AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > January > 24 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFalcons shouldn’t feel embarrassed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
The word “embarrassing” has been tossed around rather loosely regarding the Falcons’ search for new leadership. So here’s what I want to know:
Was it embarrassing to approach Bill Cowher, who won a Super Bowl with Pittsburgh?
Was it embarrassing to approach Bill Parcells, who won two Super Bowls with New York?
Was it embarrassing to approach Jason Garrett, the assistant everybody wants?
Was it embarrassing to sound out Pete Carroll, who might not have been a fit here but who clearly knows something about football?
Was it embarrassing to wind up with a general manager who apprenticed in the league’s finest organization and a head coach who coordinated a terrific defense in Jacksonville?
The Falcons, it says here, spoke with most of the right people. (I don’t understand why Marty Schottenheimer and Floyd Reese weren’t interviewed, but I can appreciate the desire to import newer blood.) They got used by Parcells, which has happened to teams - this one included - before and will doubtless happen again, but had he said yes this organization would have received an instant infusion of credibility. And he did, it must be noted, say yes to Miami.
The only truly embarrassing part was the way it was revealed, at the end of a post-Parcells press release, that Rich McKay had been kicked upstairs. There mightn’t have been a good way of breaking the news, but there had to be a better way than that.
Once McKay had been defrocked as general manager, there was no way this two-pronged process was even going to be without palpitations. But here, after all’s done and too much has been said, is the bottom line:
The Falcons today have a more astute personnel man as GM and a more stable individual (surely!) as coach than they’ve had since 2003. If that’s an embarrassing outcome, we should all be so abashed.
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By big tone
January 24, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
The Falcons organization need not be embarrassed.You cant bring in someone who does not want to be here.The choice they made was quick for damage control.the Giants coordinator,if he whiffs at the Falcons then they really look like a sideshow.
By Sims, Warner Robins
January 24, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
This is just going to be a wait and see game. I have no problem with the hire. He seems like a “no nonsense” kind of guy.
I’d have to say ‘solid pick’. Let’s see if it translates on the field.
Go Falcons.
By pickett
January 24, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
thats the only thing the organization has done correct besides not having vicks back in the dogfighting allegations.
By Terrance Moore
January 24, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Why didn’t they hire a black man? I’m outraged.
I’ll write an article about it. It will really suck. And it will stink of racism.
I’ll get right on it.
By Big Dawg
January 24, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Great job Mark. The Falcons did great hiring Dimitroff and Steve Smith. Both given the chance can turn the Falcons around. Fans have got to put the V—k word away and get on with the future. The past is gone and its not coming back, get over it and move forward. Fans and players that keep on about #7 are only hurting the Team , City and State. Time to move on . Thanks Falcons, great job!!!
How about the GT Lady Basketball Team?
By Mr. G
January 24, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
First….is the kicker from UGA graduating this year? Can we get a kicker who can kick from 50 yards please? Since we have this guy in now, Are we going to get rid of Dhall now? It’s pointless to hold player here against his will who clearly doesn’t want to be here….we might can get another first day pick for him….Can we keep Emmitt Thomas and Hue Jackson here as coordinators? They were pretty decent when they were able to show what they could do….
By sports report
January 24, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Vick,Mora, Petrino, McKay and Hall was what was embarrassing, and we still have D-a@@ Hall and Mckay.
By Carroll
January 24, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
OK so they didn’t even talk to Marty because they wanted “newer blood”, but they were ready to bend over and grab the ankles for Bill Parcels the day after Petrino walked. I don’t get it.
By jp
January 24, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Why does everyone call Mike Smith Steve Smith. All day at the office you just kept hearing Steve Smith this and Steve Smith that. I do realize that the Falcon fans that I work around are fantasy league fans and not really football fans, let alone falcon fans HOWEVER, not only is the name wrong but his criteria is wrong. He was a defensive line coach for Baltimore during their superbowl year not the coordinator. The coordinator now coaches the Bengals. Oh and Mike Smith brother does not coach Oaklands defense, that would be Rex Ryans brother. Geeez. Sorry about the vent but I needed it for my own sanity! Goes to show that few are true football fans and falcon fans.
By DAWG
January 24, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Nice to read a positive perspective. There’s nothing shameful about a team trying to rebuild itself after all the obstacles the Falcons have dealt with.
By Michael McCarthy
January 24, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
All the right moves. When you’re at the bottom this is the way to pick yourself up. Acolades to Arthur!
By NCR
January 24, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Let’s face it. Slim pickins out there this year. I’ll be shocked if he lasts 2 years.
