Sports Columnists

By mars

January 3, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

McKenzie-GM Singletary-Coach Glad I was available to put all the questions to rest. Everybody relax and someone get me a beer for chrissakes!

By Moe

January 3, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

This is a horrible column. At first i thought that idiot terrence moore wrote it. and thats not a complement mark bradely

By Lowe

January 3, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Not sure why we are not looking at Marty or Floyd both are proven winners and really what is the role of McKay in all of this; Blank maybe should have fired McKay just so everyone knows what direction the team is going. Look like Blank is going to blow this again.

By BullDawg

January 3, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Excellent column Mark w/excellent questions. Why has Schot and the SD player development guy not been introduced. I like Singletary a ton, but getting a new coach doesn’t bring credibility - unless you bring in a guy like Reese or Donohoe….

By mars

January 3, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

The only thing complicated is the team’s need to constantly re-invent the @#$% game! Singletary knows the game and McKenzie knows the talent.

By Bo

January 3, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this

Mark, thats one of the Best Post yet on Blanks and Falcons. I hope he takes your advice. You were right on all 10 counts. Reese and Marty would be a great combo. McKay need to go. Thanks Mark I hope Blanks reads this.

By RJ4242

January 3, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Lots of good questions to be answered there. But #10 is huge IMO. Blank has always held “buzz” in much, much higher regard than competence. Until he changes that, we will never have the consistent winner in Atlanta that he keeps promising.

By Dan

January 3, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Have you noticed this search has a large number of candidates? That tells me Arthur is concerned that a number of people they are interested in ARE NOT interested in the Falcons. We all know this is a rebuilding project, probably one of the largest in sports history. Narrow down the list of people who WANT the job, then lets talk about the other issues. And get me a beer to share with Mars….

By falcondawg

January 3, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Blank should look hard at a consistently winning program for a coach(see New England)or coordinators. The Dawgs couldn’t win for a while until they went to Florida State (or was it Florida?)for Coach Richt. I don’t believe we need an unproven coach. While Singletary may be a good coach, he is from a losing program.

By neckville rednecks

January 3, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

AJc sports writers are clueless as the smith that owned Falcons .

Most of the so call good white coaches and gm want no part of the falcons. Time to hire some of the best black players that was in the game to coach and be Gm.

The so call best white coaches won’t no part of atlanta Falcons. But all those super star black players pro bowlers. All they need is a chance and they will win here in Atlanta this is a no brainer now.

If the white coaches and gm won’t come pull from some of the best black player that every played the game to coaches and gm right here in Atlanta!

By mars

January 3, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Belly up, Dan! There’s serious drinkin’ and thinkin’ to be done!

By long time falcon

January 3, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this

Good column mark and you definitely touched on some serious concerns regarding this horrible franchise. However, I have to disagree with you’re assessment about bringing in young and fresh faces. All of the great coaches and general managers at one time were unknowns before someone gave them a shot. Jimmy Johnson always said you can be careful and be good but you must take chances to be great. Floyd reese and marty would be the safe choices but I’m not sure they would ever bring the lombardi trophy to Atlanta. My choice for GM is Tom Dimitroff of the new england patriots because he is the guy who is over the draft side of the personnel department for the patriots. Atlanta needs to build primarily thru the draft and that is where tom’s background is the strongest. If he were hired then patriots offensive coordinator josh mcdaniels might be a logical fit. I like mcdaniels because he has not only done well as an offensive coordinator but he has also worked on the defensive side of the ball. That gives him perspective when looking overall at the big picture. The biggest knock on mcDaniels might be his age- 31.

By mars

January 3, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Nothing like diction when your preaching fiction. Neckville dude, whoever you are, you just lowered the IQ of everyone participating in this blog. Thank you for sharing your racist crap with us. Go play in traffic.

By long time falcon

January 3, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this

Mars, you beat me to the punch on neckville. Thats about the most illiterate gibberish I have ever tried to read. Unless neckville is only in the first grade all hope is lost for his/her future.

By Wake Grad

January 3, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Please, please, please, NO JIM CALDWELL!!! He was the most boring and bone-headed decision maker at WFU and it is Tom Moore and not him who designed Indy’s attack. Heck, even Peyton Manning calls the plays, not him. Let him take the Baltimore job. We need a coach with some stones like Garret or Singletary or the NE guy.

By mars

January 3, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Beware! With such a dim candle burning in his pumpkin, you just know what he’s going to say next.

By Brian Hunt

January 3, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Great column Mr. Bradley. Have we seen anything yet from the Falcon Braintrust that shows they have answers to these considerations? I don’t think so. Who other than a first timer would want either of those jobs in that organization? If you’re the GM, you’ve got two men over your shoulder, and three if you’re the coach.

By mars

January 3, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

I’m ready for another beer. Hey, toots,…

By DawgNCalifornia

January 3, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

Mike Singletary…I know he’s the buzz name right now, but seriously. I just can’t see the wisdom of hiring someone from a program that over the last 3 seasons, has finished 4-12, 7-9, 5-11…

By neckville rednecks

January 3, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

MARS Why is it raceist? Did I Lie! If so tell what I lied about! And you tell me your truth!

By kenp

January 3, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this

TIME FOR PROVEN WINNERS Forget all the BS and giving some up and coming coordinator a chance. This organization has no depth/brains at the GM or coaching positions. IT IS TIME TO HIRE PROVEN WINNERS WITH A TRACK RECORD FOR THE ATLANTA FALCONS! How can you knock that decision? What is the downside? The combination of Reese and Schottenheimer is an excellent choice assuming they can get along and that is a big if. Mr Blank please read this post.

