AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > January > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmith looks, sounds good but …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Flowery Branch — In addition to snapping the ball dandy enough for 18 seasons to become one of the all-time great Falcons, Jeff Van Note met each of the franchise’s first 13 head coaches. He eased into a smile before offering his assessment of No. 14 across the way. “He sounds good, and he looks good, too,” said Van Note, nodding, while studying the white-haired Mike Smith on the podium.
Added Van Note, “With his glasses on, and when you see his profile, he looks a little like Vince Lombardi.”
Smith does, by the way. This isn’t to say that his Falcons will rush to Super Bowls across the Artificial Tundra of the Georgia Dome field. This is to say that Smith sounds good and looks good.
Whatever that means. I don’t know what any of this means for the Falcons, and nobody does. That said, since the Falcons aren’t close to reaching even mediocrity, why not hire somebody who at least sounds good and looks good?
Just like most head football coaches delivering their state-of-their-new-team address, Smith said all of the predictable things. He said he wants to run the ball and stop the run. He said he has an open-door policy. He said he wants “character” on the roster. Mostly, he said everything in soft tones from his 48-year-old tongue. Said Van Note, “You can tell that he is very analytical, and I like that type of approach to football. That has a lot to do with breaking down film and how you view other people. We’ll see what happens.”
Yeah, we’ll see. Ever hear of Mike Smith before he was introduced this week as the Falcons’ new guy? Join the rest of the universe. With the rumbling, bumbling, stumbling decision-makers of the Falcons searching for somebody to replace Bobby Petrino, who bolted before the end of his first season to do that “woo pig sooey” thing in Arkansas, the Falcons had to hire somebody like Mike Smith. Somebody obscure. Somebody just elated to get his chance as an NFL head coach.
In essence, the Falcons were desperate, because there wasn’t a definitive hire to fix this wretched situation.
The franchise quarterback is sitting in a federal penitentiary. The ever-present owner likes to roam the sidelines and dine with his skipper on Mondays. The roster is flawed and aging. The fan base is dwindling by the moment. Nobody with an accomplished résumé and the slightest name recognition was coming here.
Consider, too, that during Arthur Blank’s six-year ownership of the Falcons, he has preferred to hire coaches (Jim Mora, Petrino) and a general manager (Thomas Dimitroff) out of nowhere. While Mora and Petrino were disasters, Dimitroff is a potential one. He could prosper, too. It’s just that Dimitroff had zero experience as a GM before he was hired by Blank through a webcam interview. Reggie McKenzie also was available after 14 years in the front office of the Green Bay Packers, and he was groomed to run an NFL franchise by legendary GM Ron Wolf. In other words, the Falcons had other legitimate options for their general manager job.
The Falcons had few to zero legitimate options for their head coaching job. So they had to gamble, which is why they snagged Smith, a coordinator for an efficient defense in Jacksonville and somebody with the reputation as a nice guy. That’s opposed to whatever you would call Petrino, who partly opted to flee the Falcons after players hinted that they wished to stuff dirty sweat socks down his throat.
It isn’t likely that Falcons players will have similar thoughts with the personable Smith, and let’s face it: Who would do such a thing to a Lombardi lookalike?
“Nobody’s ever told me I look like Vince Lombardi. I’ve been told I look like Steve Martin,” said Smith, laughing, without sounding wild and crazy. “In fact, I’ve had people chasing me around the airport and saying, ‘There’s Steve.’ “
Smith laughed some more. Now we’ll see if he can keep folks from laughing at his Falcons.
Permalink | Comments (71) | Post your comment | Categories: Falcons / NFL, Terence Moore
Comments
By Najeh Davenpoop
January 25, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
Thank you Terence! I KNEW Mike Smith looked exactly like someone. That’s who — Steve Martin, the worst comedian on the face of the earth. I have been trying to figure this out for about a week. Finally.
By NoMoore
January 25, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
TO ALL: PLEASE DO NOT POST IN THIS FORUM FOR EACH POST REPRESENTS ONE VOTE TO KEEP MOORE HIS AJC JOB.
TO ALL: PLEASE DO NOT POST IN THIS FORUM FOR EACH POST REPRESENTS ONE VOTE TO KEEP MOORE HIS AJC JOB.
TO ALL: PLEASE DO NOT POST IN THIS FORUM FOR EACH POST REPRESENTS ONE VOTE TO KEEP MOORE HIS AJC JOB.
By NoMoore
January 25, 2008 8:19 PM | Link to this
TO ALL: PLEASE DO NOT POST IN THIS FORUM FOR EACH POST REPRESENTS ONE VOTE TO KEEP MOORE HIS AJC JOB.
TO ALL: PLEASE DO NOT POST IN THIS FORUM FOR EACH POST REPRESENTS ONE VOTE TO KEEP MOORE HIS AJC JOB.