By Jack G
January 24, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Now if Blank will just get out of everyones hair——
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Okay, Mike Smith’s a no-nonsense guy. Wasn’t Patrino? Mike Singletary should’ve been the coach. And for those who are going to say he doesn’t have prior coaching expierience, let me give you a list of those that did. Glanville, Jones, Reeves, Mora Jr., Patrino. See a trend here? Other than them all being white, they all couldn’t win squat! So having prior expierience is a bit overated, don’t you think. Good ole boy front office, in a predomiately African American league. Seems like some things never change.
By AUtiger
January 24, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Who know how this will shake out.. but at least we now have a GM and a head coach.. that’s a start!! The first true test of this new franchise will be how they draft. I hope we get McFadden.
By wishuwell
January 24, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Look, changes have been made and it begin with upper management. Next, getting field personnel right. Atlanta will be OK.
By Nick
January 24, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Now this is what I like. Rather than begging someone to come here and coach, You get people who are hungry and have been around the league for many years and get the chance to run things there way now. This is what life is about, getting your chance to be the next Bill Parcells, Bill Walsh, Joe Gibbs, Bill Belichick and so on. They all were assistants somewhere else.
Now about this comment this former NFL player (Marcellus Wiley) made about Mike Smith not being an outspoken buy in the locker room and he wasn’t the guy everyone respected and say he’s our leader.
First of all, I think it’s a dumb statement to make. When the head coach addresses the team, you suppose to keep your mouth shut, why, because the head coach is talking. It’s called submiting to authorithy, humility and respect the leader. You learn by listening to others that are in authority over you and adobt those principles into your life and your team when you become the head. So I don’t understand what was the point of Wiley making his comments.
Last point I want to make. There is no such thing as a bad job or bad situation in the NFL. There are 32 teams in the NFL. Which means there are only 32 head coaching jobs available. Anytime an opportunity to be the head of one, that’s an honor because it’s the NFL, not the franchise. Plus, you get a chance to work for a owner who has BILLIONS$$. Good hire to me because he’s fresh and a very smart man to come and work a man who has lots of money.
By Bill
January 24, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Good positive article. I’m so weary of all the negativity from the “fans”.
I accept the fact that these decisions are made by people with more experience and knowledge about football than I have. I fail to understand why other fans think they know more than these men.
That said, I’m getting anxious about the prospects of some solid personnel changes and a good draft. I can’t wait to see who’s going to be on the coaching staff. I won’t make suggestions; I’ll leave that for the speculators.
By WeJustNeedaBreak
January 24, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
The past year and a half being a Falcon fan has been like a elem. school kid whose parents are getting adivorce. We are sad, some what embarrassed, but just need closer. Everyone needs to quit talking about Vick, Petrino, Parcells, etc… Mistakes were made and we need to move on. I will give Mike Smith a chance, he is a upstanding man with a good heart. Plus he knows the game and will not take crtap from the current thugs (Hall, Horn, etc). We have the talent to be a 7-9, 8-8, hell maybe even a 9-7 team next year. We just need someone to coach a TEAM, not a bunch of individuals.
By Martin Calloway
January 24, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Well said.
By humbug
January 24, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Looks like 2 good picks. Two football minds in charge and Mr. Blank’s money can result in good things. Now I say to them, “Get to work, build us a good team, return to the red helmets, and make us proud”. To Mr. Blank I say, “Good job and thank you sir”.
By Lynn
January 24, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Yeah….Mike Smith was head and shoulders above all the other candidates that were interviewed…..oh…wait…..no….
By Darrin "The vent King"
January 24, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
I’m just glad SOMEONE was willing to take the job. I don’t know much about the guy other than he is a defensive-minded guy (which I like btw), but I’m sure going to take the positive approach and hope for the best. I’m happy that we will be able to put last year nightmarish season behind and begin a new era. What this era holds is anyone’s guess, but I really hope this is the start of new beginnings for this franchise. We really have nowhere but up to go, so let’s go!
GO FALCONS!!!
By Jim H.
January 24, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
I’m stunned…..this is the third or forth positive article from you lately Mark. Way to Go. Try to rub some of that positivity off on Terence Moore! I’m not saying the local writers have to be total “homers”, but it is nice when you can occasionaly report some positive news instead of dwelling on everything negative.
By Tech75
January 24, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I concur with the positive comments.
I don’t know how this guy will ultimately work out, but it appears he comes in with a good rep among players he’s worked with (except one, I wonder what HIS problem is - no, cancel that, I don’t care what his problem is).
He should immediately communicate with the team (no one individually) what his policies and expectations are, and the consequences of not “being on board” with them. Shape up, or ship out. I’m sure that will happen, it’s so basic to taking charge of a team of any kind.