By mars

January 3, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

My choice is Singletary. It is refreshing to see that those who disagree with me present their points of view in a cerebral fashion, rather than resorting to childish name calling. Good points everyone. However, the night is young…

By Larry

January 3, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Neck,

Even the black folk are laughing at you!

Whew!

By Voice Of Reason

January 3, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

Before anyone rags this idea, read it out 1st. Here is a simple solution for both of the Falcon’s Coach & GM dilemas:

BLANK NEEDS TO GO AFTER TONY DUNGY AS THE NEW GM. PAY WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET HIM.

Just think about it…… Everybody knows Dungy was the one who built the woeful Tampa Bay YUCKS from the ground up. Remember, they where the laughing stock of the NFL until Dungy took over. McKay got the credit but Dungy and Tim Ruskell (formerly with the Falcons and Tampa, now the architect behind Seattle’s turnaround) were the ones who actually did the work. McKay just got the credit and notoriety due to his Daddy being the 1st coach of the Yucks which by the way had a stretch of 14 straight losing seasons of 4-5 wins or LESS for all the years preceeding Dungy’s arrival. It is awfully funny that if you look at both Tampa (after Dungy left) and the Falcons (after Ruskell left a couple of years ago, both franchises went into the tank while McKay steered the ship. One might argue that Tampa one the SuperBowl the very next year after Dungy left with John Gruden but that was with DUNGY’S PLAYERS !!!!! And if in Dungy’s last season with the Tampa in the Division Championship Game they hadn’t been screwed on that TD call for bogus holding (if memory serves me right), Tampa would have been in that Super Bowl. Besides, what has Gruden done since but be mediocre. Nothing against McKay personally, but he only has his position due to the nepotisim that runs so strong in the league. Look at Jim Mora. He was an ok coach, riding off his mediocre dad’s name, and Dan Reeves players. Blank claims it was Mora’s presentation of all the charts and graphs. Truth be told, it was nepotism due to his dad being a former coach. Blank to the good ol’ boys route, when we could have had a real coach in Lovie Smith. Now I’m not necessarily saying hire Mike Singletary, but he does deserve a good look. Or at least Dungy could GM, bring the OC (who is white) with him as Head Coach and hire Singletary as DC/Assistant HC. Everybody says Zimmer did good. He was ok but Singletary would never let MeAngelo get away with that foolishness on the sideline or that T-Shirtgate nonsense happen either. This is not a black thing, h3ll, I’m white even. It’s just common sense from the VOICE OF REASON.

By mars

January 3, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

….and there it is! Read your own statement. Every line emphasises your racist point of view. No one else has written anything about race except you, and frankly, we the fans are weary of racial rants every time there is an opinion blog. If you won’t play in the #@&% traffic, at least sit down and have a beer with us grown-ups. It’s all just opinions. There is no ‘truth’ or ‘lies’.

By Larry

January 3, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

DawgNCalifornia,

Really! Had Singletary piloted a top ten defense or something maybe he gets a look. But the last thing the Falcons need now is a “hunch” or a gamble on their next coach! Been there, done that!

We MUST get it right this time!

By Voice Of Reason

January 3, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Before anyone rags this idea, read it out 1st. Here is a simple solution for both of the Falcon’s Coach & GM dilemas:

BLANK NEEDS TO GO AFTER TONY DUNGY AS THE NEW GM. PAY WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET HIM.

Just think about it…… Everybody knows Dungy was the one who built the woeful Tampa Bay YUCKS from the ground up. Remember, they where the laughing stock of the NFL until Dungy took over. McKay got the credit but Dungy and Tim Ruskell (formerly with the Falcons and Tampa, now the architect behind Seattle’s turnaround) were the ones who actually did the work. McKay just got the credit and notoriety due to his Daddy being the 1st coach of the Yucks which by the way had a stretch of 14 straight losing seasons of 4-5 wins or LESS for all the years preceeding Dungy’s arrival. It is awfully funny that if you look at both Tampa (after Dungy left) and the Falcons (after Ruskell left a couple of years ago, both franchises went into the tank while McKay steered the ship. One might argue that Tampa one the SuperBowl the very next year after Dungy left with John Gruden but that was with DUNGY’S PLAYERS !!!!! And if in Dungy’s last season with the Tampa in the Division Championship Game they hadn’t been screwed on that TD call for bogus holding (if memory serves me right), Tampa would have been in that Super Bowl. Besides, what has Gruden done since but be mediocre. Nothing against McKay personally, but he only has his position due to the nepotisim that runs so strong in the league. Look at Jim Mora. He was an ok coach, riding off his mediocre dad’s name, and Dan Reeves players. Blank claims it was Mora’s presentation of all the charts and graphs. Truth be told, it was nepotism due to his dad being a former coach. Blank to the good ol’ boys route, when we could have had a real coach in Lovie Smith. Now I’m not necessarily saying hire Mike Singletary, but he does deserve a good look. Or at least Dungy could GM, bring the OC (who is white) with him as Head Coach and hire Singletary as DC/Assistant HC. Everybody says Zimmer did good. He was ok but Singletary would never let MeAngelo get away with that foolishness on the sideline or that T-Shirtgate nonsense happen either. This is not a black thing, h3ll, I’m white even. It’s just common sense from the VOICE OF REASON.

By long time falcon

January 3, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Wake grad, as unfortunate as this may sound I think Jim Caldwell has become the token interview to comply with the rooney rule. He can’t be a serious canidate for an NFL head coaching gig because he simply doesn’t have the goods.

