AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > January > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBlank goes with a football man, not a sideshow
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
This isn’t about selling tickets, as difficult as that must be for a former retail whiz to swallow. It’s not about the name on the marquee, or the pre-kickoff buzz, or the once-famous coach who keeps un-retiring in different cities, only to wind up back in a studio when he’s done scratching his itch.
The Falcons didn’t need to hire the big name. The Falcons only had to hire somebody to fix a mess. Tom Dimitroff — meet your mess.
The next few years will tell us if owner Arthur Blank chose well. This much we know: Blank has absorbed a lot of criticism of late. But after being conned by Bobby Petrino, used by Bill Parcells and dancing an illogical dance with Pete Carroll, he bounced back with a reasoned choice, free of emotion, pyrotechnics and clowns with exploding feet.
Blank didn’t hire a sideshow. He hired a football guy.
I know. You’ve never heard of Thomas Dimitroff. You’re worried. I mean, Dimitroff has never been on ESPN so how good can he be, right? It’s sort of like when Lucy Van Pelt told Schroeder: “Beethoven wasn’t so great. He never got his picture on bubblegum cards, did he?”
Nobody outside of football insiders has heard of Dimitroff, and few of those could pick him out of a lineup. But to view that as a negative would be shortsighted. Fact is, this franchise could use a little anonymity about now.
Eight years ago, the New England Patriots weren’t quite the present-day Falcons, but they were headed in that direction. They finished 5-11 in 2000. They were bumped up against the salary cap and were paying for a series of personnel mistakes.
Then owner Robert Kraft did something radical: He hired a personnel chief (Scott Pioli) known only to hard-core football geeks and a head coach (Bill Belichick) who had been a disaster in Cleveland.
How did that turn out?
This is what I know about Dimitroff: He works for the New England Patriots. I’m sold. The bio could read: “Tom Dimitroff: Washed towels in Foxborough,” and that would be good enough.
For the past six seasons, he has worked for arguably the best owner (Kraft), the best personnel director (Pioli) and the best coach (Belichick) in professional sports. There is something to be said for osmosis.
When the Patriots went from 5-11 in 2000 to Super Bowl titles in three of the next four years, they excelled at finding low-budget free agents who could help form a team. It was football’s version of “Moneyball.”
Overshadowed is the fact they also have been pretty good on draft day. Dimitroff has spent 18 years in player personnel, the past six with the Patriots, most recently as the director of college scouting. He has been there for the past five drafts, which yielded 19 roster players and 11 starters, including four who were named to this year’s Pro Bowl: Asante Samuel (2003 draft), Dan Koppen (2003), Vince Wilfork (2004) and Logan Mankins (2005).
Koppen and Mankins are offensive linemen.
What a concept.
Blank seemingly strayed only once during this process, when he spoke to Southern Cal’s Pete Carroll. We’ve never heard the specifics of that exchange from either party. But if few fans appeared to embrace the concept of such a successful college coach with an NFL background working in Flowery Branch, there was a reason. Carroll was not overwhelming as an NFL head coach — he took a team that went to the Super Bowl in 1996 and the Pats regressed each of the next three seasons.
But more important, there was a belief Carroll wanted total power, and he has no background in personnel. That’s a far greater issue for the Falcons than coaching. They don’t need an interior decorator. The house is falling down.
Dimitroff will be in charge of football operations. Rich McKay is out as general manager. He remains as president, but he will have nothing to do with football decisions. Blank gave him a contract extension, but don’t make too much of that. Some of these things are done for window dressing. Remember: Jim Mora received a contract extension the year before he got fired.
An educated guess: McKay will be gone within seconds of finding another job offer to his liking. Until then, he’ll make a lot of money to glad-hand sponsors and orchestrate a stadium deal.
The best thing Blank could do now is allow his new general manager to run his football team. Fix the mess, and wins and fans will follow. Then everybody will have heard of Tom Dimitroff.
Permalink | Comments (94) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Jeff Schultz
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By Local Yokel
January 12, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
All I have to say to Arthur Blank tonight is Mazel Tov. Tom Dimitroff looks like a great hire from an organization that has simply been the best in the NFL this century.
Now if we can just convince Arthur to pull a “Ted Turner” and butt out of the day-to-day operations of the team. Let the professionals run the show and maybe we will get a consistent winner. Let’s hope so - long suffering Falcons deserve more than just being the punch line to bad jokes.