It will be interesting to see if we get shown a different attitude from the more problematic players - like Hall and Crumpler. It will also be very instructive watching the first draft, since we have so many shortcomings - I wonder what they’ll finally decide about the chicken and the egg (QB or OL?)
I also like that Grady Jackson had positive comments, even though his departure from ATL was probably unwarranted, and certainly wasn’t handled with any class. At least Grady’s got some class, based on his “take the high road” approach and his comments.
I now have a reason to be interested again in the Falcons. It will be fascinating to observe what this coach and GM do to turn this situation around, separate and apart from the results on the field.
A very interesting case study in applied leadership… which I hope succeeds, obviously.
By quint
January 24, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Carroll, Bill Parcells was not being courted to be the Falcons coach. He would have run all football operations.
Awesome, just hush. Reeves won football games everywhere he went. Don’t lump him in with the others.
A black coach won’t be a good coach just because he’s black. Neither will a white coach be a good coach just because he is white. There are good black coaches and good white coaches. And there are a heap more bad coaches of either color/race. I think that Jim Caldwell might have been the top coaching candidate this year, but he removed himself from consideration in order to stay in Indy.
Let’s give this new guy a couple of seasons to create his won team. I wish there was enough talent on the team right now, but I don’t think there is. It might take two drafts and two seasons to get the Falcons playing well together.
Everybody: Are there any rumors yet who the new coaches and coordinators might be?
By mountain jim
January 24, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Yes, well said indeed. Here’s hoping for a good OC and DC.
ESPN still ripping on us, all on the big-mouthed opinion of one laid off malcontent.
I just laugh at all the upset Singletary fans. Sure he can give motivational speaches, but what about coaching experience and proven X’s and O’s ability? Let some other team take that gamble, and this season no other team even interviewed him.
But still you folks cry….
By Jonny
January 24, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley,
I don’t think you are a bad person but I do think you are a shill for the Falcons. Your writing is a compromise, you criticize when it is safe to do so and bow to the throne of Blank when you see the opportunity. The Falcons, particularly Blank, are an embarrassment as is your subservient writing. I hope the Blank money and favors are worth your credibility.
By Chikara
January 24, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Awesome quick question moron: what is Mike Smith’s record as a head coach? Oh yeah that’s right he doesn’t have one because he has no experience, just like your boy Singletary. Besides, if he was so great, why didn’t the Ravens or Dolphins beat a path to his door?
Lynn and all the other Falcons haters, since you all know so much about the head coaches who interviewed, please tell us what they had that Mike Smith doesn’t.
Bottom line is this: we have no idea what’s going to happen but for once it seems as if the Falcons’ front office has got their sh*t together.
By Jim H.
January 24, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Jonny, get off your dad’s computer and do your school work!
By The dude
January 24, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
One thing no one has mentioned is that it’s possible that Steve Spagnuolo had no interest in the job. They could have easily put out feelers, and since he declined to interview after the regular season ended, maybe he sent word to move on without him.
By Dawgs
January 24, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
McKay wasn’t embarrassing. He was considered a football genius in most circles. He is still highly regarded around the league though I bet less so that he was.
Mora was a decent coach and could have been better with the right OC. Well, that and his mouth locked down.
Hall is an embarrassment with a ton of Talent.
Vick is about the same as Hall which was a Reeves move to draft. A good pick he was then too. A good pick for a few years and with his legs we would have won 2-3 more games this year.
Lets see what this Smith guy can do.
By Dr. Warren
January 24, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Let’s see if Blank and his pious benevolent side can hold his meddling and attention-seeking side at bay this year. Any good management book will tell you: create the structure, get the right people, give them the resources, and then step back and let them lead. How Blank made a billion being seemingly oblivious to such principles befuddles me.
By Blind Homer
January 24, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
It was a little embarassing being used by Parcells, more so not less because he’d done it before so Blank should have been more cautious dealing with a known snake. And it was a little more embarassing, and very revealing, that McKay was only kicked upstairs instead of kicked to the curb, which would have been appropriate punishment for the Petrino fiasco. But let’s assume Dimitroff and Smith are good moves until proven otherwise. Welcome to Loserville gentlemen!
By NS from Kennesaw
January 24, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
People,
Lets move on. Mr. Blanks got the GM and a Head Coach - it’s time for them to focus on rebuilding.
By T.C
January 24, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
why do yall who posts comments always posts about people you hate.yall will show your hatred by bashing them when you dont even have to mention there or his name.if there such a cancer,then why you keep bringing up there names?(mv7) i wonder why and at the same time i dont understand.hatred literally kills!
