Sports Columnists

By Phillip

January 23, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

great article - agree with everything you said….Mike Smith is a solid hire. I liked the process once Dimitroff took over and I think he made the right choice.

Falcons are under new management now. Give them(Dimitroff/Smith) a chance people.

By ED

January 23, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

We need to all give him a chance. One disgruntled player that lasted one year, should not make the headlines on espn, disputing his hiring, only to make the Falcon’s look foolish again! Go falcons!!!! This is your big year.

By michaelgee

January 23, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Wow Jeff, very objective, very nice job!

I too am happy that buzz didn’t win out over hiring a qualified mind this time. It looks like we have the start for a foundation at last, now the assistants to be hired and then the draft and Free Agency choices made by Thomas Dimitroff will be next.

It is almost eerie to see AB flying below the radar, but it is nice. This city’s NFL franchise simply needs sound positive decisions and some forward movement. Not giants steps but positive steps.

By ChicagoPOW

January 23, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

I think I like this coach. Hearing descriptions like honest, loyal, intelligent is encouraging. It will be interesting to see who he pulls together for the coaching staff. It’s also encouraging to hear that he’s not afraid to cut a problem player (i.e. what’s-his-name on espn). And I have to mention - when you think about how challenging 2007 season was, and how the players competed hard anyway in all but a couple of games, add a strong leader and it’s easy to feel good about the direction. GO FALCONS!!!

By Stewie

January 23, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Excuse, but doesn’t Arthur Blank still own the Falcons? Yes, I thought so.

By Larry

January 23, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

Darn it!

I just ordered my Marion Campbell Jersey and they refuse to give me a refund!

By Jimmy

January 23, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this

The Falcons got what they desperately needed. Smith may have not been the fan favorite or the hot name this offseason, but he’s actually what this franchise needed. He is a football coach. Plain and simple. No other way to put it. He knows football and Lord knows, that’s what this team needs. Good hire.

By David Duke

January 23, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Thomas ‘the equipment guy’ brings in a fellow dufus. Wow! We’re on our way to 4-12 in perpetuity. Yeehaw!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 23, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

A lot of this column seems to be arguing that since Mike Smith is the opposite personality-wise of Mora and Petrino, that he will be a better coach than Mora and Petrino.

First of all, odds are that if you put every coach’s name in a hat and draw one randomly that the resulting coach will be better than Mora or Petrino. There’s a good chance that all four candidates considered by the Falcons are better than Mora and Petrino. Mora was awful in every sense of the word, and although Petrino may have become a good NFL coach, he didn’t have the balls to hang around and find out for himself.

So sure, maybe Mike Smith is an improvement. But going from horrible to mediocre is not satisfactory. Marcellus Wiley’s comments are very troubling, because they seem to indicate exactly what is hinted at in this column — that Mike Smith’s “accomplishments” were more the result of Jack Del Rio. I’m hoping Wiley is wrong. But I still haven’t seen any of Smith’s former players stepping up in his defense. Yeah, he got endorsements from some of his fellow coaches. But there’s nothing like an endorsement from a player who is in the locker room responding to the coach day in and day out.

And the argument that the Jags are a defense without stars is foolish. They don’t have Pro Bowlers because fans (and even players and coaches to a lesser extent) don’t pay attention to a small market team like the Jags. First-round picks John Henderson and Marcus Stroud, second-round picks Daryl Smith, Mike Peterson and Rashean Mathis, all stack up against any of the best players in the league at those positions. First-round rookie Reggie Nelson was hyped coming out of college and played well in his first season. They have veterans like Sammy Knight and Terry Cousin in their secondary who may not be Pro Bowlers but damn sure know how to play. Jacksonville’s D certainly doesn’t have less talent than Minnesota with its slow linebackers and inconsistent pass rushers, or the Giants with their hodgepodge of cast-off veterans and late-round draft picks in the secondary.

I don’t know, maybe Mike Smith ends up being a good coach. Even though I’m not a fan of this hire I certainly like it better than I liked the Mora and Petrino hires when they happened. But while we are talking about “taking risks”… you know who would have been the least risky candidate? Marty Freakin’ Schottenheimer. I still want to see where Schottenheimer said he wouldn’t coach the Falcons, because I certainly did not see that anywhere. And if he didn’t explicitly turn down the Falcons job, why the Falcons wouldn’t go after a guy who has made a career out of resurrecting crappy teams is beyond me.

By cbro281

January 23, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

great hire we don’t need a name we need a coach.

By bg

January 23, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

I am ok with the pick-up, I would have liked Mike Singeltary instead but, hay you can’t knock the mans track record so, I willing to give him a chance, he can’t do any worse than, what we just did this season. Saying that though I looking forward to seeing who his supporting cast will be.

By kgod999

January 23, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

same ole falcons. 41 years off of the same stuff continues.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 23, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this

David Duke, did you enjoy your Martin Luther King Day?

By TROTTINGHOMETUDD

January 23, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this

someone took a writing class.

now take another one.

By Mike In Woodstock

January 23, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

Ya’ know, all day, I’ve been thinking this wasn’t good. After reading Jeff’s rah-rah article though, I’m good to go with it….I think……Ugh!