DawgNCalifornia, I think singletary really needs to prove himself as a defensive coordinator before he gets the big job. The man has intensity that everbody loves but he must develop a more intricate knowledge of the X’s and O’s part of the game. The only way he should be considered is if he could surround himself with experienced assistants so he can delegate. Otherwise he needs more seasoning to become a head coach.

By tony

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

Build your team with championship experience people. The Smith family learn that when they hire Dan Reeves who won a championship as a Cowboy and coached in 4 SB games. If I was GM I would consider hiring Brian Billick, Bill Cowher, Ron Rivera or Mike Singletary. I would hire Brian Billick as GM and Ron Rivera as HC. Remember Rivera was the Bears Defensive Coordinator in 2006 and former linebacker coach with the Eagles. Both teams have been on a decline on defense since he left them.

By neckville rednecks

January 3, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

I want to win! all these rehash coaches. If any body is raceist it is the hireing in the NFL!

Just the facts.This is not a lie! You want the best but won’t do what is right. over the last 40 years how many black head coaches and gm do the NFL have or the Falcon in a black city!

We make up 70% of the If the shoes players in the NFL but the system seek no change. Not because the black player can’t coach the system refuse to do what is right !

Mars please go and drink a case of beer!

If it was the other way around you would want the same as as me.

The only fair for black stars an coaches and GM in this system is the state fair. and that is as fair as it get!

By mars

January 3, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

Larry, I understand your point of view. Bu ‘Voice of Reason’ makes good points also. My feelings about Singletary is that he is no nonsense. I believe he will go back to fundamental football, instead of building a team around irreplacable ‘phenomenons’. When you have a specialized system, you had better have someone who can step in, because everybody is susceptible to injury and their own stupidity.

By Voice Of Reason

January 3, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this

Besides………. worst case scenario A) the Falcons gain the credibility that they lost since Reeves was fired. B) Dungy will attract free agents who want to play for the Falcons. C) Singletary and/or Caldwell will have the chance to develop under one of the greatest NFL minds of the last quarter century. and finally D) if neither of these guys work out, Dungy could always come out of the press box and takeover the coaching duties like Waddell did with the Thrashers.

Sounds like a win vs. win situation to me!!!!

By mars

January 3, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Larry, I understand your point of view. Bu ‘Voice of Reason’ makes good points also. My feelings about Singletary is that he is no nonsense. I believe he will go back to fundamental football, instead of building a team around irreplacable ‘phenomenons’. When you have a specialized system, you had better have someone who can step in, because everybody is susceptible to injury and their own stupidity.

By long time falcon

January 3, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this

Voice of reason, I very seriously doubt that the colts will let dungy out of his contract to be general manager of the falcons. And what makes you think that dungy would be a good general manager or even want to be a GM? In Tampa it was ruskell and angelo, according to most insiders, who deserve the credit for those great defensive drafts. But as good as those tampa drafts were on the defensive side they made some terrible choices on the offensive side.

By Dan

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

Ok Mars here’s another beer. Race is an issue becuase people who don’t utilize their talents well or are incapabale of coaching at this level use it as a crutch. One of the best coaches in the NFL is black (Dungy). Lovie Smith is another that comes to mind. As for myself, I want Marty, but Singletary would be a good coach. He is tough, plays hard nosed football, sticks to the fundamentals, won’t take anyone’s garbage (D-Fall). Notice that none of those qualities had anything to do with his skin tone. To be honest, I want a coach who will win, period. I really don’t give a rats @#! if he’s green.

By mars

January 3, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Oh, silly Neckdaddy! You don’t seem to understand that we are obviously pulling for the same coach, ya moron. Why do you have to be racist about it? If your not going to drink that beer, then hand it to me and go back to playing in traffic. I swear, public schools are not doing the trick…

By hop

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

the falcons continue to shot themelves in the foot. the only proven coach the falcons had to take them to the super bowl was dan reeves. has authur blank lost his mind, please arthur put aside you ego and get a experience winning coach and yes, you need him to have the authority to make football decisions. this decision by committee does not work in the NFL. please do the right thing for once and get proven winners as GM AND HEAD COACH!

By Voice Of Reason

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

long time falcon, you forget that Dungy was the architect of the defensive system. He told Ruskell and Angelo what type of players he needed for his system and they went out and got them for Dungy. You also forget that every quaterback that Dungy wanted, the Tampa brass shot him down. Remember he had Alstott and Dunn at one time in the backfield. Besides, he now has a basis for both sides of the ball. Imagine the Falcons with a modified version of the old Tampa defense combined with something like the Colt offense. long time falcon, you also forgot that I said for Daddy Warbucks (Blank) to:

PAY WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET HIM.

H3ll, I would say trade Dunn, ME-Angelo, especially (jump on the pile after the play is finished (over the hill))Brooking, Crumpler the rights to the Dogfather (Vick), and next years 1st round draft pick and a load of cash to Indy for Dungy. Most of these bums are finished anyway in the next 2-3 years. Imagine what kind of salary cap room we would free up to bring in Dungy’s type of players. Three quarters of the Falcons salary cap is tied into just these five players.

By Singletary

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

I’m joining Mars and pals for beer. Let’s hear it for (not my cousin) Mike Singletary.

Now, serious query here. Aren’t there some good coaches nearing the end of their coaching tether that have in the past controlled player selection. Correct me if I’m wrong, but haven’t Holmgren and Reid/ Schottenheimer held those reins before?

My thought is to get a quality GM by promotion and then secure a coach who really wants to take on ATL’s issues… like Mike Singletary.

The problem for any GM is going to be McKay’s undefined, undelimited role. Anyone with experience will likely shy away.