By Falcon Tradition
January 12, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
SOLID choice…..let this be the start of a new era in Falcons history.
By gregodawg
January 12, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
Third!
By michaelgee
January 12, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
did I die, Jeff Schultz writes a positive article about the Falcons and Mr Blank…
thank you Jeff, we’ve been wanting to see something fresh and insightful!
Nice article…..
By Braves Fan
January 12, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Great hire by Blank. He was my top choice.
By BirdMahn
January 12, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
I like the hire…so far. Now, who’s gonna be HC? Guesses? Rumors?
By GADirtyBird
January 12, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Very good read, This is exactly what this franchise needs. Someone who knows how to build a TEAM. Great Hire!
By russell
January 12, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
This is a great hire..one that actually seemed to have been made with some thought..in keeping w/ hiring employees from CHAMPIONSHIP organizations, Mr blank NEEDS to hire Colts asst head coach Jim Caldwell..this man has been approved by both tony dungy and peyton manning..if you need any more validation then that you’re on drugs!!
By Ryder
January 12, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
If this hiring is true (i’m still waiting for the press conference then i’ll be convinced) then this will be one of the best moves Blank has made.
Here’s the thing: what kind of coach will he hire? According to Chris Mortensen on ESPN Dimitroff has a list already in place.
By Ryder
January 12, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
If this hiring is true (i’m still waiting for the press conference then i’ll be convinced) then this will be one of the best moves Blank has made.
Here’s the thing: what kind of coach will he hire? According to Chris Mortensen on ESPN Dimitroff has a list already in place.
By Boots
January 12, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
The reason Jeff has not been positive regarding the Falcons is the same reason I’ve been critical of them. Simply put: they haven’t done anything positive to comment or write about. They have systematically self destructed the second half of the last two season Vick was there and totally imploded last season. So what’s to be positive about.
Now, we just need to be patient and give them a chance to build, or should I say rebuild, a team.
I think the fans will be patient if they can see some positive steps being taken to lay the foundation for back to back winning seasons —- which would be a very big deal.
By DJ
January 12, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
This is a good move by Arthur Blank and the Falcons. Let the new GM show what he can do. Obviously, the task ahead is a big one. Let’s get down to business and get this thing moving in the right direction. As far as I’m concerned, this is a good start. Now for a head coach. Arthur, you done good.
By JimC
January 12, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
I dont know anything about Dimitrof but coming from NE he has to have learned something. From this fans viewpoint, it seems like a good hire. We’ll know for sure in 3 years. To the talking heads and columnists; i heard a lot of negative comments regarding the search. Things like they were talking to too many people with no direction. What would have been said if they had jumped on the first hire like Petrino and Mora. Give Blank a break. The guy has passion and has learned some hard lessons. He would not be able to buy a franchise if he was not smart enough to get the money together. Granted, not everyone has the mind for owning a sports team but you cant second guess his passion. He will get it right, hopefully sooner rather than later.
By Ced Ced
January 12, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
This seems like a great hire, first off because it is usually the quiet ones in the room you have to watch out for. And its alot of people who have never heard of this guy, including me. Second, he has been with New England from almost the beginning.He is responsible for bringing in talent, and for the last few years they have been THEE BEST. Maybe he has something to do with that. Third, being around winning is contagious, and hopefully he will bring that culture of winning here. So I say well done Mr. Blank, so far…
By Dee
January 12, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Good hire, Mr. Blank! Finally someone who can actually recognize talent!
By Falcon Fan
January 12, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
i like the hire, we need some talent from the New England Patriots in our front office. Their organization speaks for itself. Great evaluator of talent! I hope he makes a great hire for a head coach, i would like to see Jim Caldwell myself, or Marty Schottenheimer. I hope Arthur Blank will give the man space to rebuild this franchise. Good start though!
By Roy
January 12, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
Now if he can only bring Josh with him. Good move Arthur, now go on a permanent safari.
By NECKVILLE REDNECKS
January 12, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Two words Jim Caldwell!!!!!
By U.S. NECKVILLE REDNECKS
January 12, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Great hire Now Jim Caldwell for the coach!!!
By David
January 12, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
Good hire,maybe he will trade that big mouth bum D Hall for good.
By BC$ Slave
January 12, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
I’m hoping for Jim Caldwell too. Then we would have someone from two great organizations leading our team.