By ShortHitter41
January 24, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
White or black, how about experience and willingness to perform. Until this city gets over the racial thing - we will continue to be at odds - can’t we all just look at the person and not the color. Peace should for all regardless of color.
By Ed
January 24, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Whoever from the AJC, that will be at the 3PM presser today, please find out why the Falcons want Van Gorder as DC. He has flip/flopped more than Petrino.
By Ed
January 24, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Whoever from the AJC, that will be at the 3PM presser today, please find out why the Falcons want Van Gorder as DC. He has flip/flopped more than Petrino.
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
To QUINT, I can put Reeves in with rest, because if you’re not winning the Super Bowl, you aren’t winning nothing. And Caldwell removed himself from consideration because the fornt office saw him as a 3rd tier to Garrett, and Ryan. Dungy and Peyton Manning both endorsed him as a head coach.
To MOUNTAIN JIM read my first post on this blog. All five previous Falcons coaches had prior expierience, where did that get us? So what’s your point again about coaching expierience?
To CHIKARA, Singletary is a Hall of Famer at the postion he played which was Middle Line Backer. Ever saw him play? He was the leader of that defense. You mean to tell me he can’t coach a team up, and doesn’t have credibility? And no, I’m not convinced that the front office is together. How many times have you said that over the last five years? I’m now weary of anything Blank has his paws on. I’m not worried though, Smith won’t last the duration of his contract. He’ll step down or be fired? So Mark, let’s say we do another blog on this same subject on another coach in say three years from now?
By GeorgiaYankeesFan
January 24, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
This has to be the dumbest town in America. Do you think Chargers, Bears, Giants, Patriots, Colts, Jags, Bucs, etc fans care what color, nationality, race, religion their coaches are. NO! The only thing that matters are Xs and Os and wins. Would I have liked for the Falcs to hire an African American coach - sure. But does Mike Smith’s ability have to do with his race. Is Mike Singletary a better choice because he is African American? These are stupid arguments. The bottomline are wins and losses. No one in Boston is complaining about Belichek or Brady - those fans are happy about going undefeated. The Giants - does anyone in NY care that the GM is African American - no all they care about is the fact that they are thisclose to a championship. As Isiah Thomas displays on a nightly basis, picking a coach should be about ability. Do you REALLY seriously think for a second that Arthur Blank or the new GM would not hire someone because they were African American? When the coach of the defending Super Bowl champions is African American - Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, Kansas City - African American coaches. That makes NO SENSE whatsoever. Give Mike Smith a chance to do his thing and let’s not turn this into a race thing. (I can’t wait to hear the ridiculous comments once Smith (rightly) waives Leftwich).
By No Dawgs Here
January 24, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Awesome?? Awesome?? You not only are clearly a racist, you are dumb as well. So would you rather have a black coach and a white team> Would that make you happy? Or better yet a black coach with an all black team? You need to clearly think before you type! I agree the Falcons needed a strong coach. Whether it had been black or white. Personally, I thought Mike Singletary was a better choice than all the others. He would of had the respect of the players, In which, none of the aforementioned coaches had (Dan Reeves excluded). This not a race issue. It’s an issue of finding a coach that best matches the needs of an organization. You my friend, need to step out of the past and look to the future. If you are that much of a racist, I really feel sorry for you kids and friends. Racism breeds racism.
On a positive note. I’m glad the Falcons went with a coach that will not tolerate immature behavior. DeAngleo Hall cost the Falcons a few games due to his behavior. There is no doubt, he is talented. But, is he a team player? The last I looked the denfense has 11 players. Maybe this coach will install a program that makes everyone work as a team. Look at the Patriots. There are not particular stand outs. They function as a team. That is where the Falcons need to be.
By T.C
January 24, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
georgia yankees fan:redman and harrington(rightly) likewise mentioning waving.ya see,that goes both ways.
By RJ
January 24, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
no dawgs here-your posting all this stuff about racism and hatred,if you would look back at history you will notice if there wasnt a such think as slavery,selling human beings like animals and having to sit in the back of a bus there probably wont be such a thing as racism.you posted your comment because you didnt like what you read from a darker being.so by you responding shows that it got under your skin when the topic wasnt even about your response.i guess the last word makes you feel white.
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
To GEORGIAYANKEESFAN, how many African American coaches are in the league? How many are in the front office? See an issue? I do. I’m tired of seeing these guys that didn’t play a snap of football, and who are the cousin or the brother-in law of someone get the hire. Let’s make the playing field fair. If it was, you wouldn’t hear anything from me about it. If it wasn’t for the Lions incident a few years back with Steve Marriucci, African Americans wouldn’t even get an interview.