TO ALL: PLEASE DO NOT POST IN THIS FORUM FOR EACH POST REPRESENTS ONE VOTE TO KEEP MOORE HIS AJC JOB.
By Dan Hunning
January 25, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Hey Arthur, did anyone ever tell you running a major pro team is not the same as running a 2x4 company?
As for Eric Ainge, if he beat Peytons record at UT then he probably should be looked at by someone-early.
By Tom from NY
January 25, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Though the Georgian public generally criticizes you I, for whatever reason, sit here in frigid Long Island and agree with your commentary. This article, however, in an exception. As you state, “I don’t know what any of this means..”. So I guess I am wrong. I don’t disagree with you, I just don’t know the purpose of this article except to say…something (though you really said nothing).
By ATLplayer
January 25, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
I still say Mike Singletary was a better choice over this guy. But hey I’m a Falcons fan so get it done Mike Smith.
By morris
January 25, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
“It’s just that Dimitroff had zero experience as a GM before he was hired by Blank through a webcam interview. Reggie McKenzie also was available after 14 years in the front office of the Green Bay Packers, and he was groomed to run an NFL franchise by legendary GM Ron Wolf.” Uh, reggie mckenzie doesn’t have any experience as a GM either a*******wipe, so that kind of nullifies that point. And since ron wolf retired 7 years ago it is utterly ridiculous to claim that Mckenzie was being groomed by him to be a GM. lol. However, dimitroff was being groomed by both scott pioli and bill belichick for the last five years in new england. Another big difference would be that mckenzie has ALWAYS worked on the pro personnel side of the business and Dimitroff is from the college scouting side of the business. The great teams build thru the draft and that is exactly the kind of expertise that Dimitroff brings to the table. Why don’t you do a little research TM before writing another stupid column.
By The Realist
January 25, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Uh, person hiding under the name NoMoore, I do believe you’ve taken time to read T. Moore’s article then post on this site. This isn’t elementary school, any free-thinking grown person can post if they want. ANYWAY…ATLplayer, I agree. Though Smith is a decent hire (from whatever we can tell this early), I don’t think he’ll get the level of respect from the vets that Singletary would’ve. I would love to have seen Singletary get a shot (at least at an interview) BUT if Smith gets it done I’ll take it.
By cb
January 25, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
First of all, I am a Falcons fan. But secondly, I am a common sense person (and “NO” these two character traits are not contradictary). The hiring of Thomas Dimitroff was not questionable because of the medium used to interview the man (this is 2008 and important meetings conducted by webcam go on every day). No, the questionable aspect of this hiring is the fact that a Reggie McKenzie was interviewed and not selected. A candidate who has been groomed for a position as GM with a pedigree such as his was the logical choice. Puzzling. I’m also scratching my head over the hiring of Mike Smith. This is not to say that he won’t be the right person for the job but viable candidates such as Grimm, Singletary, Rivera, and Schottenheimer weren’t even given the chance to interview. Even more puzzling.
By Navigator
January 25, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
I swear the guys that write hate mail to Terence are also UGA fans. Why do I think so, well their writing styles show up on the Tech blog, saying some of the same dumb a$$ remarks.
I agree with most of what Terence said. The Falcons took a chance, and it could work out. His characterization of Mr. Blank is right on. His evaluation of the team’s age is also right on. However, I really think Terence misses the importance of getting Mularkey, Keeping Thomas and elevating him to Assistant Head Coach. Getting Van Gorder to run the defense, and Musgrave to handle the QB’s. Folks that’s a solid staff already, and I really had my doubts that Smith would have gotten this good of staff as a first time HC.
By fsjr
January 25, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
Those are four common quips found in a TM article referencing the Falcons. This article like most of TM’s referencing the Falcons lack information. Stating the fact that certain coaching and G.M. candidates were not chosen (duh) does not constitute providing information. Maybe I’m the one off-base assuming your articles were meant to be informative.
To NoMoore, I couldn’t help myself.
By David Duke
January 25, 2008 10:30 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!
By saint
January 25, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
When you say “I don’t know” you are absolutely correct….keep typing away..!
By Singletary
January 25, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Thank you, CB. My thoughts exactly. “Exhaustive interviews” would have included those four potential HCs. I do agree with hiring before the Super Bowl to have the HC input on the Senior Bowl, but now we’re always going to have those questions … unless and until such time as TD/MS show us the playoffs.
I’d be a lot more comfortable if two of the first three hires (Mularky, BVG … not Thomas) weren’t real head scratchers!
Here’s hoping for the best. Go Falcons!
By cl
January 25, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
This column DRIPS WITH SARCASM from start to finish. Obviously Terrance had someone else in mind to coach the Falcons. Not too hard to figure out what the agenda is here… It never changes.
By Mike
January 25, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
If McKenzie has been well-groomed for GM and is so hot how come nobody is beating down his door to hire him away from the Packers?