By donald
January 12, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Good choice. Jim Caldwell may be off the table since rumors are swirling that Tony Dungy might retire after this season. I think the Jags D coordinator may be the guy to look at, I like what they’re doing aganist the Patriots.
By Glenn Drake
January 12, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Now if Arthur can stay out of this guys business and let him do things maybe we can move forward. Arthur butt out, you are the reason for the disaster. You were handed a good team with a good coach when you bought it. We don’t need you and your wife in this guys way.
18 year season ticket holder
By U.S. NECKVILLE REDNECKS
January 12, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Get a new coach who knows fOOTBALL player and if so Vick will be back in 2009.
Maybe we will get a offense and defensive lines if he is a football man .
I hope he don’t listen to the red necks or the hommie just the best football player and please don’t listen to aJC sports they are part of the problem! MR. BLANK GOOD MOVE KEEP IT UP!
By long time falcon
January 12, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Can someone please explain to me why Jim Caldwell would be a good hire? He went 24-54 in his only head coaching stint at wake worest. The guy who followed him at WF turned the program into a consistent winner. And please don’t try and tell me that Peyton Manning’s success is the result of Jim Caldwell. I’m sure he is a fine position coach but I think the falcons can do much better. I just don’t believe in hiring a guy who is not even a coordinator. And I’m pretty sure that he and dimitroff have no background together. Usually GM’s go after coaches that they have worked with before and share similar philosophies.
By PhoneDawg
January 12, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
A solid hire - this is EXACTLY what Arthur Blank needed to do. True, not flashy, but definitely some substance. Now if we can get a quality leader and man like Mike Singletary or Jim Caldwell to coach this team, we’ll be finally moving forward as an organization again.
By Ron JR
January 12, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Next head Coach?
How about Ron Zook? Look at what he did at Illinois
By Ed in L'ville
January 12, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Identical article and blogs written by Jeff and bloggers after AB hired Rich. Go back and read in the archives.
By William
January 12, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
I do believe this is a solid first step toward making the Falcons a solid organization. All we need now is a solid coach, consistent and productive drafts, and smart free agent moves and this organization will be back on it’s feet and ready to win consistently.
By Toccoabird
January 12, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
One question. Does he know how to hand out pink slips?
By U.S. NECKVILLE REDNECKS
January 12, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
This team (fALCONS)must belive in it self frist.. It is our time to stand tall. I hope the draft picks are lineman and line backers and a running back.
The Qb’s comming out are not worth a first round pick! we need lineman in the trenches .
we have not had a all pro offense lineman in over ten years. The time has come and it is now!
By vesaversa
January 12, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
wooo bout time and i like this hire of the new gm ,great move blank
By Ed in L'ville
January 12, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Identical article and blogs written by Jeff and bloggers after AB hired Rich. Go back and read in the archives.
By Ed in L'ville
January 12, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Identical article and blogs written by Jeff and bloggers after AB hired Rich. Go back and read in the archives.
By Layne's Pappy
January 12, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Ed in L’ville:
Two words: Shut up!
Mr. Blank :
Nice hire ! Best of luck… Falcons fans and Falcon organization sorely need some good luck and common-sense football personnel running the show.
By Rod
January 12, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Have you seen this guys picture? He looks a guy Chris Hansen interviewed on NBC How to catch a preditor.
By Big Dawg
January 12, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
Great job Blank. Tom Dimitroff is the right pick to lead this team in draft ,etc.. Now hire a good Coach and set back and watch. Clean House and get a little class on the field for a change. Jason Garrett would make a great Coach. Please say no to Caldwell. Go Back to Old uniforms. The new stinks. Hell! just change everything and start over.
By Orlando
January 12, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Ed in L’ville, prove it.
By Ed in L'ville
January 12, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Identical article and blogs written by Jeff and bloggers after AB hired Rich. Go back and read in the archives.
By Ed in L'ville
January 12, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Identical article and blogs written by Jeff and bloggers after AB hired Rich. Go back and read in the archives.
By Ed in L'ville
January 12, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Identical article and blogs written by Jeff and bloggers after AB hired Rich. Go back and read in the archives.
By Ed in L'ville
January 12, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Identical article and blogs written by Jeff and bloggers after AB hired Rich. Go back and read in the archives.