By mars

January 3, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Oh, No! Someone has invoked “He Who Must Not Be Named”. Now you’ve done it. Damn, I’m out of beer. Wait a minute, didn’t my racist friend say he was getting me a case? Huzzah!!!

By neckville rednecks

January 3, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

Just about every thing in america is about race don’t lie! the NFL started in the late the 30 lless than 10 black coaches and Gm is far less. no one should hold there head down like the NFL should. suger coat it. The NFL management has a real problem.

when we do coaches most black coaches win not all but most win. All we ask is to be Fair! our people can do it all.

And all I am asking is for a chance. If we had 30 or 40 black coaches or Gm I would have nothing to crow about but I do.

The Nfl has a Problem when most of the player or black!

I do not want all black coaches no that is not right, I just want the system to be fair that all!

By mars

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

Yeah, I thought McKay would be gone. I wouldn’t be surprised if he leaves anyway, after the public bungling that came from the announcement. We might get lucky! (Braaap) Oh, excuse me. Good beer. Thanx, Dan

By David Duke

January 3, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

it’s all about hiring the right person. Employers should be free to hire whomever they choose so long as that choice is based on ability. Personally, I think coach Thomas would be an excellent choice. What’s going to happen though is Mr. Blank is going to bring in some high dollar nincompoop to oversee everything and he will choose the coach. Both will be handsomely overpaid and they, together, will march in lockstep to bring this team to mediocrity at best. Mr. Blank is looking for impact but nothing has the power of a well-run team that progresses year after year. The Falcons have never had that. Hiring Coach Thomas would be a good way to begin but that’s not going to happen. No good decision has been made since Mr. Blank took over and I don’t expect one now.

By neckville rednecks

January 3, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

Tony Dungy would make a great Gm . Blank this is the man that will take this team across the red sea to the land of milk and honey!

Just pay him and this is you man! If you pay he will come! make history!

By mars

January 3, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Neckville guy, I understand. We all want the system to be fair. But that will only happen when everyone, including you yourself, looks beyond skin color to find the best of the best. When you concentrate on race at the beginning of your argument, you will always find yourself ranting to an empty room. Loosen up! You may have more friends around you than you realize.

By Dan

January 3, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

I’ll send you a six pack just for being a fellow Falcon’s fan Mars. I don’t think Dungy would come here if he could. The complexity of the command structure and fear of overbearing superiors in football decisions can scare off many quality candidates. I wouldn’t want to work for an owner who tries to micromanage the team, regardless of the money he spends on the team.

The best opportunities for winners are Marty and Singletary. The problem here is Singletary has not experience and Marty sounds like he would rather make love to a cheese grader. My biggest concern though is not who we hire yet, it is what McKay will be able to manipulate in his new role. I don’t buy that he will have no say in any personnel decisions. Most of his decisions have been mediocre or an outright failure, especially first round picks (John Abraham trade notwithstanding). We had a decent draft last year, and certainly need a better one this time. My vote is Rich needs to go.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Drafting Vince Young is nothing to be proud of…

By neckville rednecks

January 3, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

mars that your new name Mars the neckdaddy! I have lots of beer and you can have all you want neckdaddy!

By mars

January 3, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Wow! A sixer from Dan and a case on the way from Neckville. I won’t be able to type soon!

You’ve hit the nail on the head as far as Marty is concerned. I haven’t mentioned him because he would obviously prefer midieval torture to coaching our beloved Birds. First and foremost, I want someone who at least wants to be here. Singletary hasn’t even been asked yet, and has expressed interest.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 3, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

I have posted this before, but I will post it again. There is a very simple way to turn this team into a Super Bowl contender within two years.

First, Arthur Blank needs to replace Rich McKay with me, so that I can make the following decisions:

1. Hire Marty Schottenheimer as head coach
2. Hire someone who will work seamlessly with Schottenheimer as GM (doesn’t have to be a big name, just someone who knows how to evaluate talent)
3. Try to trade down in the draft to pick up more draft picks and use as many of your picks on linemen as possible; if you can’t trade down, select Jake Long (OT, Michigan)
4. Sign Chargers RB Michael Turner in free agency
5. Cut/don’t re-sign #28, #12, #75, #74, #4, #13, #8. Try to trade #56; if you can’t trade him, cut him too
6. Keep #36, #84, #83 and #21, if the price tag is reasonable — otherwise cut/trade them too. Don’t tie up too much cap space in any of these players
7. Bring in a veteran QB next season (someone like Kurt Warner for example), while building the offense around #32 and Michael Turner. Let the rookies and 2nd year players get as much playing time as possible
8. Expect to suck through most of 2008, but there should be improvement towards the 2nd half of the season thanks to the solid running game and the developing young OL and DL
9. Focus your ‘09 draft picks on the OL, DL, LB and DB positions — except use one first-day pick on a QB, preferably in the 2nd or 3rd round
10. Sign a reliable veteran WR (someone similar to Troy Brown or Keenan McCardell) in free agency
11. After the ‘09 draft, when #7 is released early from prison on good behavior, void his contract and re-sign him to a minimum-salary, 1 year deal. Bring him to training camp and let him compete for the starting job with your rookie pick and your incumbent veteran. Whoever wins the starting QB job in training camp and preseason will QB the team in 2009 and beyond
12. Once the team makes the playoffs and no doubt chokes at some point, fire Schottenheimer and replace him with a talented young assistant (someone more like Mike Tomlin and less like Jim Mora Jr.)

There you go. 12 simple steps to making the Falcons a contender. Now all Arthur Blank needs to do is hire me to run the team.

By mars

January 3, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

???What is with this guy???

It’s about issues. We all want the same thing. a winner in Atlanta. And thanx, I’ll have another. Feel free to join me.