By fred b.
January 24, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Awesome get over yourself! Instead of worrying about what color the head coach is worry about the organization having an opportunity to return to respectability with the recent hires and making the right decisions in the upcoming draft and pending free agency.
By Green Tea
January 24, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
So basically to recap what you just wrote in this article…
“Terrence Moore you are a flamin’ imbecile and on top of that a no talent arse clown. Everything you’ve written about this hiring process is complete trash and everyone who reads this sports page agrees with me.”
Well Mark, I along with everyone else agrees with you! Keep up the good work.
By No Dawgs Here
January 24, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
RJ.
While we are at, let’s talk about the Native Americans that were treated harsh. Oh yeah, wait! We can’t forget the jews that were killed. Everyone, and I mean everyone has slavery, hostility, and other horrible stuff in thier lineage. Next? The issue is to look forward and not back. I’m Native American, so does that mean I should expect to be treated different. Sorry! I treat everyone according to their actions. People like you and such like to bring up the past and dwell in it. Often expecting soemthing for it. I give apologies and condolences. Other than that you should eatn the rest. I know African-Americans have a checkered past in some regards. Try the Native American’s shoes on.. You want to see hatred? You want to see unfair? But, do I dwell in it? No… The past is the past. Mistakes happen. The thing you do is learn from it and move on. And that is exactly what this discussion needs to do.
By Edgar
January 24, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
I seem to remember a similar situation with this franchise back in 1976 and ‘77. After Rankin Smith cleaned house after the ‘76 season he wanted a big name head coach. They tried to procure a well known assistant with the Dallas Cowboys. That assistant was Dan Reeves. He said no thinking that his mentor, Tom Landry, would be retiring in just a couple of years. That never happened and he went on later to coach the Broncos. Anyway, Mr. Smith hired Eddie LeBaron as GM and he hired as the new head coach a little known receivers coach from the LA Rams. his name was Leeman Bennett. Thomas Dimitroff made a great decision. Way to go Mr. Blank.
By Chikara
January 24, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Awesome, didn’t we just have a Super Bowl with TWO black head coaches? Didn’t we just have a black coach lead the NFL’s most prestigious franchise (the Steelers) back to the playoffs? Didn’t we have a black coach lead a team to its best record in 8 years (the Browns)?
It’s gotten to the point where a black coach can have a bad season (Herm Edwards) and no one even blinks an eyelash anymore about getting him out of town.
What you fail to understand is that those days are obviously coming to an end to the “good old boy network”. I undersand those days were here, but bit by bit it’s coming down. Do you still have some organizations that don’t get it? Sure, that’s why the Rooney rule is in effect. I mean here in DC the ‘Skins would benefit from a Mike Singletary, and the black population here dwarfs Atlanta’s by percentage. Also he would be a great help to the defense.
Here’s the thing: obviously there is something about Singletary (whom I did see BTW) that GM’s and owners don’t see just yet. Besides, just because a player is a leader on the field doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be a great coach. LT (the real LT)was the unquestioned leader of the Giants defense, but would you want HIM as your head coach? Don’t think so.
By FLEE HOUND
January 24, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
We may not look like a discount team but our coach’es give us away.
By lfp6
January 24, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
I was a bit suprised myself with the choice, but it does make sense.
Coahch Mike’s been doing coaching in various levels for a quarter of a century.
Mr. Singletary? He’ll be a head coach some day. IMHO, if he wasn’t a 49er, he MIGHT have been a stronger candidate. Remember we got burned with another former 49er [Mora Jr.].
Now, getting back on track. We have a relatively young defensive unit that can be molded into something good. The offense is in need of work. Release Harrington and Lewtwich. That will leave us with Redman AND [least anyone forgets] Shockley [who imho deserves a chance; its not HIS fault he broke a leg ^^]. Our first draft pic should be for the Arkansas Heisman runner up [sorry, dont remember the name atm ^^]. Then we should be content with a ‘rebuilding’ year before eyeing the playoffs again.
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
To CHIKARA, I’m for a fair playing field, I’m not racist. Apparently me comming off voicing my opinion makes me millitant. I’m speaking my mind, I’m not out of my mind. And you don’t think Atlanta which has just as many Blacks if not more as DC won’t benefit from Singletary as well? Come on now! Atlanta is the Black Metropolis, and is well known for it’s progressive African American community. Look at those in office here (Mayor, Police Chief etc..)They’re African American. How many other cities can lay claim to that? Come on now, comparing Lawrence Taylor to Singletary is streching it a bit. THough I love them both, LT was not as clean cut and respectable as Singletary. And besides, when did LT say he wanted to coach the Falcons as Singletary voiced?