By Ed in L'ville
January 12, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Identical article and blogs written by Jeff and bloggers after AB hired Rich. Go back and read in the archives.
By intellibird
January 12, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Question for Ed in L’ville…are you a Petrino lover? Wait till the GA Bulldogs get ahold of the ARK Hogs. We’ll see who laughs last.
By Falcon Phil
January 12, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
Great hire by Blank and the Falcons. Somewhere in a corner Terrance Moore and Terrance Mathis are holding each other and crying
By quint
January 12, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Jim Caldwell or Jason Garrett. Hire for character, stability, and talent.
By Ken
January 12, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
Very good article Jeff. I do agree with some of the other comments that Mr. Blank needs to tone his involvement down a notch or two…or three. It’s a complete distraction that probably had more than a little bit to do with Petrino bolting-like the scared little pony that he is.
By Singletary
January 12, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Oh come on. Insightful article, Jeff. Sounds like a good move, Mr B.
Unlike when I had a squishy, sinking feeling on Petrino (and even used up my one question to Kornheiser & Wilbon about that hire at an awards ceremony the next day,) I don’t have that now.
No one can see the future, but we haven’t given total control to a college coach with an iffy NFL record. Maybe Singletary won’t be hired as HC. At some point you have to put one foot in front of the other, and we need to respect that.
By KrisG
January 12, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
I have no problem with Terrance Mathis. Don’t diss Mathis just because that a-hole wrote his only non-negative article in the last three months about him.
And now, I shall write weaselboy’s next column for him:
“Arthur Blank keeps embarassing himself… Hiring a Patriots guy won’t make the sorry Falcons the Patriots, so it’s stupid to even try… why do people bother trying to improve the Falcons, it just takes people away from the northern teams, they’re all worth the trouble…”
By Patrick
January 12, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Heckert was my top choice, but I’m still deliriously happy with this one. This really smells like the “next step” to success.
People are too hard on Blank. He’s doing everything he can to bring a winner, and this was a great step. He’s a pretty bright guy and he has busted his arse to make this team a winner. He’s made a couple of mistakes, have you ever made one? Give him a break.
By K-Ro
January 12, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Great hire: a moneyball GM. Now hire the moneyball coach: Jim Schwartz.
By HOUDAWG
January 12, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this
From a Scout to GM ??
Even being in the BEST org in the NFL, it’s still very suspect …….
But, ANYBODY that can POSSIBLY bring this 40+ -yr organization to consistent performance / respect / results …. I’M ALL FOR !
Although I’ve been in Hou (TX) for many, many years ….. have tried to follow & support the FALCONS for a long time, but have virtually given up. Short of the Arizona Cardinals, it continues ( over, over & over ) to be the ” armpit ” organization of the NFL …….
By Ron
January 13, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
I’m amazed that no one seems to see the really BIG news implicit in the hiring of Dimitroff. What if a silent deal has been made that would bring Josh McDaniels in as the new Falcons HC? McDaniels is the mastermind behind the explosive New England offense. He’s young, has worked with Dimitroff and is on eveybody’s list for a coach. He and Dimitroff are a perfect match for the Falcons!
++BRING IN JOSH MCDANIELS AS HEAD COACH++
By Max
January 13, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
Yeah For Blank..Now..Get Your ### Up To The Box & Stay There! Stay The &&&& Off The Sidelines..Leave The Coach Alone..He Does NOT Want To Eat Dinner With You, MAN UP!!
Look At The Winning Teams In The NFL..TAKE A HINT!!!
NO DEAL Is A DEAL Till The Contract Is Signed!! Could This Guy Be Playing Us Ala PARCELLS?
By MITCH
January 13, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
UNBELIEVABLE!!!ESPN REPORTING IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MINUTES THAT REPORTS ARE COMING OUT OF FOXBOROUGH THAT DIMITROFF IS SEEMINGLY BACKING OUT!! FALCONS AND AJC, HUSH UNTIL THE INK DRIES WITH SOMEONE ONE DAY!!! I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT!!!
By zorba
January 13, 2008 12:37 AM | Link to this
Remember that AB was fired from his job before he and BM launched an empire. He knows how to fix things that are broken. Let the new GM hire his guy and let’s behind them. Maybe Singletary can at least be the defensive coach and teach D. Hall some class to go with his talent.