By change at work(keeping it real)

January 3, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

Vick in 2009 . we forgive Vick . The True fans the people who still stand behine you. vick we know you will do great when you come back. This time you will have a offense line and some recivers and a better defense.

But most of all the Falcons will have great management at the top. Just hope Tony Dungy is our new GM!

By mars

January 3, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

I keep getting kicked offline, so my computer is obviously drunk. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this chat, and thank you all for helping me ressurect this franchise. Singletary it is. And Neckville guy, lighten up. Quit looking for a fight and look beyond skin color. Cheers!!!

By Voice Of Reason

January 3, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Here’s another suggestion to ponder:

IF!!!! we could seriously get Dungy, make Blank: A)PUT IN WRITING ON A CONTRACT McKay’s predefined roles.
B)Make sure those roles ONLY are on backend operations (like league hob-nobbing/regulatory issues and public relations, etc.) like Blank claims he will be doing. C)Give complete control over FOOTBALL OPERATIONS to Dungy. D)Have Blank also on contract that he will only give input when asked for the 1st 3-5 years. (It will take about that long for any real results to prosper.)

Now I know that is just a wish list that will never happen. But that’s about what it will take to get ANY decent GM or Coach. At least Singletary has shown he is willing to come here. Besides, we wouldn’t have to break the B(l)ank to bring him here. With the Falcons almost 40 year existence (with past and especially recent screwups with coaches and GM’s) what else do we have to lose?

By Zeb McKluskey

January 3, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

Dam Najeh, that was way too thought out, maybe you OUGHT to run the team. I think I’ll just drink a case of beer with Dan and figure out how to battle Neckville.

And dam Neckville, please tell me you’re screwin around. If not, I appreciate your passion about having black coaches in Atlanta, and….I’m not saying you’re completely right…but I agree that the demographics of the CITY OF ATLANTA would do well with a black head coach and hell even a black owner and gm. For all of you liberal idiots and racist people who don’t know better….yes, I just said that downtown Atlanta is mostly black. Sorry if that hurts, but neckville has got it right. Notice I made no comment about why…..but that it just is. It mades no good gosh dam to me about the dam racial makeup of any city. We’re talkin football. But….it obviously makes a difference to a lot of folks here. Fine. I don’t care. Get me a coach and gm in here that know’s football and makes me want to watch my beloved birds again. They can all be green for all I care. GO DAWGS!!!

By SC

January 3, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

At least Blank didn’t give McKay another year.

By mars

January 3, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

(Sigh!) Looks like I picked a good time to bow out. It’s all down hill from here, boys. Good luck discussing “He Who Must Not Be Named”!

By long time falcon

January 3, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Why don’t some of you come up with real scenarios that can happen and not fantasy $hit. Tony Dungy is under contract with the colts and he is a head coach, not a general manager canidate. GEEZ. This kind of mindless drivel makes the seasoned fans want to go some where else to talk football. Come up with sensible suggestions and canidates that could be real possibilities so we can have some good banter. NFL owners don’t let star coaches out of their contracts so they can go to other teams!

By John Lovelace

January 3, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

You hit it right on the button Mark. When I pulled up the Falcons page tonight and read a few lines about Blank interviewing coaches, I could’nt believe it! When is this guy going to learn anything about football? HERE WE GO AGAIN! Blank should have nothing to say about who the coach will be. That is up to the GM. This team is going nowhere with Blanks hands in it. He needs to sell this franchise to someone wit a little experience. He reminds me of a child with a new toy, but does’nt know how to play with it. Money can buy a lot of things arthur, but it won’t buy a winning team with someone like you making crutial decisions for them. It’s time for you to retire!

By Voice Of Reason

January 3, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

reason, 1st you bit my name. 2nd, Your the fool (only because it is obvious you haven’t read this complete blog before commenting OR just mad that they have closed down that idiot Terrence Moores’ Bulldog blog before you had a chance to comment & YOU HAVE SOME UNDERSTANDABLE PENT UP FRUSTRATION!!) (LOL) If you had read one of my earlier posts, I clearly said which players were the Top 5 on the team to get rid of. Even Najeeh said the same about the same people with even more detail. 3rd, If you also had paid attention to the privious posts, one of the FIRST lines I said was: Before anyone rags this idea, read it out 1st. It was just a wish list. 4th, Neckville calmed down with the race stuff and negative comments a long time ago after everybody saw thru what he was really trying to say. You are late to the party, we have moved on past that and changed the tune on the jukebox. H3ll, mars, Dave, & Neckville are already having beers now with each other. (LOL) 5th, please read the complete blog before adding comments and leave the negative comments alone. That way you will see how the blog has progressed into much greater depth since the initial 4-5 posts. We have grown past that. 6th, remember, we are ALL Falcons fans here. Like I said earlier, it is about 40 years since this franchise has been in existence. We are ALL frustrated, but still passionate about our Falcons. This blog shows that. So everybody let’s keep this civil. THIS IS NOT A TERENCE “stir up the pot so I can sell papers and get people to blog on ajc.com” MOORE BLOG!!!!!

By Voice Of Reason

January 3, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

long time falcon, You forgot the whole purpose of this blog IS to discuss WHAT IF….? scenarios. It IS to give additional ideas that Falcon brass haven’t thought of. Mark Bradley’s idea is no worse than mine. Besides the reason I even brought up Dungy’s name was to try a different mindstate of thinking, to actually THINK OUT OF THE BOX. I even said I didn’t realistically think it would happen. But WHAT IF….. ?

By long time falcon

January 4, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

“mark bradley’s idea is no worse than mine”. Boy have you got that right. Bradley’s idea is actually a very sensible approach though I don’t happen to agree. Thinking outside the box is fine if the scenerio could really happen. Dungy to atlanta is just not realistic.