By Gspot
January 24, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Awesome; I’ll be sure to send you your mule and deed for five acres, since you are still wanting reparations and playing the race card. Have a nice life as a loser who feels that everything is a conspiracy instead of making yourself a success like Tony Dungee.
By buford buzzard
January 24, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Get Hoover High Ballcoach Proust put Coach Shockley in charge of offense let tose 2 plus Blank play grab-a* with all the loose ladies in suwanee go ‘coons
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
NODAWGSHERE. When is came to your view on slavery, you say everone makes mistakes? Huh? You couldn’t have diluted it any better my friend! God bless you!
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Hey GSPOT, actually, I’m not doing to shabby. As a matter of fact, I’m sitting here in my office looking out at the Midtown skyline of Atlanta while blogging.
By Gmoney
January 24, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Just think of Awesome in a field…Just how much cotton could he yield?
And what would he say to his Master? Maybe Yessah or Yes, Massa?
Oh how my eyes would yearn to see…Awesome hanging from a tree…
By A-ville Ranger
January 24, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Smith wasn’t even the leader of the Jax defense.It looks like another ‘lackey’ hire to me.
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
To GMONEY, Keep the insane remarks coming, it’s people like you that keep me motivated to contuinue progressing in life. God bless you!
By Whatever
January 24, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Awesome (and all the Singletary apologists): you guys DO realize that Singletary wasn’t going to be playing for the birds, right? We need a coach who can bring a little more than the “will to win.”
My thoughts about Smith initially were the same as many of you…Del Rio was the defensive guy in Jax, so what can this guy possibly bring to the table. Well, we hired the GM on the theory that being associated with a prestigious organization would rub off on him and, ergo, onto the Falcons. Similarly, let’s hope that if, in fact, Del Rio was running the ship in Jax, that maybe Smith learned a thing or two just from association that he can bring to the ‘coons.
Overall, not crazy about this hire, but there is just as much risk and potential for reward with him as with any of the others, including Spagnuolo. The only sure thing would have been Marty, but that would have been way too easy and made way too much sense for King Arthur.
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
TO WHATEVER. Just because a butler works at the White House, it doesn’t mean he can be President of The United States. Dimitroff was and is a glorified scout.
By Gmoney
January 24, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey Awesome,
When you have to knock and say, “Housekeeping!” before entering an office it is improper to call said office “yours”. Actually I’d guess that you’re a lazy deadbeat looking for settlement checks. Either way here’s hoping you someday hang in effigy.
By Sarah
January 24, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
The only thing embarrassing about this whole situation and blog is the blatant filth that just came out of Gmoney’s mouth - you make me embarassed to be white!
By WarParty
January 24, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Take off the homer rose colored glasses Bradley and look around.
It would have been SMART for the current ownership, not embarrassing, to back-channel interest in the Falcons jobs without the media reporting every rejection.
It would have been SMART, not embarrassing, to go with known candidates with a proven track record, vis a vis, Schottenheimer and Reese for HC and GM, respectively.
It would be SMART for press pundits as yourself to make more astute statements about the current state of the Falcons and their meddlesome owner than playing the embarrassing role of the team’s house-man.
There. I feel better now.
By mars
January 24, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Awesome, good job on twisting the words of NODAWGSHERE. “:Everybody makes mistakes” was never a part of his statement on slavery or anything. Go back and read it. Rascism and slavery were well established institutions reaking havoc and misery long before Muslims started capturing Africans and selling them to the Dutch. And Gmoney, You’re an ignorant boob!
By Yokon Shence
January 24, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
I see racism is alive and well in the ATL.
By mars
January 24, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Gmoney, I agree with Sarah! You’re an embarrassment left behind when someone forgot to flush! And your ignorance was further established when you revealed that you don’t know what the term ‘hang in effigy’ even means.
By Tiwas
January 24, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to the Falcons. I was one who wanted Mike Singletary but the choice has been made. After seeing the press conference Mike Smith seems to be the one who’ll take the team to new heights for a long period of time. He’s paid his dues also as an assistant and seems to have a good repoire with players. He wants to run the ball and stop the run. If this is the truth then D-Hall and the D-backs will need improvement to stop the pass.
Also…. All college linemen 6-6 and 300 send your tape to Falcons headquarters, no matter what division, to the attention of Coach Smith.
Go Falcons!
By Chikara
January 24, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
mars, you can keep kicking the mule all day but it won’t move unless it wants to. Some people have to twist words when they have nothing valid to say.