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
January 13, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
Holy moly - Blank has stumbled into a great hire. Parcells would have been nice, I don’t know what the Pete Caroll thing was about but finally the Falcs have (once the contract is signed) one of the great talent evaluators in the league today. Someone who knows his way around the salary cap and who knows it is unwise to toss millions at so-called superstars instead build a team and if someone complains and wants to leave as a free agent let them go. The Falcs are on the way to having one of the most talented rosters in the league - no more drafting receivers who can’t catch, no more pricey free agents, best of all no more malcontents and me-first players. The icing on the cake now will be the coach and coordinators, and as it should have worked all along, the GM is gonna bring in people he can work with. This is a huge day for the Falcs and I hope it ends Mr. Blank’s meddling in football operations. Arthur work on the business, leave the football stuff to the new GM. Guaranteed within the next five years this team will be a perennial playoff contender. My hope is for a team that empasizes speed at all positions and an intimidating defense that throttles opponents. Better days are ahead.
By g-thang
January 13, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
I spent 1800 on season tix last year. the jury is still out on if i will get them this year. if they get the 3rd pick (the coin toss will be before the SB) and make some noise in free agency, maybe, just maybe i will renew. but until then…
By Count Bluntinstein
January 13, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this
Lasr yr. I was at a party at the falcon complex we smoked out and played assgrab with the locals…then some high faluttin’ redneck cop tuaght me how to line dance I shall never forget it
By WTF
January 13, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
Good first step Mr.Blank. Now stay in your owners box and off the field. Let the players play and the Coach coach, K, thanx.
By OK That was a good move
January 13, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
Good Move I like that kind of football savvy, brains over splash. I will be interested to see what he does with the present staff, and players, and will be especially interested in in our hew coach and draft picks——but for now——good move.
By Blackedout
January 13, 2008 7:34 AM | Link to this
NO Josh McDaniel! He’s the caretaker of the offense in NE, not the architect. Belichick oversees EVERYTHING up there!
By K-Ro
January 13, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
I would be excited about McDaniels or Schwartz. Schwartz definitely has the most experience at the coordinator position, and has been long-known as a brainy guy. Please, no Caldwell. The Colts offense is a Peyton Manning/Tom Moore amalgam. Caldwell’s contribution had never been mentioned before he became a coaching candidate. The coaches who preceded him and succeeded him at Wake both did much better. Caldwell’s record as a head coach is frankly %$#!.
By tony
January 13, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Not so fast my friend! First off Belichick is a cheater who’s having success in New England but what happen in Cleveland? Just keep this in mind people, if Dimitroff doesn’t hire a hc who has had some envolvement on a SB or PO team rather as a player or coach, be concern. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE SPEAKS VOLUME!!
By kool$kat
January 13, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Good hire Arthur and good article, Jeff. Love the Lucy - Schroeder reference, but will Dimitroff be a Beethoven or Falco? Time will tell…
By Paddy
January 13, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Who knows if this is the right move?We as fans will back him. What we as fans do know is, go back to the old Uniforms. Somebody sold you a “bill-of-goods” on this new look. It does not work, they never did look like real professional players. Something is not right with the “look”. You must have gotten advice from someone who never set foot on the playing fiels.
By Big Al
January 13, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Now Arthur, just get out of the way and let him do his job. You need to be invisible.
By buzzbird
January 13, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Good deal Arthur,go falcons!!
By DudeImAFalconsFan
January 13, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Looks like we got a football guy as a GM. Hopefully, Dimitroff hires a head coach that is from a winning NFL franchise, well respected, and can bring some excitement to the dome.
By dr
January 13, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Let us not forget, AJC, its sports writers and specifically Terrence Moore are the only ones that hired Pete Carroll for Head Coach, GM and water boy.
Is Terrence going to write an article retracting his stupidity?
By Billy
January 13, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Good hire! Now, let’s see what he does for a Head Coach.
By Ed
January 13, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I love the fact that Tom Dimitroff was the guy that Arthur Blank chose, afterall he has been associated with the winningest organization in football. I am really glad that Arthur and Rich McKay both took their time and made what looks like a very intelligent decision, all of this waiting around proves that Mr. Blank wants to get it right this time and as a lifelong Falcons fan I can wait if it means success. GO FALCONS!!!
By ATFF
January 13, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
73rd …. counting duplicates of course!