By Tim

January 23, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

We got a real coach who understands football. That is what this franchise needed from the start. The real Falcon fans need to understand that it will take at least four years to recover from the poor draft choices of McKay and Blank.

By BirdMahn

January 23, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this

Just as I was starting to like this hire I saw the internet chatter about Mike Mularkey possibly being offered the Offensive Coordinator jobs. If this is true, I will have to put the hire of Smith in the MISTAKE category.

By chubster

January 23, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Brian Billick for offensive coordinator!! He’s had experience with bad QB’s and ours is getting out of the pokey soon!

By dhm jr.

January 23, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

David Duke and others with the same opinion are at best greatly misinformed!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 23, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

You know who would make a good offensive coordinator?

How about going right back to Jacksonville and taking their offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter?

David Garrard, of all people, finished this year with a QB rating over 100. Their offensive line played great all year. Their crew of garbage WRs played better than the Falcons’ crew of garbage WRs has ever played. And he found a way to get the most out of their two great RBs, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Why not? I wouldn’t mind anyone from their offensive staff really… Mike Tice wouldn’t be a bad hire as OC either.

By doug

January 23, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

We don’t need anymore drama. If he brings stability, low key, steady improvement then I am on his side. As a Jax fan I am glad to have someone from that organization here.

By Josh

January 23, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

I work in a brokerage firm. Let me tell you this — no matter what, at the end of the day, what matters to a client is did s/he make money?! They are not interested to know what we go through at the firm to get the job done and help protect their assets. Their bottom-line is — how much did they make?

I think the Falcons are facing a similar situation. What matters for us as fans are wins, period. You start winning and the buzz will get automatically generated. If there is any more dissension within the ranks, they should be shown the door. No more toleration of indiscipline and disrespect. Individuals do not need the football field as a platform to spout their personal opinions on matters not related with football. Forget marketing this team, just shut up and play to win. Rest will take care of itself. Good article.

By Gregory Moundine

January 23, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

still think Denny Green would have been the best fit. “We let them off the hook!!” We need experience; not another terrible experience. Hell, make me the General Manager!! Also what happen to Marty Schottenheimer.

By Gregory Moundine

January 23, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

The Falcons might as well hire his Brother-in-law as the defensive coordinator, Baltimore’s old head coach, Billick.

By Dr. I.Q.

January 23, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Let’s just be honest. We don’t know squat about this guy; however, I think it’s only fair to give the new General Manager and his new Head Coach every opportunity to show what they can do with this motly crew.

My hope is that the GM will assist the new HC in culling out some of the trouble-makers, slackers and under-achievers. They’re like a cancer on this franchise.

In the meantime, we’re behind you guys. Now, show us some solidarity and effort and we’ll be there like we have for the past forty-something years.

Go Birds!

By roan st

January 23, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this

Davenpoop, maybe this will ease you’re mind about the wiley comments. Below is an excerpt from len pasquarelli’s column from espn. Btw, wiley was cut after only one season in Jacksonville, so it’s definitely looking like he had an axe to grind.

Smith is a solid football man, a guy who can X and O, and who has drawn the respect of players. There have been some suggestions, including an opinion posited by one ESPN analyst on Wednesday, that Smith was merely a “puppet” in Jacksonville, and that it was actually Del Rio, himself an old coordinator, who ran the defensive side of the ball. But in speaking the last few years with some key veterans we know and trust — Stroud, Peterson, cornerback Rashean Mathis, and others — we never came away with that impression.

Rather, those players went out of their way to laud Smith’s work ethic, to champion his cause, to stress that he was integral to their success, and to opine that he should someday merit head coach consideration. That day came when Dimitroff huddled with Smith last Friday, the first session between the two, but the second interview overall between Smith and Atlanta officials.

By tj

January 23, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

TO Najeh D

Is this what you are looking for.Go to tha Falcons web page and you can read the complete article.

During his time in the NFL, Smith, 48, has demonstrated strong capabilities in developing and setting high expectations for his players.

“He is very competitive,” said Jaguars Defensive End Paul Spicer. “He wants the best out of you – he demands the best of you. Mike Smith gained the trust of a lot of Jaguars players over the years. He has definitely gained my trust. I would tell any Falcons player that they are definitely getting a gem.”

“First of all, I am very happy for Smitty,” Jacksonville Pro Bowl DT Marcus Stroud said. “He is definitely a deserving coach, and will be a very good addition to the team. He’s ready for this opportunity. He’s been a good coach for a long time. He will bring stability and a tough-minded approach. He’s a leader and will do a great job in Atlanta.”

By gary

January 23, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

I THINK THAT THE BIRDS AS A GROUP AND .MADE A GOOD HIRE,NEXT HE NEEDS TO BRING IN SOME SOLID COACHES TO ASSIT HIM AND THE CITY NEEDS TO RALLY BEHIND HIM. THE CITY IS ONE REASON OTHERS BACKED AWAY WHEN ASKED TO BE INTERVEIWED,COME ON ATL AND LET US ALL BECOME A GREAT SPORTS TOWN. GO BIRDS!!!