By Voice Of Reason

January 4, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this

Like I said before, WHAT IF….? But actually, it could happen. Remember two years ago? The Jets wanted Matt Schaub AND 2-3 high round draft picks for John Abraham. We sensibly turned them down. But we STILL ended up with Abraham anyway and still got additional draft picks this year for Schaub. Jerious Norwood was HIGH on our draft board but wasn’t supposed to fall to us but DID! And despite how everything with him has turned out now, when we traded with San Diego in ‘01 for the Dogfather (Vick), it was considered the steal of that draft and any previous draft for the last quarter century. Remember, those scenarios were not supposed to happen either. They were not realistic. I can’t remember where it was said, but Blank was once quoted to have said that he does pay attention to blogs. Supposedly he would occasionally read blogs to get a general feel of the public’s sentiment. We can only hope that he would read this blog and the light bulb would go off in his head.

By reddawg

January 4, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this

Dump Blank; everything else will have to be better.

His Michael Vick, Virginia Tech love affair hit another low tonight as VT loses again, and again in the BCS. Right now, I would say that Vick; Blank; Hall; and VT deserve each other. Go learn to play bridge Arturo, at least then there are only 52 different possibilities.

By snowman

January 4, 2008 2:39 AM | Link to this

nobodies wants to be affiliated with the falcons do u blame them ?

By toshie

January 4, 2008 6:31 AM | Link to this

Why don’t the idiot writers for the AJC keep their mouth shut and fly off into the sunset. They don’t know nothing about quality personnel for football. If they did you would think that would be on their resume.

By Bigdaddy

January 4, 2008 6:32 AM | Link to this

The factoids that keep oozing out of Flowery Branch tells me that Arthur has learned NOTHING from the events of this year. Bradley’s analysis is perfect. This franchise will continue to flounder until Blank gets serious about getting some professional people into the organization. He seems to be floating names of people who’ve never been head coaches or GMs before. The Falcons need proven grownups to run and coach. It does not need a jock sniffer owner. But, I guess when you have a billion dollars, you don’t have to listen to anyone.

By bee bee

January 4, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this

Bradley is correct. The falcons do not know what they want. Look at other GM’s. Mckay is overrated, he does not have a philosophy and he did not have any assistants who been with other teams. All of the nfl successful teams had gm’s Mckay has not done anything here. Mckay has not done anything here. He only brought names here. Mckay needs to be let go now. It’s not working.

By Chuck

January 4, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

Finally, someone is saying what the problem has been all along. It is Blank. He is the issue. No direction, no vision, all stop gap stuff with this guy. Bernie was the visinary at Home Depot, King Arthur was the numbers guy. He has no feel for the game so he throws out big numbers to undeserving players. He is a joke and he needs to turn the reins over to football guy. We have run the gamut - a cheap absentee owner in the Smiths to a prodigal minutia driven egoist who has 14 pages in the teams media guide dedicated to himself. Now in deference to me, he wont ask me to pay more for the season ticket to the tripe that he served up this year. All of this starts and ends with the man in charge. Our man in charge has no vision.

By Hamp

January 4, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Finally an atlanta columnist that writes with sense. I think that you take reese and caldwell and you scrape the idea of drafting a Qb first. There are not any no-brainer Qbs caldwell has worked with P manning and both manning and dungy speak highly of him. He can develop DJ SHOCKLEY and chris redman finished strong and deserves to be resigned. cut harrington and and get a late round pick for leftwich. Try with everything you have to get OL long from michgan. Don’t draft mcfadden because you can get a good back, if anyone watched the bowls there are good backs out there. this organization needs to stop doing things for flash and hype like the columnist said and hire and draft proven substance. so NO QB No Mc fadden get line help, get line help, get line help and then go get somemore line help!!! Dj if healthy is ready and if not use redman. you can get woodson, or someone else in the later rounds only the boston college qb is ready to play now IMO

By falcon

January 4, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

I’d hire the two guys from the Patriots. If anyone has an angle on winning…..it is the Patriots. It don’t get any more simple than that.

By A Titan warning

January 4, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

The Titans went to the Super Bowl, but they lost so many players over the next few years for salary cap reasons, they stunk. Also, Reese, couldn’t find a quality wide receiver if Randy Moss fell on him.

By biker

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

hey who are we kidding i its so hard to pick a coach and gm let me take both jobs the avarage fan knows problem (just better thinking with everthing)

By mongo

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

Top heavy management will continue to kill the organization. The joke will continue until Blank cleans house. Hear the whistle? Train wreck!!!

One HC canidate that makes sense to me is Sly Croom. NFL experiance, doing well at Miss.St.

By Guest

January 4, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

I cant believe you guys spent so much time responding to neck. It is so obvious he is role playing to get you guys to bite and it worked. Just ignore him.

By mongo

January 4, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Agree on all ten points. Top heavy management will continue to kill the organization. The joke will continue until Blank cleans house. One voice must be heard (other than Blanks after a Pres.GM hire). Until then, hear the whistle? Train wreck!!!

One HC canidate that makes sense to me is Sly Croom. NFL experiance, doing well at Miss.St.

By bucko

January 4, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

For all of you that want singletary i guess you have not watch the 49 ers play. Get a proven winner and that would be schot

By webhead

January 4, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

We need a QB! Bring back Bartkowski He can still throw better than these clowns we have now.

By webhead

January 4, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

We need a QB! Bring back Bartkowski He can still throw better than these clowns we have now.