By tony
January 13, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
If Dimidroff hire Ron Rivera to coach this team, then I think it’s safe to say Mr Blank is getting it right this time. Ron Rivera’s resume:he was Cal all time sack leader and still holes the school record for tackles for loss in a single season, he played alongside Mike Singletary the year they won the SB in 1985, he was the Eagles linebacker coach(1999-2003) when they advanced to the NFC Championship 3 consecutive seasons, he was the Bears Defensive coordinator(2004-06). The bears had the #2 defense in 06 and represented the NFC in the SB the same year. He is currently the Charger’s linebacker coach(2007-present) and have advance in the playoff. He’s a winner folks!
By tony
January 13, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
If Dimidroff hire Ron Rivera to coach this team, then I think it’s safe to say Mr Blank is getting it right this time. Ron Rivera’s resume:he was Cal all time sack leader and still holes the school record for tackles for loss in a single season, he played alongside Mike Singletary the year they won the SB in 1985, he was the Eagles linebacker coach(1999-2003) when they advanced to the NFC Championship 3 consecutive seasons, he was the Bears Defensive coordinator(2004-06). The bears had the #2 defense in 06 and represented the NFC in the SB the same year. He is currently the Charger’s linebacker coach(2007-present) and have advance in the playoff. He’s a winner folks!
By TPM
January 13, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
This is a great hire Tom Dimitroff will bring in players who want to be part of a winning culture. The Falcons will take the field as a team not a individuals. So long D Hall and other self promotors…
By northgeorgiafalconfan
January 13, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
well done auther you’re finally on the right track this time. good luck hiring a coach and the rest off the coaching staff.
By harrywx
January 13, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
A step in the right direction. A good hire for the franchise. Now the Falcons need a new personell staff, a new head coach and coaching staff. An exceptional draft and free agency signing will help. And while we are hiring we should start searching for a team PAROLE OFFICER!/BABY SITTER!
By Russ Brock
January 13, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Please Arthur, stay in your luxury box until the game is over. And during the week, just manage your stock portfolio. Let football men run your team for a couple of years and watch the wins come. Okay?
By Tim
January 13, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
WOW, watched the Patriots yesterday and the owner was in the OWWNER’S box and not on the sideline…..Take a tip from the best Mr. Blank, get off the field and out of the locker room before the game. You don’t belong with those that play the game…….Good luck…..
By Al
January 13, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Arthur: Good Job. But now find something else to occupy your time. Stay out of the football operations.
By fred b.
January 13, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Agree with most that this is a good hire. Only time will tell of course, but in general you like hiring someone who has a history of success in what they do. Arthur Blank has made some mistakes in the past but would much rather have him owning the team than the alternative (i.e. a corporation who only cares about the bottom line or the Smith family who also had no clue)
By Awesome
January 13, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Why is everyone on the Patriots nuts. If the Falcons used cameras on the sidelines to steal signs we’d be winners too. It’s amazing how the NFL burned all the evidence from the past years that they’ve been cheating. I’m not inpressed by this higher at all. The Patriots are a “Free Agent Team”. They don’t build through the draft. Period. Hire Singletary and get rid of Brookings sorry butt. Keep Hall, we need more guys on this team with fire in them. It’s amazing how alot of you Judas’s were amped when Hall smashed one of the Eagles helmets to the ground before a Monday night game, but now he’s a thug.
By GJD
January 13, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
If Blank had hired the Pat’s waterboy that would be better than that joke of a NFL coach they had before.
By Awesome's an idiot
January 13, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
In response to ‘Awesome’, you are clueless. I’m glad that this “higher” doesn’t impress you. The Patriots are most definitely a team built through the draft. Sure, they added Moss and Seau this year, but how about Brady, Watson, Maroney, Seymore, and the likes? I’d love to see the Falcons trade Hall for any value whatsoever. A real TEAM doens’t need me-first players like him.
By morris
January 13, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
I have read some things that really concern me about this hire. First, Dimitroff will report directly to rich mckay! Thats right, Mckay is dimitroff’s boss. That little nugget has some league insiders thinking that this whole GM search process was a sham. Some NFL personnel believe that Mckay was directing this search and pushed Blank into hiring a guy that he could control.
FALCONS SCREWED THE POOCH, AGAIN?
We’re picking up some reactions to the decision of the Falcons to hire Pats director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff, who’ll be the new G.M. in Atlanta.
The consensus thus far is that deposed G.M. Rich McKay got his way, bringing in a guy whom McKay thinks he will be able to control.