So much for the racial part of this blog, what I would like to know is who will be here next year?
By FalconsStink!
January 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
When you’re as bad and as big an embarrassment as the falcons anything positive has got to be a good thing. Too bad this is still the falcons we’re talking about! Can anyone say thug and ville in the same sentence and not be talking about the sorrest excuse for a football franchise in the history of man? This reporter thinks not! One last questions for the opinionists, oops, I mean journalists at the AJC. IF Smith is such a great hire why are they not picking apart Marcellus Wiley’s comments and proving that Mike Smith is the right man and that Wiley is a bitter twisted pile of dung who is whining? Oh yeah, he works for ESPN! And think about it; Wiley is not in the NFL anymore and smith is one of the reasons he now works for ESPN. Can any of you DOLTS at the AJC report this and give us your expert opinion on Wiley’s sour grapes comments? Nah, that would mean you losers would have to get off you duff and do some real reporting! Atlanta - The Sorriest town in the U.S. with the worst paper known to man!
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Back to football. I was listening to the press conference of our new coach. Come on guys, is this who we hired? This guy has absolutely no fire to him. I’m not asking that he be a rah, rah type, but man, I just don’t see him cutting it as a head coach. He seems spineless. I can kind of see what Wiley was getting at. There was nothing memorable about his press conference at all. He just seems bland. And we’re bringing in Van Gorder as DC? If Chan Gailey were available, he’d probably would’ve been our OC. Geez! Thoughts?
By Awesome
January 24, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
From NODAWGSHERE
“While we are at, let’s talk about the Native Americans that were treated harsh. Oh yeah, wait! We can’t forget the jews that were killed. Everyone, and I mean everyone has slavery, hostility, and other horrible stuff in thier lineage. Next? The issue is to look forward and not back. I’m Native American, so does that mean I should expect to be treated different. Sorry! I treat everyone according to their actions. People like you and such like to bring up the past and dwell in it. Often expecting soemthing for it. I give apologies and condolences. Other than that you should eatn the rest. I know African-Americans have a checkered past in some regards. Try the Native American’s shoes on.. You want to see hatred? You want to see unfair? But, do I dwell in it? No… The past is the past. MISTAKES happen. The thing you do is learn from it and move on. And that is exactly what this discussion needs to do.”
What did I twist? The man said slavery was a mistake? Are you kidding me?
By Vince Landry Shula
January 24, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
This may go down as the greatest hire in sports history. I eagerly anticipate the 2008 season. Go you hairy Falcons!
By No Dawgs Here
January 24, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Perhaps a well grounded coach will work well, with such hot headed players. Usually in any enviromen, if the leader can emulate him or herself in a positive manner the subordiantes will follow. For example, if your boss was hot headed, cussed, and was short with everyone, chances are you will do the same. Now, give the same situation. You have a boss that is cool, calm, and collected. Usually, you try to follow in that path. Now, time to time you have loose cannons and you have people that have bad days. But, all in all, it is human nature to “follow the leader”. I say give him a chance. He can’t possibly do worse than Capt’ Fleeno Petrino. Just my opinion.
By Edward
January 24, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
First off I love the hiring of Mike Smith and I really think it was the correct move and I’m looking forward to the NFL draft to see how Smith and Dimitroff piece this team together. Secondly, I don’t understand all the hype about Mike Singletary and I don’t understand why some people were just head over heels in love with a guy that is a great motivational speaker, and is a linebackers coach with the 49ers who are one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Mike Smith’s defense made it all the way to the divisional round of the playoffs and fell victim to the undefeated New England Patriots of all teams. I think people are criticizing coach Smith too much and just need to chill out and let things get going. I hope it works out so all of these people will have to eat a lot of words in a few years.
By No Dawgs Here
January 24, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Well, Awesome, would you rather hear slavery was the greastest thing since sliced bread? Come on…..
Why dwell on something you had no comtrol over and let it run your life?
By Lil E
January 24, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
People are too afraid to be overtly racist, so they appease their inner racist here on your local AJC blog.
By mars
January 24, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
You just did it again. You even twisted the words that you typed. What was that worn out statement from the preseason about a grand jury and a sandwich?
By Tim
January 24, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
Let me see if I understand this. This bumbling, eternally inept franchise could have had a coach like Marty Schottenheimer, but instead, opted for an obscure, defensive coach whose team’s defense was ranked #12 in the NFL?
Shirley, you jest.
This is the most pathetic sports franchise in the world.
By mars
January 24, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Shirley, quit messing with Tim’s head. This is serious!!!