By Tampaparrotthead

January 23, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

I’M JUST GLAD THAT THE FALCONS HAVE HIRED SOMEBODY WHO WANTS TO BE HERE!!

By reality check

January 23, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Are the Falcons still in business?

I don’t see how that can be. They have been consistent losers for 50 years with an occasional winning season.

I don’t understand how any serious football fan could watch them. I don’t intend to.

By Awesome

January 23, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

This hire sucks, just like the Falcon’s front office, and as they have over the last 40 years! Mike Singletary should have been the choice. Del Rio was Jacksonville’s DC, and Marvin Lewis was the DC on Baltimore’s Superbowl squad. This guy has no credibility to me. Does anybody care to guess how long it’ll before we hire another coach? I give it 2 seasons.

By Bo

January 23, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

Thanks Jeff for letting everyone know the truth. Smith and Diminoff will do just fine if everyone will give them a chance. Great job Falcons.

By roan st

January 23, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

I keep hearing negative criticism from some locals and even a few national media outlets. And that got me to thinking about the other NFL teams head coaching searches. Miami hired a guy named tony sparano who was only the offensive line coach in Dallas. He called the plays for the cowboys in 2006 and had that job taken away by jason garrett in 2007. He got demoted if you want to be realistic about it. If it weren’t for the fact that Bill Parcells wanted him then everyone in the world would be laughing at Miami. Baltimore hired a guy who was a special teams coach for 6 years and a linebackers coach this past season. Thats two coaches who were not even coordinators hired in miami and baltimore. Now how does Mike Smith, who’s been a defensive coordinator for 5 years, stack up against those two hires? I would say that his credentials are much better than those two guys. And the redskins are reportedly on the verge of hiring jim fassel. Jim freakin Fassel? So now look at the falcons hiring of Smith compared to the other three coaching decisions. Smith ain’t looking so bad now huh?

By LessBeReal

January 23, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Who on this planet really cares about the Atlanta Falcons? Another meaningless Jeffy Boy article that could have been written much better by an adolescent short bus rider. Why hasn’t AJC sent this clown down the road yet?

By ChampKind

January 23, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this

Mike Singletary should’ve been the choice? REALLY? What makes Singletary a better choice? He hasn’t even been a coordinator yet. Your chief argument against Smith is that you believe he was only the DC in title yet you then say that a guy who has never even been a DC in title is the superior choice without giving ANY reason as to why. Did you ever wonder why the team (Baltimore) that Singletary worked for from 2003-04 didn’t even bother to interview him for their head coaching vacancy?

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 23, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

roan st and tj, actually that’s exactly what I was looking for. Marcellus Wiley might have only been in Jacksonville for one year, but he was a three-time Pro Bowler, so I figured he probably knew what he was talking about. Good to know that the current Jags players disagree.

And for the record I don’t think the hires made by Baltimore and Miami were anything spectacular either, although Baltimore’s coach has done a spectacular job with the Philly secondary over the last decade. Between Sparano and Harbaugh I would say Harbaugh has a much better chance of being a successful coach.

By Singletary

January 23, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

As an advocate for (not my cousin) Mike Singletary, I just don’t feel good even with Najeh signing off. Mike Singletary is an amazing speaker, and after Petrino’s s’posed knowlege of Xs and Os AND ZERO KNOWLEGE OF THE 2MIN OFFENSE, I’d rather have 3 REALLY GOOD OC/DC/SpT to run the real show and a GREAT motivator for inevitable fall outs. Having watched Crennel in CLE and other coaches of ANY RACE, many don’t have 2min capability, so I withhold judgement on this choice. The HC doesn’t have to be everything if the owner is totally involved.

That being said, GO FALCONS . Hopefully, at least one good thing from the Petrino “episode” turns out to be that Redman is at least granted a tryout for the starting position. No guaranteesl just a shot with Shockley. Emmmitt would have given him that chance…

By LessBeReal

January 23, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Who cares???? The FoulCons are toast! Thug Boy is in the slammer, the HC high-tailed it to Arkansas, Rich has been pretty much fired and the owner still doesn’t get it. What in the heck is there to follow? Let’s plan on a 40% capacity crowd for each ATL home game this season.

By clueless FALCONS

January 23, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

WHY DO YOU CONTINUE TO INTERVIEW PEOPLE WHOM YOUR FAN BASE WOULD LIKE TO SEE BUT THEY WERE NEVER IN THE RUNNING FOR THE JOB??? MY NEIGHBER AND I,HAD MEAN SPIRTED DICUSSION ON THE HIRING PROCESS. HE(WHO IS NOT WHITE) THINKS THAT THE FALCONS ARE RACIST FOR NEVER HIRING A BLACK HEAD COACH IN IT’S HISTORY. I LIKE TO THINK HE IS WRONG. BUT AFTER THINKING ABOUT IT. I CAN SEE WHY HE THINKS THAT WAY. THE WORST PART IS I THOUGHT SINGLETARY, FRASIER, AND CALDWELL SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE JOB? BUT I HAVE NO ANSWERS. I THINK SOME- THING SMELLS.PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME TO REBUTT THIS CHARGE?