“McKay has to be ecstatic,” one league source opined. “He got someone he can manipulate. [Eagles G.M. Tom] Heckert would have been more combative. Dimitroff is like a yellow lab. His tail always wags. Heckert has some bite. McKay is dancing right now.”
By Danny
January 13, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
This was not a good move. They got this “football guy” because no respectable, legitimate football guy would take the job.
This hire seems strikingly similar to the Jim Mora, Jr. hire. Let’s just wait to see who’s really in charge of personnel decisions.
By Alphonso
January 13, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
But he ain’t black.
By Jay
January 13, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this
Schultz, you are dead on in your assessment of forgetting all the histrionics. It looks like we have a football guy - not a sideshow - and let’s just keep our fingers crossed that the ship can get turned around in the next 3 years.
By Barkin'Dog
January 13, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Tony Dungy Theory Call me crazy, but I can see Tony Dungy as Atlanta’s next Head Coach. Why? Because he wants to work near his 15 year old son who recently moved to Tampa. The closest place for Coach Dungy to work is Atlanta. Heck, maybe his son and family will like living in Atlanta… most pro athletes do (whether they work here or not). Tony Dungy built the Bucs into a Super Bowl Champion (but Chuckie got the credit), as well as the Colts last year. He is the one man who could PACK the dome and bring us a championship. But Mr. Blank will have to have a charter jet ready to take Tony to Tampa on a moment’s notice. That would be a small price to pay to call “a proven winner” our coach. Think about it – Arthur. You put Tony and your new GM together and you’ll have a champion in 5 years. Coach Dungy would love this as his last big “challenge of a lifetime.” IMAGINE if he produced a THIRD NFL CHAMPIONSHIP in his career – who else could say that?
In case you haven’t noticed, Mr. Blank, Coach Dungy is available. The Colts lost today. His contract is about up. And he’s better than Pete WHO? Go ahead, make him an offer he can’t refuse… you won’t regret it if he takes it. Then all of this suffering might go away. What do others think of this idea? Would Tony be a good hire if it was possible? Just wondering.
Go Falcons! Go Dawgs!! And how ‘bout them Braves?!
By bg
January 13, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
First of all, I would like to say you got it right for once on writing this article. A lot of people think they know something about football but they don’t. You have to build a organization from the inside out. And you build a team from the inside out. They have their man as GM (the right one too I might add). I trust he will hire the right Coach. The Coach he being an offensive mind of Defensive mind will hire a genies on the other side of the ball to counter him ( a ying must have a yang)
Mike will be back at the end of this summer. And hopefully we can have an offensive line waiting on him when he gets back. And if not Mike no matter who is our signal caller he won’t amount to much without protection look at the playoffs those teams who can protect their QB usually have probowl QB’s, which equals probowl WR’s and second round playoff teams.
But to counter that you have to have a good interior defensive line as well, they protect the linebackers. That equals probowl linebackers and defensive backs, if you put it all together equals a playoff team.
But to achieve all these things you have to have someone who evaluates talent well which we have now.
By blah
January 13, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
i think the falcons should’ve hired a minority candidate, like leroy thomas, but no - blank is racist. he’ll hire a white coach too. because of vick, blank will never trust a minority again. and warrick dunn doesn’t count, because he’s basically white.
By jc
January 13, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Blah your an idiot..the NFL players are majority black and now Blank is a racist cause he hires white coaches???? so you won’t be happy until all players and coaches are black but the majority of fans that are in the stands are white and I guess they have no say so at all. see that is the difference between the races we da white folk don’t care who is out there we are about the game but black folk it’s all about the skin color…and we are the racist..please give me a break.
By Red Light
January 13, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
*This is what I know about Dimitroff: He works for the New England Patriots. I’m sold. The bio could read: “Tom Dimitroff: Washed towels in Foxborough,” and that would be good enough.
For the past six seasons, he has worked for arguably the best owner (Kraft), the best personnel director (Pioli) and the best coach (Belichick) in professional sports. There is something to be said for osmosis.*
How quickly you forget about blanket statements made like those above Jeff.
We have another GM in town who worked for a two-time champion, with a good owner (how can you qualify that, exactly?) an oustanding GM, and an outstanding coach. How’s that working out, Jeff?
Lets hope Dimitroff isn’t the next Waddell!