By Mr. G

January 4, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

I wonder what everyone thinks about the Falcons being turned down by the offensive coordinator from the Patriots. I don’t think he nor Jason Garrett are ready for head coaching just because they had one good year of offensive production as first or second year coordinators. Everyone says they don’t want a rookie coach but everyone always forget about that people have to start somewhere. I respect Marty Schottenheimer but I don’t think Arthur Blank hasn’t learned to keep his hands out the cookie jar. Here are a couple of suggestions for GM, why not the personnel guy from Seattle. Not Tim Ruskell, but the guy who works under him. It looks like they have spoken with the Patriots and Packers lackey to GM, but something tells me we should look at the guy in Indy and possibly Jacksonville. Whoever we hire for a head coach, I hope they keep Hue Jackson and the Defensive Coordinator(can’t remember his name) as coordinators. Our defense steadily improved but was murdered since Petrino in my opinion was a dope for a playcaller. Most defenses will fail if you continue to go 3 and out on most drives or don’t get touchdowns. We saw how the plays were better executed with Jackson was calling plays for the final 2 games of the season. Mr. Davenpoop, why hold on to #21 if he isn’t willing to be a ‘leader’ through this tough time and wants to go play for a ‘contender’ and gives up the big play and has on the field charcter issues. Every player in the league has potential but it takes a special player to not be selfish for individual accolades. Lastly, why can’t we get a real kicker. I don’t follow the Bulldogs every game but if we don’t draft the guy who nailed long field goal while recovering from a pulled hamstring(it was nice to the commentators talk with their jaws dropped after making the kick. Fox college annoucers are the crappiest….)then we will be stuck with Morten Anderson forever even though he is the greatest kicker ever….

By paul

January 4, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

The Falcons need a black head coach that’s a no-nonsense, hard-nosed guy (like a Lovie Smith or a Romeo Crennel). They need discipline—and let’s face it—-in the hip-hop, gangsta culture that has taken over the Falcons, a white guy wouldn’t have a chance. Mike Singletary would be perfect.

Next order of business would be to get rid of the “Vickophiles”—Hall, Roddy White, Alge, etc—while they still have value. Hall is overrated, but for some reason, he’s a hot commodity. He can’t cover anyone who’s better than ordinary. But a lot of teams would covet a player like him.

Get rid of Brooking. He’s a punk. He’s been in Atlanta too long, and it’s starting to rub off on him.

By DR

January 4, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

All you partisan DJ and Singeltary fans. DJ is not NFL material, if he was someone would have gotten him already. Guess no one watched 49ers record lately and Sigeltary has not enough coaching experience.

Get Marty and Nix and let us roll on 08!

Redman, Harrington and DJ is enough on the Qb side get the offensive line fixed, get a bruising running back and keep the defensive coach. Defense played decent and no need to topple the apple cart!

By Boots

January 4, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Bradley, you are right on and share my thoughts completely. It will take an experienced team to unravel this dysfunctional mess and, while Singletary would be a popular choice among a very important constituency, he’s done nothing over the past five years to prepare him for the enormous challenge that awaits the Head Coach of this motely crew.

Blank is in the position where more than his credibility is at stake.

* The fans are fed up and simply holding ticket prices in check is not going to be sufficient to fill the stadium. Fans need to know that substantial progress is being made to turn this ship around and that the GM and HC are equipped to be change agents —- to take control, from day one and begin to set this dysfunctional family of malcontents and misfits in order.*

Personally, I’m not sure Mr. Blank has the stomach to do what needs to be done to address the enormity of the issues confronting this franchise.

Adios and let’s see if we can’t get it right this time.

By Chris

January 4, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Hey neckville rednecks, was that English? You know, the language that we are supposed to be able to speak and write in this country? Just wondering.

By neckville rednecks

January 4, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

only a hit dog will hollow! And chris you must be a redneck! If you are not why anwser clown!That blog was for only rednecks!

By Mike Maffei

January 4, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Mark,

Living in Nashville and a lifelong Titan’s fan, I had a front row seat to the drafts of Floyd Reese. He was let go because he had more misses in the draft then wins. Go back and look at most of his 1-3 round draft choices aside from the ones you mentioned. All were busts.

By neckville rednecks

January 4, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

The redneck bloger hate but they don’t buy tickets. Blank only listen to money and you guys only jaw jack no anwser just hate.

The good ol boy have failed just look at there record of what they did with the falcons just the fact!

By Jimsteph

January 4, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

As long as McKay remains onboard the team will founder and lose. As long as Blank remains involved in football operations and pretends that McKay is not a significant part of the organization’s problem - not just the football part of the organization either - the team will founder and lose.

1. Fire McKay quick and clean
2. Hire a first rate GM and team President and let him do his job finding a coach, facilitating the hiring of a staff, and supporting and focusing the coach on acquiring player talent.
3. Help Mr. Blank understand that he can enjoy the football part of his team and oversee the running of the business part of his team, but that without trust in the people he hires to do the job their own way to the best of their ability he can’t develop a winning franchise. He’s a nice guy and collaboration does work in business. Rarely in athletics though. Find an example if you can.

By North FLA Falcon

January 4, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mr. G on several points. We do need a kicker. Mort’s range goes no farther than about 42-45 yards and that is in a dome. Pathetic! Since we have red zone problems a good kicker is crucial. Our draft pick should be Jake Long from Michigan. Then work with Redman. Draft a lower level QB and also a speedy tailback and work with them next year. With our easier schedule we should be looking at 8-8 then playoffs in the near future as NFC South is the worst in football.

By Boots

January 4, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

neckville rednecks, you have set a new benchmark for ignorance on this blog.

Way to go, Dud!