By Chikara

January 23, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

It would be interesting if he hired Brian Billick to be the offensive coordinator considering that’s his brother-in-law. One thing Billick knows is how to manage an offense.

Here’s another thing that Len Pasquarelli of ESPN brought up: that current Jax players Stroud and Henderson (as well as Grady Jackson, remember him?) were so quick to praise Mike Smith, and they were with him longer than Marcellus Wiley, who got cut after one year. Just because his comments were on an ESPN show doesn’t mean we should take that as gospel. What about the players who were there last year?

Also, what will this mean for Leftwich? Since he’s the only QB under contract (I think) it will be interesting to see what the team does with the draft going forward. Will they draft a QB in the second round and let him develop for a year while Leftwich takes the reigns?

Lots of questions…..

By Jeremy from Buford

January 23, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this

GREAT HIRE. I am a die hard Jags and Falcons fan, so seeing Smitty come to roost up her in Flowery Branch is great. He might be understated, but noone would confuse Belicheck with Mr. Personality, would they? I believe he is dynamic enough to earn the players respect, and his thoroughness will impress them into believing in playing for him. If they aren’t men enough to play for Smitty, cut ‘em on principle.With the right staff around him, the new GM has a chance to bring the kind of cheaper talent that can be coached up. Until Mike Vick’s salary comes off the books, the Birds are going to have to use the draft and the street FAs to build a new roster.

Anyways, Congrats Smitty

GO FALCONS

GO JAGUARS

By paul

January 23, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this

I’m not into “I told you so’s”—but about a year ago, I knew Petrino was a mistake, knew he’d ditch (didn’t figure he’d ditch after 13 games…but still). As Schultz correctly pointed out, he’s not glitzy. But he might be the second coming of Leeman Bennett—a solid, no-frills, defensive minded coach. And they need that, I think. So the ticket office was reachable today? So what? When he starts to win, the fans will pour back in, believe me.

You know the old saying about “buying the sizzle instead of the steak”? Well maybe we just bought ourselves a steak this time.

By sports report

January 24, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

Leftwich will be gone by football season.

By humbug

January 24, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

Now we have a GM and a HC.Let’s see who the coaching staff will be and what players will be back to play some hard nosed football.I’m glad that Emmitt Thomas will probably stay,too. I don’t think it will take 3 or 4 years like some predict to see a good Falcon team. Maybe Smith is the answer, maybe not, but it’s a good first and second step so far. Now, if they’ll just go back to the red helmets I’m happy.

By LISTEN UP; FALCONS

January 24, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

YOUR HEAD COACH IS FROM SAN DIEGO STATE. ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING QB PROSPECTS IS FROM THERE HE LOOKS LIKE SOME ONE WE SHOULD LOOK AT!!! HE RIP;P;ED THE SENIOR BOWL AND TOOK MVP HONORS. IN HIS 4 YEARS HE HAS A 71% COMPLETION RATE. HE IS SMART AND DOESN’T THROW MANY INT’S. FALCONS HE IS A LATE 2ND ROUND STEAL PLEASE GIVE HIM A SHOT.

By Bo Diddley

January 24, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this

Jan. 23, 2008 - 6:51 p.m. ET

The Falcons have reportedly offered former Dolphins assistant Mike Mularkey their offensive coordinator position.

He is expected to choose between taking Atlanta’s offer or becoming the Bucs’ QBs coach shortly. Mularkey previously had success as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator and in 2004 as the Bills’ head coach, but his stock has fallen off dramatically since a turbulent 2006 season with the Dolphins.

Source: St. Petersburg Times

By BillW

January 24, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

Leftwich? The bad ankle dude? Falcons need to draft a QB.

By LessBeReal

January 24, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this

clueless FALCONS, I totally agree with you! Singletary would have been the best fit IMO. It is just really sad that the owner of the team doesn’t get it. After all that has happened with this team, he still doesn’t get it. He is not happy being blessed with owning an NFL team and seems to be compelled to bring about its destruction. That would be very sad - almost as sad as the fact that Sgt. Schultz somehow remains on the AJC staff!!

By David Duke

January 24, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this

Mr. Poop, I did enjoy my Marty day. I sat around and cogitated upon Marty’s contributions to American society. That minute went by slowly as I couldn’t come up with anything. I then went out to catch some of the white sales but there were none. Then I drove through the quarter to see how life had improved since Marty’s tragic death. No change for the average picaninny but the bereft offspring of Marty’s seem to be doing well. Soon there will be Six Flags Over Marty and his family will be even richer. Now, that’s overcoming!

By This Gets Old

January 24, 2008 12:24 AM | Link to this

Mularky as OC? Are you kidding me? Zampese? People are throwing the ball all over the field now. As evidenced by what Pitt and N.E. did to Jacksonville.

Now the Falcons aren’t in financial trouble like the Jags are. Their owner will spend the money to win. Players want to live in Atlanta but..

Now he very well could have a totally different M.O. from Del Rio defensively. But Jacksonville DOES run the ball. Jacksonville DOES stop the other team from running the ball. They have a good, young QB who doesn’t panic in the pocket, doesn’t throw INT’s.

