell and especially, don’t bold. It is “personnel” not “peronnel”.
By scott
December 19, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
lane you can’t get rid of the owner of the team lmao blank s a good man he just need good peoples and mabe stay off the feild , i remmeber when blank got the falcons everyone was so excite with all this money well i say blank is doing his best to make a winning team hopfuly he has learn from his mistakes give this falcons orgazations time the dirty birds will be back and i will be the frist at the dome to cheer them on support your atlanta falcons at all cost
By scott
December 19, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
lane you can’t get rid of the owner of the team lmao blank s a good man he just need good peoples and mabe stay off the feild , i remmeber when blank got the falcons everyone was so excite with all this money well i say blank is doing his best to make a winning team hopfuly he has learn from his mistakes give this falcons orgazations time the dirty birds will be back and i will be the frist at the dome to cheer them on support your atlanta falcons at all cost
By GE
December 19, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Will the Bubbas on this blog please cut out the hip hop, Vick, MeAngelo, too much lip, trauma, thug, comments. Are you for a a good football team, or do you just want everyone to know your social views? Get a life.
By Little Bobby B
December 19, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Parcells is not a plan! It a message that’s being sent. Blanks to Jones…one for Arkansas (with Jones help), one for the Falcons.
By The media will be told where to go
December 19, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this
It will be good to see some one in the Atlanta Falcons office that will tell the media where to go. I know he will play the best players now . not who the brothers or the rednecks want to play just the best players. we will have a line on both sides of the ball now. God does awnser prayer!
By jacson
December 19, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
If Bill worked for us for 2-3 yrs., and then turned over the reins to say, Singletary or whoever, the Falcons would be without the “Deadwood, Loudmouths, Quitters, no Talent GripeA$$e$” we have on the team now. By all means, HIRE OLD BILL THE “SHARK” and watch the Falcons get better in a hurry.
By YesYesYes
December 19, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
This would be an absolutley excellent move. There would be a real possibility that Parcells would bring with him the Cowboys VP of Scouting, Jeff Ireland. The two of them rebuilt the Cowboys into what they are today. They both have high respect for each other and work well together. Ireland is a bright young guy who has been around talent evaluation for years (his grandfather built the Bears of the 80s) and knows real players when he sees them. He was the one responsible for getting Romo and keeping him around. He also gets credit for Ware and all of the other young players (Pro Bowlers I might add). So yes make the move pay what you have to.
By What's Real
December 19, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Dang…..It’s really hard to select between Marty Schottenheimer and Mike Singletary. Both of them are great, but why doesn’t Blank just hire Parcells as the head coach because I really can see his ego getting in the way.
Funny how some of you are bashing D. Hall, Crumpler, and White. Now D. Hall I can see a little because he needs to do what T.O. has done recently which is shut up and produce game changes. But Crumpler? Come on guys he has to be one of, if not the best tight end in the game today. Everyone has a bad year! Roddy has earned at least another year becuase I do feel this was his put up or shut up year. He’s our best receiver now and he’s playing harder than ever. Now let’s talk Keith Brooking….hmmmmm need I say more? He’s not the impact from GT that we thought. I miss Jesse Tuggle!
I don’t think we need Parcell’s for defense especially if we hire Singletary….that’s his forte!
PS-I wouldn’t even mind finding Mora back again! Mora and Mr. Reeves were good coaches….three years is like 10 minutes!
So let’s bring Parcells….Keep the Interim Head Coach for another year, go after Eli Manning, go after a BIG new o-line, and wait on Cowher’s contract to expire!
By What's Real
December 19, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Dang…..It’s really hard to select between Marty Schottenheimer and Mike Singletary. Both of them are great, but why doesn’t Blank just hire Parcells as the head coach because I really can see his ego getting in the way.
Funny how some of you are bashing D. Hall, Crumpler, and White. Now D. Hall I can see a little because he needs to do what T.O. has done recently which is shut up and produce game changes. But Crumpler? Come on guys he has to be one of, if not the best tight end in the game today. Everyone has a bad year! Roddy has earned at least another year becuase I do feel this was his put up or shut up year. He’s our best receiver now and he’s playing harder than ever. Now let’s talk Keith Brooking….hmmmmm need I say more? He’s not the impact from GT that we thought. I miss Jesse Tuggle!
I don’t think we need Parcell’s for defense especially if we hire Singletary….that’s his forte!
PS-I wouldn’t even mind finding Mora back again! Mora and Mr. Reeves were good coaches….three years is like 10 minutes!
So let’s bring Parcells….Keep the Interim Head Coach for another year, go after Eli Manning, go after a BIG new o-line, and wait on Cowher’s contract to expire!
By What's Real
December 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Dang…..It’s really hard to select between Marty Schottenheimer and Mike Singletary. Both of them are great, but why doesn’t Blank just hire Parcells as the head coach because I really can see his ego getting in the way.