By OpinionsAreLike
January 24, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this
Here is a business opportunity. Have a Falcon blog which is pay to use. Charge a small fee and hire a moderator to remove crap posts. AJC could easily do this. It would be nice not to have to jump over all the idiots post that are here. By the way personally, when I see ALL CAPS or the name Vick or race I ingore those posts. Ignorance will always be with us but I’d try to avoid it. \ Smith as a hire? Time will tell!
By rick glover
January 24, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
doesn’t matter who they hire this team will just always SUCK, heard about this hire and said a big yawn. he will last three or four seasons and get fired and were back at square one again. is omaha looking for a team? this team is available no one in atlanta would miss this team. you can only watch crappy play for so long.
By Out of town fan
January 24, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Atlanta people are funny. In real football cities fans get p** at the teams when they loose but they don’t stop rooting for them. Atlanta fans only cheer for them when they are winning. This is FOOTBALL people. For 90% of the league, you have good years and bad but you don’t quit cheering on your guys. So what, they have had major issues with coaching, Vick, etc. You talk about them Monday through Saturday a little and cheer for them on Sunday. This city even allows people to come in their stadium with other teams jerseys on and they don’t even give them a hard time. Do you think you can go to Philly with a Falcon jersey on and walk out without being fearing for your lif?. You part time Falcon fans SUCK. The Falcons should move to a real football town. I hope Arty reads this one. Good choice on a coach! See ya at the draft FALCON FANS! The rest of you, KICK ROCKS!
By Singletary needs time
January 24, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Edward,
The hype with Singletary was the same with Caldwell. Their coaching abilities had nothing to do with it. It’s the black head coach obsession that some people have who also have a need to live vicariously through someone else.
Funny thing is I wanted Smith and for some reason though he was black. Didn’t realize he was white until I saw a picture of him yesterday. But who cares what color he is as long as he wins!!
By FalconManiac
January 24, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Another bad hire for the incompetents the run the falcons: Arthur Blank and Rich McKay. It never ends with this franchise. They should have waited and hired the Giants D-coordinator. The jaguars defense wasn’t that good—-new england ran all over them.
By NSHS FAN
January 24, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
I can’t help but see all the points counter points being made on hiring Coach Smith However, to GREEN TEA and others, I truly believe the negative comments against AJC writer “Terrence Moore” is unwarrented. That is not him! Someone is blogging with his name.
By t.o.
January 24, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
good pickup, at least the guy does have knowledge and a desire to be here, if the new g.m. really is as good at picking late round gems, he should load up on linemen on both sides of the ball, bruisers, and mcfadden would be great, if we could get him. hopefully between the draft and free agency we can upgrade the defense and the o line . pound the ball, control the clock, the defense has spent too much time on the field the last few years, coutu would be a nice pickup in the late rounds also. if only they’d cut a hole in the dome and grow grass it would seem like true football.
By t.o.
January 25, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
by the way, what’s it matter the color of the guy. i don’t care if marvin the martian is coaching as long as we win.
By Keeping It Real
January 25, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Smith will be gone in two years if the Falcons do not have a winning season in one of those years. Except for the OL and QB,the talent is there if he can harness it. I wish Mora and Vick were still here to provide some excitement.
It is interesting that black coaches are not given as many opportunities to fail at x’s and o’s as the white coaches. Most of the black coaches have played the game on a professional level, so they do have some football understanding(unlike some of the persons responding to this blog). I wonder why Singletary was not interviewed by the Falcons or the other teams looking for a coach. There must be something about is personality(too outspoken and uppity).LOL
By whatever
January 25, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Good Grief! Brain VanGorder! Same old Crap!
By Roy
January 25, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
What’s embarrassing is when ESPN reports the next head coach of the Falcons is going there to be fired, and another says the coach we chose was irrelevant in his last job. When Falcon players celebrate a con-vick in front of their battered owner on national television. Trying to get the best help and settling for who knows what, priceless.
By Beckster
January 26, 2008 2:23 AM | Link to this
If I was Mike Smith, the first thing I would do is hire a few security guards to keep Arthur Blank in the stands and off my sideline.
The second thing I would do is release any player who cannot get over the fact that M. Vick is a felon and ain’t coming back, or who thinks he got a bum rap because he was black.
Third is to get rid of every quarterback the Falcons currently have. Start the new young guy whoever he is and give us some hope.
4th - Hire Warrick Dunn as community relations manager- he is the best damn man the Falcons have on their payroll. Get him out of the backfield before he gets killed and start letting some new younger guys carry the load. All new players who come to the Falcons should have to meet with Warrick and talk about how to conduct yourself as an NFL player.