Where’s it gotten ‘em?

By David Duke

January 24, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

Clueless, give us a break! Your neighbor isn’t white and neither are you. Something does smell and it is yo rankness. Give it rest boy. You just tryin’ to pass for a honkey and you too dark midnight. QUIT TYPING IN ALL CAPS MORON!

By Once Again

January 24, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

The players don’t respect this guy; only his coaches think he is good. He, just like the new GM, made no decisions. You think it was bad before, wait until next year. Arthur Blank is going to hate the day that he didn’t go after Deon Sanders, Rod Woodson, or Marshall Faulk to run the football operations versus a grasscutter.

By NCR

January 24, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this

Let’s face it. After Pete Carroll said no, you knew it was going to be some no-name offensive/defensive coordinator. It’s slim pickins out there now.

I guess the existing coaches on the staff get the screw

By Awesome

January 24, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

To CHAMPKIND and all others against Singletary. You say the man has never been a co-ordinator, well let’s look at the last five coaches the Falcons hired who were co-ordinators or coaches prior to comming here. We have Patrino, Mora Jr., Reeves, Jones, and Glanville. Other than them all being white, do you see a pattern here? They all sucked, and didn’t win squat, which means having prior co-ordinator or coaching expierience means nothing. Now, why should we have not hired Singletary again?

By Awesome

January 24, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this

To CLUELESS FALCONS. Whether David Duke believes you’re black or not, I do find it amazing that the Falcons as well as other NFL teams have never hired an African American coach. I find it insane, especially in a predominately African American sport. But hey, the NFL is a good ole boy system. Interesting though, take a look at the African American coaches in the league, they’re all doing good (Romeo, Lewis, Dungy, Lewis, Tomlin, Lovie). Dennis Green would’ve been on that list had Arizona allowed him more time. He was great with Minnesota prior to him going to Arizona. Don’t worry, Mike Smith will be fired in less than 3 seasons anyways.

By David Duke

January 24, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

Boys, give it up! It’s taken quite some time and many were offered the job and many turned it down. Thomas ‘the equipment guy’ Dimitroff was dogged in his pursuit of a coach and, finally, the white man for the job was found. The African-American coaches of color are not really doing all that well. Tony Dungy remains a success as long as he has Manning. The rest will be gone within two years. Keep whining and crying for more set-asides.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 24, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this

Although I feel better about the Mike Smith hire now than I did 12 hours ago, if he signs off on hiring Mike Mularkey he has sealed his own fate. Might as well bring back Greg Knapp.

I would have loved to see the Falcons hire a black coach, if that black coach would have made this team into a winner. The biggest mistake Arthur Blank has made is hiring Mora over Lovie Smith. But Singletary hasn’t shown any indication as a coach that he could make the Falcons a winner. As a player, sure, he was incredible. As a coach… well let’s just say the 49ers defense wasn’t all that great last year.

By Clinton

January 24, 2008 2:56 AM | Link to this

If he can bring good coordinators then I will be happy with the choice.

GO FALCONS!!!

By tony

January 24, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this

the falcons old owner or gm waited too long to hire a coach or a former player(dan reese) who has been involve with a super bowl team. new gm is pushing the right buttoms so for. i was really pulling for ron rivera and leslie frazier but smith has a better resume because he coached a defense(ravens) that won a sb and he coached the 2nd best defense in 2006(jaguars). folks, the future looks bright for this team.

By Greg

January 24, 2008 6:38 AM | Link to this

Here will be the tell on whether Dimitroff & Smith will be smart enough and tough enough to do the job that has to be done (that means going counter to McKay and his some of his former moves in free agency and the draft): do they trade D-Hall? do they quietly and respectfully nudge out Brooking & Dunn? do they build a big, tough O-line through free agency? do they draft well? With McKay as president, all these are worrisome questions. Time will tell.

By Ex-Con

January 24, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this

Besides the money, why would any reputable football coach wish to come to Atlanta? What is it about the current ownership, or the history of the team, that says that the Falcons represent a good place to work? What is traditional or proud about the classless “Gold Club - Cheetah” manner that the team is marketed? I believe a nobody coach had to be selected by the Falcons because anybody that’s a NFL somebody knows better than to risk their future on an ownership that sadly doesn’t have a clue about how to market or run a NFL football team.

By toshie

January 24, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this

Who ever wrote the article that Smith was endorsed by any former players did not read the article. You need to listen and observe before making negative statements. O.K. We need to give there guys a chance and keep negative statements off the blog. I haven’t seen any of your names in the headlines for any accomplishments lately.

By Paddy

January 24, 2008 7:17 AM | Link to this

David Duke, OH MY….If only your mom and dad would start charging you rent for that basement apartment you could have a jolt of the real world. I thought we were rid of your types in the 60’s?

By Bobby R

January 24, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

Wrong move! Should have hired GM first.Now finding one that will match his coach(already)may be harder to do. It sounds like the owner will still be on the side lines instead of in the booth. BR

By RussDawg

January 24, 2008 7:48 AM | Link to this

Face it Atlanta. No one else wants this job. Wish Smith luck with Blank breathing down his neck.