Funny how some of you are bashing D. Hall, Crumpler, and White. Now D. Hall I can see a little because he needs to do what T.O. has done recently which is shut up and produce game changes. But Crumpler? Come on guys he has to be one of, if not the best tight end in the game today. Everyone has a bad year! Roddy has earned at least another year because I do feel this was his put up or shut up year. He’s our best receiver now and he’s playing harder than ever. Now let’s talk Keith Brooking….hmmmmm need I say more? He’s not the impact from GT that we thought. I miss Jesse Tuggle!
I don’t think we need Parcell’s for defense especially if we hire Singletary….that’s his forte!
PS-I wouldn’t even mind finding Mora back again! Mora and Mr. Reeves were good coaches….three years is like 10 minutes!
So let’s bring Parcells….Keep the Interim Head Coach for another year, go after Eli Manning, go after a BIG new o-line, and wait on Cowher’s contract to expire!
By GE
December 19, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Regular Joe,,
You are right.TCM and those who think like him are are idiots!!! The fact that he has been a season ticket holder for over 35 years proves it. He must really like getting away from the wife on Sundays to subject himself to 35 years of torture.
By Pat
December 19, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Go after Bill Bellichik as coach/GM/CEO/Prez/signal stealer. Give him part ownership. He’s got to be getting bored in NE.
By Evan
December 19, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
This is exactly what the Falcons franchise needs. I know a lot of you give Blank a hard time, but there’s not question that he is committed to winning. That means a lot. The problem is Blank is still “green” when it comes to running a NFL franchise. Parcells would not only bring the already mentioned credibility to the organization, but would impart his vast knowledge to Blank and others that will serve the Falcons for many years to come.
By destin
December 19, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
MR. BLANK — We know you want a winner as bad as we do. But, we would like to know, regardless of how smart and good a businessman you are, if you finally realize that once you hire the right GM and coach that you need to step away and let them run the team. A quality GM will not want your imput on every move and no coach wants an owner hovering over his shoulder on the sidelines. WE LOVE YOU ARTHUR, but please tell us fans that you can become less involved for the good of the team.
By FS!
December 19, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
HA, HA! Clueless owner, Clueless fans, Clueless players! All is well in Thugville today!
By DirtyDawgs
December 19, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!!! Now all he has to do is accept…
By SealT2
December 19, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
We all agree that Parcells is standoffish, controlling, and also done Petrino type exits. What QUALITY coach will want to be only an extension of Parcells ego as CEO. Let’s hope A. Blank waits and not make a reactionary hire. Falcon fans deserve a football person that knows the business. Don’t forget that A. Blank made BOLD reactionary picks of Mora and Petrino based on their interview skills. Dan Reaves was once a friend of A. Blank and I’m sure he still is. I’m not necessarily saying rehire Dan Reaves, but hire someone with his same character and knowledge, not someone who will alienate both players and fans as Parcells undoubtedly will. We don’t need another EGO. We need a person who knows how to build a team. Who has New England’s GM groomed?
By ron
December 19, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Parcells would be a great hire. He is the one who put the team together in Dallas. They have 11 Pro Bowlers this year And to the Parcell bashers he also had a qb in Romo starting for the first time last season and except for a botched snap would have made it deep into the playoffs.
By Chris
December 19, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
I love the idea of hiring Parcells. I grew up a Giants fan and have watched him win everywhere he’s been.
I don’t think he’ll want to coach, but he can offer a lot in terms of organizational structure, player evalaution, etc.
You could hire a coach like Singletary and Parcells can groom him.
I question if Arthur Blank can let go enough to give Parcells total control. Most of Blank’s hires to date have been “Yes Men,” and that won’t fly with the Tuna.
I can’t wait to read about the Tuna’s first conversation with MeAngelo!!
You don’t have to like Parcells, but you gotta admit he wins.
He wins with the Giants in a run-oriented offense.
He wins with the Pats & Bledsoe throwing the ball 50 times a game.
He wins. A foreign concept to the Falcons, I know.
By Vonshawn
December 19, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
What some of you are failing to realize is, Parcells would not be coming here as a coach, but as basically a General Manager of this team. And in this role, his track record is beyond reproach. Flat out, the man turns around every fledging franchise he’s goes to.
And last I checked true and fair weathered Falcon fans, that is exactly what this organization needs. I welcome the hire. I think it’s bold, and I think it’s necessary.
By KrisG
December 19, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
The word “Thug” will not disappear from the team under any circumstances, not in Atlanta. Blacks openly expressed concern at the way people had started to use the word “thug.” These concerns were confirmed when Atlantans responded only by using the term with much greater zeal.