By Dave

January 4, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hey Neckville, your grammer was soooooo bad on your first comment that it actually hurt to read it.I mean painful! What the F#$@ are you smokin? You must be a real treat in person. Brush what little teeth you have left and get your a* up to Burger King and fill out that application.

By mike

January 4, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

Nice either or article.reese also drafted pac man and he had more red flags than a may day parade in north korea.Any gm has misses but look at the concistency.The gm should be hired before the end of next week or we will be behind the 8ball.

By long time falcon

January 4, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Falcons | McKay receives extension Thu, 3 Jan 2008 22:12:57 -0800

Jason Cole, of Yahoo! Sports, reports Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay has received a two-year contract extension, according to a source with knowledge of the team. McKay is playing an active role in interviewing candidates for both general manager and head coach, according to the source.

UNBELIEVABLE!!! Not only do we retain this idiot but he gets a contract extension. And to make matters worse he is heavily involved in the search for a new GM and coach. Blank is just plain stupid and I now believe more in the Atlanta Hawks and their screwed up ownership than this garbage franchise. Mckay reccomended bobby petrino for goodness sake!!!

By Alex

January 4, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Caldwell and Reese

By Neckville Rednecks

January 4, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

” People” read the blogs of the people who are getting on to me. Look at their points of view on the falcons. When you tell the truth they all way say you can’t spell or you are Ignorance.

“If you are not a redneck why anwser” but you are! Look at the people you clowns want to bring to the falcons read it. This is the same view we have had good ol boy views for years. {f^ck up}

most have never played the game and don’t buy tickets. 80% don’t but ticket on this blog Just $hit talkers. Doing what is right no matter how you spell it ! you views shows your heart . All I ask is for management to be fair and get the best people for the job no matter who they are .

But that where the problem start you guy want only blue eyes {read your on blogs}. I say I don’t care as long as they are good!

Read your blogs 90% of the good ol boys don’t want a man of color doing nothing in a leadship and management or QB! Just read your on blogs most of you want old rehashed white men.

I say find if they were good but they have prove they can not because they have had a coaching jobs more that two time.

(rehashed){If they were good they would not be looking for a job}

Race all ways matter in america and if you say it don’t you are lying!

By Space Mountain

January 4, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

It is going to be a LLLOOOOONNNNGGG time before this franchise is up and running on the right track again. I cant ever recall watching an NFL franchise fall completely apart so thoroughly. From the top to the bottom the Falcons are totally destroyed. Their best bet once they get a GM and Head Coach in place is to get rid of as many of their existing players(except for Norwood) and get as many draft picks as they can for them. Do not allow anyone back who was part of this season. The coach quit on the players the players quit on the coach, Vick goes to prison. I mean Hollywood could not script this stuff up even if it tried.

By Daddy O

January 4, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Mark you are on point with this article. I too have been asking the question…why is McKay still with the Falcons? Arthur can’t be that weak that he doesn’t have the balls to break off the love affair with McKay completely. Or is he that weak? I know one thing, it doesn’t look good keeping a guy around that you just supposedly fired. Oh I forgot, he’s gonna work on the “business operations” side of the team. Yeah Artie, right. I got some three dollar bills for you to.

By Space Mountain

January 4, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are the Brittney Spears of the NFL.

By ray

January 4, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

You guys are killing me. Why is it in this city that everything is about race? I can tell instantly which are black bloggers and which are white. Just hire the best guy available. It doesn’t matter the color. Get a life.

By Lee

January 4, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

ROFL Space Mtn.

By Hey Arthur, hire me

January 4, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

If you do (for $250,000) I will keep the pick and take Jake Long. I’ll take Ainge or Booty in the second round. And on top of that I’ll hire Jim Caldwell or Marty Schottenheimer.

How’s that? Sounds like a good shot at 7-9 wins in year one to me. Call me.

By Space Mountain

January 4, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

It just seems no matter what they do or dont do it is a serious mistake that is going to blow up in their face. Good luck Mr. Blank I will keep you in my prayers. Just look at the bright side, it has to only get better. Because if it does get any worse they might as well pick up camp and move on.( or rehab). This team has always been this way. It is not like they won the Super Bowl and are suffering from a hangover. 40 + years of futility. A few good seasons here and there. Oops They’ve done it again. :-) LOL.

By Darrell

January 4, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

I have been saying it all along, (Schottenhemer-Schottenhemer-Schottenhemer). I believe he would put this team back on the right track. Reese would also be a good addition at the GM spot.

By Floyd Reese

January 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this

No, that earlier guy was right. I wouldn’t know a good wide receiver if Randy Moss fell on me. And I had to cut so many players for salary cap reasons, it left the Titans thin and bad. I deserved to get fired.

By Jim P.

January 4, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Hire me as GM,

If I am hired as GM first I would hire a seasoned coach. First on my list would be Marty Schottenheimer. I would give him the freedom to help hire scouts to help get great talen from the NCAA. I would like to see if Schottenheimer could work with Mike Singletary and hire Singletary to be Defensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
Wooing Singletary over with the promise that when Marty retires for good, the team would be his. That way we are taking care of the much needed quick fix, but looking down the road for when Schottenheimer retires in about 5 years. Between those two good coaches and good draft help, and good pick ups in the free agency market, (who wouldnt want to work for Schottenheimer or Singletary?) Quick fixes in the beginning combined with good draft help, and in two years, we can make the playoffs, in 3-4 years we should be in placing a Lambardi trophy in the Falcons trophy case.

By mars

January 4, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Neckville, I only accused you of being a racist pig. And I want Singletary here. Don’t know or care about the color of his eyes. That’s for neanderthals like yourself.