By #1 reggin

January 24, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

Wonder how long it will be before Terrance starts his incessant whining about the falcons not hiring a true chocolate face for HC

By B-man

January 24, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

You know, I was never a big Billick Fan, but one interesting side note to him potentially coming to ATL is C-Red would know his system as well. I know, I know, Redman may not be the long term answer at QB, but it would be nice to hit the ground running with a QB that already knows the offensive scheme.

My personal thought is that C-Red looked pretty good with the exception of one game (when none of the rest of the team looked good either).

Go Falcons…

By SCBird

January 24, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Good hire. Clearly the AFC is years ahead of the NFC. And I think it was smart of Blank to bring in a GM and head coach from two solid AFC organizations.

By radio-man

January 24, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

WOW ajc u guys Are so late on the smith hiring.. it wAS told on internet rAdio on mondAY thAT he waS being well liked by our new gm,and thAt he turned blAnk About him..i thought it wAS just A crazy rumor,but these guys got da fActs early just like they did when in october they reported that vicks drug test would be aN eAsy wAY out for him and take a yeAr off of his sentence..

foget 790,And 680 im sticking with the homeboys from 6-9 everynite on www.umbn.net

By Wes

January 24, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Just had to say great article, from a guy whose articles I don’t usually care for.

By C'mon peeps

January 24, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

I still say we sell the Falcons to L.A. and build an outdoor stadium in the burbs. The new team would be named the Metro Atlanta Traffic/Gridlock. The mascot would be a commuter pulling his hair out while flicking the bird…Who’s with me????

By RYan M.

January 24, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Here comes the ANti Brooking swill again…

By Big Daddy in D'ville

January 24, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

GREAT ARTICLE SCHULTZ, AND TO THE FALCONS ORGANIZATION & FANS. LET THE PAST BE THE PAST, WHATS DONE IS DONE. ALL THAT LIES AHEAD IS WITH ” A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE ” IS GREATNESS.

By B-man

January 24, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Brooking has definitely lost a step, and Boley is clearly the best LB we have…but…Brook is underrated in zone pass protection (although exploited in man to man). In Zone, he sniffs out a lot of screens and gets in the way of underneath passes.

Biggest problem is he doesnt seem to plug the run as strong as he used to. Age will do that. But a healthy D-line will help. True football fans know that a big mean D-line is a LB best friend. But if you think about it, isn’t he exactly like the linebackers that the Patriots LOVE??? Old, smart, and mean?

He’s got some good years left, he just needs to take a pay cut.

As for D-Hall, maybe if we become more competitive, he’ll come around and get his mouth under control. I criticized his actions as much as anybody…but you have to give it to him, he was right about Petrino.

By dewitt

January 24, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

I am willing to give Smith a chance. His coordinator hirings will be his first test. Thanks

By C'mon peeps

January 24, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

Brooking only makes trackles 10-15 yards past the line of scrimmage. Time to re-up…

By vnjagvet

January 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Lombardi (as in Lombardi Trophy)was only a journeyman assistant before he took over Green Bay fifty years ago. His motto was winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.

Winning’s the only thing that will count in Falconland as well.

All the talk will be just that until the season starts.

By RA

January 24, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

A decent article by Schultz, and Bradley, about the Falcons! I’ll talk to all of you later. I’m off to make some “The End is Near” signs.

By Gene

January 24, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

At least this guy looks like a coach, and that puts him ahead of the last two. The first test will be how he handles the “free Mike Vick” crowd.

By GABred

January 24, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

I think we got this right. I wasn’t in favor of the big personaility, big splash names, all ego, no need to grow roots types (Parcells). Who could lean on past work and blame everyone else for any possible failures. Only Cowher would have been better, and since he’s not available give me a NFL guy who is able to plant seeds, nurture his own legacy, and harvest his own success while being in it with his players because he has his own career at stake. Not looking at us as his junkyard rebuilding project. We may not be the first franchise you think of the league, but, we have pride in ourselves and what we have brought to this league over the years. The transplants who still share their hometown loyalities wouldn’t get it. But football starts early here in GA and it fills the rosters of all the league. So thanks Arthur Blank for turning the soil and planting new seeds for the growth of the New Atl Falcons where winning is learned then earned and a cultural crop of winning is harvested.

By k3thou

January 24, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Falcons need a well balanced team not just a offense that runs and a defense that can stop the run!!! Example NEW ENGLAND

By Greg

January 24, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

I still support my Falcons! A lot of people may not realize this, but next year is scheduled to be Falcons year. It was Tampa Bay last year and New Orleans the year prior.Now it is around to the Falcons again.

Go FALCONS!!

By cityofdecatur

January 24, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Now is time to ‘COME TOGETHER and in our own ways pray for S and D to take over and make the Falcons soar.

By michael

January 24, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

are you and going to rip van gorder for leaving sc 2 weeks before signing day after declaring he is a college guy? or does your perspective only apply when a coach leaves atl?

By neckville rednecks

January 24, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Give the new coach a chance. But if he hire that clown that was our old line backer coach for D C he is clueless. Time will tell on the GM and our new coach. we need a offense linemen a powerful DT and a good running back. we also need a middle line backer! Blank what about your season ticket holders , did you give a damm to ask them . They buy your product!