By cityofdecatur
December 19, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/2007/12/19/2007-12-19billparcellssaysheisonvergeof_acc.html More than just a maybe
By Hawkflys55
December 19, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
Bill Parcels is a great football man, & coach, and would help this franchise. A better move in my opinion would be to offer the same position and title to Tony Dungy.
Tony has been a winner everywhere he has played and coached. His record is just as strong as Parcels.
Tony knows talent, he instills greatness in his players, coaches who have assisted under him have gone on to head coaching jobs in the NFL. He would be a perfect fit here in Atlanta. After this season he might be lured away from the Colts for a front office position…..
That is who the Falcons should be really looking at…
C-Hawk
By Hawkflys55
December 19, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
Bill Parcels is a great football man, & coach, and would help this franchise. A better move in my opinion would be to offer the same position and title to Tony Dungy.
Tony has been a winner everywhere he has played and coached. His record is just as strong as Parcels.
Tony knows talent, he instills greatness in his players, coaches who have assisted under him have gone on to head coaching jobs in the NFL. He would be a perfect fit here in Atlanta. After this season he might be lured away from the Colts for a front office position…..
That is who the Falcons should be really looking at…
C-Hawk
By Hawkflys55
December 19, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Bill Parcels is a great football man, & coach, and would help this franchise. A better move in my opinion would be to offer the same position and title to Tony Dungy.
Tony has been a winner everywhere he has played and coached. His record is just as strong as Parcels.
Tony knows talent, he instills greatness in his players, coaches who have assisted under him have gone on to head coaching jobs in the NFL. He would be a perfect fit here in Atlanta. After this season he might be lured away from the Colts for a front office position…..
That is who the Falcons should be really looking at…
C-Hawk
By JohnGTFan
December 19, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Looks like Parcells is our guy. He told the New York Daily News he’s “probalby going to accept” the offer. He is with his agent which is 99% of the time meaning the deal is imminent!!!!
By RedBuff
December 19, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
You guys are crazy if you think Parcells will stick around long enough to turn that team around. Secondly you saying McKay isnt a good GM he is the one who turned The lowly Bucs around and inspite of the fact that the Glazers fired Dungy the year before they won the SuperBowl with McKay and Dungy players as you can see Gruden and Bruce Allen hasnt done nothing since. But a playoff first round exit every other year, So dont blame Mckay cause remember he wanted Singletary and it was Blank who wanted Petrino.
By we need OL
December 19, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
First, Reeves drafted Vick, Crumpler, Brooking, Kerney, all of whom have multiple pro bowl appearances, Forney, McClure, well, you get the idea, his record in the draft is much better than McKay’s so far, unless you consider J Will, White, MeAngelo, Jenkins, etc..to be anything other than busts. I know MeAngelo is a former pro bowler, but really, how did that happen? He gets burned worse than ATL during the civil war. Now, how does a guy like McKay go from hiring Dungy and building the Bucs Super Bowl team to hiring Mora/Petrino and bulding the flop that is the Falcons? Did he become stupid or is he unable to do his job because of the ‘consensus builder’ that he works for? Maybe we do need another GM, but would someone else have any better luck until Blank decides to back off and let football people run the team? A.B. should consult with the Pats owner and see how he was able to make himself back away. This was when the Pats became a great team.
By XXXX
December 19, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Parcells is the best name in the business. Great move.
By XXXX
December 19, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Parcells is the best name in the business. Great move.
By fatz
December 19, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Tuna in the Front office hiring and firing players and telling the press and the fans to get a life….Singletary on the field instilling discipline selflessness, a work ethic and some sense of “team”. now that could be the right ticket to shut down all the pontificating and finger pointing that goes on day after day on these stupid blogs (that i love to read!)
By Heidi
December 19, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Parcells to Atlanta is the absolute pinnacle of hoped-for, football team transformation miracles. Parcells has probably known for years that he has the ability to take his proven worth to a higher level, but no owner was previously ready to relinquish. Atlanta’s owner isn’t risk-adverse. A cellar-dwelling scenario that challenges and appeals to Parcells more benficially than just-another-turnaround-gig does. A successful tenure in the front office would cement him as the legend he already is, but capable on all levels, and incomparable to no other coach in NFL history. All geniuses have personality flaws, but his are very minor in relation to his incredible strengths. I’m unexpectedly hopeful for the Falcons future.
No dollar amount to bring Bill and respectability to Atlanta is too high. Mr. Blank, don’t let the Tuna slip your net. Make this happen. Bring Atlanta fans an early Christmas gift. (We’ve so endured…)
By ck
December 19, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
ah way to go Blank…. From the NY daily news…
Bill Parcells, who once again has the desire to get back into the NFL, told the Daily News this morning he is on the verge of accepting a job to run the Atlanta Falcons football operation with only a few minor details to be worked out. A deal could be finalized today with Falcons owner Arthur Blank.