By Mike

January 24, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

I say give this GM and HC a chance. If they fall, then we know who to blame AGAIN. I like the hires from 2 football minds who’s former teams were and are in the playoffs. Great article. One more thing, ARTHUR AND RICH, BACK OFF AND WATCH WHAT 2 FOOTBALL MINDS CAN DO OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT.

By Ken Strickland

January 24, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

DAVID PUKE, you forgot to mention how you also celebrated MLK day by having your fudge packed. You know how much you are drawn to strong powerful men, you little suedo intellectual fruitcake. You also know how MLK was renowned for his virility. So you decided to celebrate that virility by having a virile man exercise his virility on/in you.

You really are conflicted. On the inside you see yourself as all woman. However, on the outside, you want everyone else to see or perceive you as all male. That’s why you are obsessed with hanging out on football blogs exclusively. It’s all about perceived image with you. You use words, instead of ideas and thought, to project the image of intellectual superiority.

Your depraved mentality is focused on attacking and demeaning others rather than agreeing and/or seeking common ground. Since you can’t raise your own level of intelligence or sense of self worth, you try and reduce others to a level that makes you feel more confortable with yourself.

You were born in the wrong era. You would have fit in nicely in victorian Europe. That was a time when men wore ruffled shirts, knickers and carried handkerchiefs in their sleeves. They were very effeminate, wore perfume, and didn’t believe in bathing because they believed it was a sin against God. Man love(your favorite pastime) and incest(how you likely came into being) were practiced extensively during that era. You would have loved it, and you would have fit in beautifully. Well tinkerbell, I’ve got to go.

            Yours truely,
            A real man

By Lifelong Atlantan

January 24, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

The Falcons are considering taking back VanGorder???? Are they kidding? After what they went through with Petrino? I can believe they would even consider it. This it the only guy in the world that can make Bobby Petrino look like a long-term, stable employee. His word is worth nothing. He was “committed” to South Carolina and was a “college guy”, only until the next job opening comes along. If he wants a new job already, let him go to Arkansas. Please do not bring him back.

By terrell barron

January 24, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Brian Van Gorder for DC. PATHETIC!

By David Duke

January 24, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

Ken Strychnine, it is very interesting that one so gay as yourself would accuse anyone else of homosexual leanings. Your projection of your own homosexuality onto others is a typical defense mechanism of the closeted gay. By the way you Rupaul want to be, it’s pseudo and it means not genuine. Pretty much sums you up, doesn’t it?

I don’t have to demean you Powderpuff. You do plenty of that yourself! Your post is proof of your homosexual ideation and of your self-loathing. I do not find fault with your feelings about yourself, you are truly loathsome.

As for feeling intellectually superior to you, that is so easy. Special education classes, all across America, are filled with people who are intellectually superior to you in every way.

The Victorian era was an interesting one. I suspect you know little about it and threw in what little knowledge you have to impress some of the readers. Well, I’m sure they are overwhelmed. However, the Victorian age has nothing to do with you and your habits. Whereas men’s attire of that period might seem effeminate in this one, your dressing in womens’ lingerie would be gay in both.

Now, Kendoll, I know you love to have the fudge packed because you talk about it so much. Better be careful boy, you might get the Abner Louima treatment. What a waste of a good broom that would be. Ken, do you know the Rev. Ted Haggard?

By Claude

January 24, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

Would you PLEASE address the defensive game plan against New England that still has people scratching their heads. This is the same Defensive Coordinator whose game plane was to give Tom Brady 4 to 6 seconds to throw the ball with no pressure. The resounding results were Tom Brady 26 of 28 passes completed, a new playoff record. After having film of the Giants and Eagles game earlier where they each put pressure on Brady & sacked him and each had realistic chances to win their game. Jacksonville’s defensive plan never gave them a chance. I remarked to a co-worker after that game, that I thought that was the worst defensive game plan for a Big time game I have ever seen . His comments were the Falcons would probably hire the Defensive Coordinator as Head Coach…… I could give you a whole article on why this a dumb hire with just his record a coordinator and Just the Facts.

By Space Mountain

January 24, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

This guy reminds me of Andy Reid.

By David Duke

January 24, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

So what’s next, bringing back Precious Paul Petrino?

By Byron Leftwich

January 24, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Bye, bye Joey. Hello Mike. My man! Great to see you. How’s the family? Can I help you move? Anything I can do for you, you let me know, OK? Y’all are going to take Jake Long with that first pick, right?

By Regal1

January 24, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Wow, listening to this man talk,and watching his body language, seems like he is from Midtown.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 24, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Van Gorder for defensive coordinator seems to be quite the stupid hire. What exactly did he accomplish last year to lead anyone to believe he can be a good DC in the NFL? Yeah, Boley played well, but Boley was good before Van Gorder got here.

By bigblackfurrycreaturefrommars

January 24, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Oh, by the way Ken Strickland,

the correct spelling is pseudo. As in, Ken Strickland is a pseudo man.