“I think I probably will do it,” Parcells said by phone from his home in Saratoga. “The job description is to be the football operations overseer. We still have a little work to do, but I don’t think it’s anything major. I don’t expect any real deal-breaker. I don’t think there will be any major hangups.”
Parcells said he definitely will not be the Falcons’ head coach.
Parcells plans to hire a general manager and then work with the GM to hire a new coach to replace Bobby Petrino, who quit last week 13 games into his first season to coach at Arkansas. Parcells has candidates in mind for each job, but didn’t want to reveal their names. He thought current team president and GM Rich McKay would stay with the team to handle league business.
“I expect to speak to the Falcons today. It might be in person, but it won’t be in Atlanta,” Parcells said. “We have spoken about what the structure will be. We have some things to talk about. I will say this, I don’t think it’s anything real major.”
Parcells sounded extremely upbeat. His agent was with him in Saratoga, an indication a deal is about to happen. He said Blank is a “nice man, a real nice man.”
Parcells, who retired from coaching when he left the Cowboys after the 2006 season, has been working for ESPN this season.
“I’m going to oversee the football operation, Parcells said. “I’m going to hire a general manager if the deal is finalized in Atlanta. We are going to hire a coach and talk to all the coaches who are there. It’s going to be a collective effort. The triangle is going to be the GM, the coach and Bill Parcells. I’m also going to include Rich McKay if he wants to stay in the business.
“Under no circumstances is Bill Parcells ever going to return to the field.”
The Falcons, 3-11 in a nightmare season, are in desperate need of the instant credibility Parcells would bring after the Michael Vick and Petrino fiascos. Blank first asked Parcells if he was interested in coaching, but Parcells said no. He left the Cowboys last January after four years. He made the playoffs twice in Dallas, but did not win a postseason game.
Parcells is also the former coach of the Giants, Patriots and Jets. He was also the Jets GM and, although he didn’t have the title, he was in essence the GM of the Cowboys. The Falcons reached out to former Steelers coach Bill Cowher last week but he was not interested.
This is not the first time the careers of McKay and Parcells crossed. Following the 2001 season, McKay was with the Bucs when Parcells nearly took a job as head coach. He was going to bring along Mike Tannenbaum, now the Jets GM, as his general manager to replace McKay. Tannenbaum is no longer available.
The Dolphins have also expressed interest in Parcells, but with owner Wayne Huizenga considering a sale of the team, that situation is unsettled.
By Mr. Skeptical
December 19, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
I am so looking forward to the day that the Tuna puts Meangelo, Crumpler et. all on the bus out of town. I think Parcells will make great strides in turning this mess around, but let’s not forget, this is the Falcon franchise and as such I don’t think they could win if Lombardi, Shula, whoever is coaching them. They have always been losers and will continue to be losers.
By GT
December 19, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Misawa Agent was right about everything he wrote except we don’t need the warm and fizzy Falcon connection necessarily. I can’t think of anyone except maybe rehire Dan as far as a Falcon connection. Seems to me BP has the same baggage Petrino had in jumping around. Seems to me coaches don’t always work out in the front office either. Now we get to watch two New York guys bust each others chops. I feel like a black guy in South Africa. Who are these guys?
By newteamgeardotcom
December 19, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
When was the last time Bill parcells did anything worth mentioning? His teams are boring and middle of the road. he won when free agency was not allowed. he hasn’t done anything during the new era of football when your roster is changing a whole lot. this clown could not see that bledsoe was holding the cowboys back.
By Mooky
December 19, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Good-bye “Free Mike Vick” gangstas.
By DR
December 19, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
What is this band wagon about Mike Sigletary? He is in Sanfrancisco folks and they aren’t doing that well. Yep, Singletary is great player hasn’t proven to be successful coach yet. Falcons need a seasoned NFL Head Coach, not a Head Coach in training.
Yep some assistant coaches make great coaches and some do fizzle out. Get Parcels as GM and don’t believe McKay will stay and thats not all that bad, really.
Let Parcels hire the Head Coach and I am pretty sure he has seen plenty of assistant coaches with potential to be a Head Coach and who would like to work under him and that folks could be the winning combination, not some hero worship about Singletary.
Mr. Blank is going about the right thing by getting a GM first and a Foot Ball man at that and letting the GM hire the Head Coach. Ummmm, Mike Zimmer worked under Parcels and only side performing respectably appears to be Falcons defense. Lots of possibilities. Mr. Blank, get Parcels as GM and this team will be winner soon.
By SealT2
December 19, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Hawkflys55: not a bad idea but going after Tony Dungy is called “tampering” and has a penalty too stiff for any team to pay.
By J. Bennett
December 19, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Hiring Bill Parcells is a great move. He can come in and clean house, bring some order back to the