Really, why put down homosexuals, when he was being more racist? Thats “ignant” sir. As in: David Duke and Ken Strickland is ignant.

And just so you guys (or girls! Who knows, right?) don’t have to whip out a grammar book, the last sentence was indeed purposefully written.

Go Falcons. I’ll reserve my judgment on the hire until the results come in.

By Ken Strickland

January 24, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

There are some really sick individuals out there calling themselves Falcon fans. I include most of the AJC sports writers that report on the Falcons in that catagory. Over the last few yrs, these clowns have insisted MVick was not what the team needed. That he contributed more to the failures of the team than the successes. I just read an article by one of the AJC writers that blamed this yrs entire Falcon fiasco on MVick.

IF HE WASN’T CONSIDERED INSTRAMENTAL IN THE OVERALL SUCCESSES OF THE TEAM WHEN HE WAS PLAYING, HOW CAN HE BE CONSIDERED INSTRAMENTAL IN ITS FAILUES WHEN HE WASN’T? AFTER ALL, HE’S ONLY ONE PLAYER. THERE’S ONLY ONE LOGICAL ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION. MAYBE HE WAS MORE IMPORTANT TO THE TEAMS OVERALL SUCCESS THAN MOST OF YOU HATERS ARE WILL TO ADMIT, FOR OBVIOUS REASONS.

TITO/DAVID PUKE, that was a very weak response. I threw a fastball of truth at you, and the best you could do was to underhand a pouderpuff of deceit back at me. Then again, what can one expect, you’re weak. You have a wonderful grasp of the english vocabulary. However, you’re incapable of using it to formulate an intelligent idea or original thought. That’s why the only thing you’ve changed, since you started posting on these blogs, are the names you hide behind. You are a sorry excuse for a so called intellectual. You’re more like an individual with an uncivilized mentality. It’s obvious you aren’t going to change, because you can’t. The motivating factors behind your sickness and insecurity has obviously never been addressed. I’m not going to waste anymore of my time and talents on an ignorant selfloathing piece of conflicted trash like you. I think I speak for everyone on these blogs when I say, GO TO HE!! TINKERBELL.

By Merkwurdigliebe

January 24, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Somebody call Stever Spurrier we have a c** fight in the house!!!

By harleyman

January 24, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Just like that, I just lost all respect for Mike Smith with the return hiring of Brian Van Gorder. I’m a firm believer in losers attract other losers and this just took the cake. This idiot is more traveled than the Bobby Petrino Circus Show. I have been a Falcon fan since the team came to Atlanta and I do firmly now believe that the New England Patriots could move to the city of Atlanta with current players and coaches into the Falcons organization and they would f#$k that up too.

By SlyItz

January 24, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

While I admit to being a 49ers fan, I also have to admit that Atlanta was very shrewd to hire men who understand football and how it’s played in between the lines as opposed to in the press boxes and in the stands. If hiring is done according to what fans and the media expect, you’ll fail everytime because most of those individuals possess 0 knowledge about football between the lines. All we know is what we see on TV and what we read on line and in the paper, which is very slanted to say the least. Good job Atlanta. May my team and all others follow your excellent example.

By chi chi

January 24, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Van Gorder dont know about that hire but well see as far as O coordinator it seems that the Redskins are going to get rid of Saunders we need to hire him.

By Ken Strickland

January 24, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

SLYLTZ, excellent comments and very well stated. And may I say thank you for offering your insight. After all, it’s really simple and easy to understand for those that aren’t too full of themselves. I have never been a 49er fan because they use to be the Falcons #1 adversary when we were in the western conference. However, I was a fan of the beauty, execution and simplicity of Walsh’s West Coast OFF. He used short quick passes to the WR’s and RB’s to spread the DEF and put tremendous pressure on the LB’s and DE’s. He essentially used the pass to setup the run. It was basically the reverse of what was accepted thoughout the NFL at that time. It’s still favored among a lot of old school NFL coaches.

I’m not going to get upset and start criticizing every move the Falcons make. Unlike most of these dillusional arm chair GM’s and coaches, I’m going to wait and let results determine my stance. Until then I’ll support ABlank and the people he’s hired to lead the Falcons to success.

GOOD LUCK TO YOUR 49’ers OUR WEST SLYLTZ.

By David Duke

January 24, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Ken Strychnine, you haven’t the intellect, nor the perspicacity to speak for anyone, other than your miserable self, on this blog. You write, incessantly, about homosexual related things and that tells us all we need to know about you gay boy. Your iterations about all things gay is really boring to us but you never tire of it. Now, why don’t you just come out and tell everyone straight-up that you are gay as a goat? Everyone already knows it, so none of us would be shocked or even mildly surprised. You like to get on here and talk football but what you’d really like to talk about is getting into the locker room with all ‘em sweaty mens. Boy, it’s a good thing, for you, that all this talk is anonymous and you don’t have to face the ramifications of your cowardly words. Of course, you face ramification on a daily basis I’m sure. Now Queenie, shut yo stank glory hole and get into the bed with that mane o yo’s and quit bothering decent folk. You know nothing about football. Tell us about something you have first-hand knowledge of, like bobbing for testicles!