By Gatorman
January 25, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Hey David Dukes, who in the dog meat are you talking about. I looked at all of the bloggers, and none them were named Ken anything. Maybe your white sheets and hood got too much starch, or that white lightning had too much lead in it. Boy you need to sleep this condition off, and come back tomorrow and figure out what/who you’re blogging about.
By Anthony
January 25, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Terrence, will you please spare us all the Ron Wolf rifraf. Just because you have his number on speed dial it doesn’t mean you have to keep on shoving his comments down our throats. We know you depend on these other geezers to help you form your negative opinions on the falcons but can you EVER say anything positive or supportive about OUR FALCONS. My goodness, it would be interesting to see all the negative articles you would have if you were covering the patriots. I’m sure with them being perfect this year you would still find something bad to write. Of course, after you got off the phone with some of your “good old football player friends”. Go Falcons!
By falcon21
January 25, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
TM,JUST SHUT UP. PLEASE!!!!!!!
By Shamus Thacker
January 25, 2008 11:52 PM | Link to this
I feel better about this hire than when “H-Back-Dan” Henning was thrust upon us.
I’d rather see Marion Campbell coaching from his casket, than to see H-B-D return! Does anyone know if Marion was dead when he coached us the last time?
By Brian Hunt
January 26, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
I’m posting because I like Terrance Moore. Keep writing the truth TM!
By Shamus Thacker
January 26, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
Marion Campbell sure would have made a dynamite Mr. Greenjeans. He just sorta had that Greenjeanesque look about him….
Marion always looked like he was about to barbecue. If he’d’a had beer in hand, he’d’a looked like Uncle Pea-Joe bout to throw anuthun’ on the hickory far…
By michaelgee
January 26, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Smith looks, sounds good but …he’s white.
Dimitroff looks, sounds good but …he’s white too.
Terrance, you are just simply too transparent. Why not just spell it out and quit beating around the bush. All you ever do is blame whitey.
Just think, for probably less money the ajc could have hired a sports writer without your anti-white prejudice. But then the ajc would be honest and objective.
Until you quit belly aching about white ownership and white everything, you remain just what you are, prejudiced and slimey.
By Michael tondee
January 26, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Wow, yet another negative column about the Falcons from Terence Moore. Can anybody say they are suprised? If Blank had somehow been able to lure Bill Cowher here, TM would have found something wrong with that hire too. It doesn’t matter what the Falcons do, he is going to complain. Please AJC, take away his crayons and send him on his way!!!
By Peerless' Mama
January 26, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
First of all, get rid of MeAngelo Hall.
Next, think about Crumpler.
Then I will think about renewing my season tickets.
Wait a minute, my seats are nice. I’ll buy them anyway. But I will sell most of them, or give them away, and skip a few games next year.
I wanted Singletary………
By Dr. Warren
January 26, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
Seems like some actual interviews and a refrain from repeating facts everyone already knows could have added some substance to this article, which frankly seems written during a coffee break at Starbucks.
By George Holman
January 26, 2008 1:51 AM | Link to this
I will be happy Arthur if I never see you on the sideline again. You look absolutely silly!
By Beckster
January 26, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
I know it had to kill Terrence that the Falcons didn’t hire a minority to run the Coons. So I would just like to applaude him for not writing yet another article that focused on the “minority” issue.
By Dino
January 26, 2008 3:14 AM | Link to this
T. Moore there is contrversial and then theres just plain ignorance. Now the fact that I took the time to write this probably gives your employers more support to keeping your ridiculous columns running but lack of insight and information is so obvious in your redundant commentaries. Reggie Mackenzie was a GM for how long? Mike Singletary was offered how many HC jobs that he turned down? TD Could have had a GM job 2 years ago but chose not to leave the Pats. 2 superbowl rings, a statement from 2 future hall of famers that he is one of the best talent evaluaters in football and his plan to revamp this organization is enough to put your faith behind as a Falcons fan. Lets see now, every well known and respected sports journalist in the country loves the 2 hires but I guess your trash is for our entertaiment only. Keep writing Terence my bird cage need lining.
By Enough
January 26, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this
If the season shapes up to be as boring as these hires, the Falcons fall back to the late 80’s status is complete. Back to the good old boy hires, we’ll draft some pocket clown who’ll fail behind an awful offensive line. Hopefully we’ll start with Long out of Michigan. Draft some lineman on both sides of the ball. Then package something for Quinn or Anderson whichever one the Browns get rid of. You can probally get a good running back in the fourth or fifth round this year, deep draft for backs. Use D-Hall as a playmaker, and utilize Norwood the way NO does Bush. Give Redman and Shockley a chance to be the backups or heck they may win out the starter job in a rebuilding year. Get some speed in the middle at linebacker and move Brooking to the weakside spot or just part ways. The NFC south is weak, though NO could be tough with Brees and Bush and that WR core they have. With Finn back in the mix and the emergence of White, could be a strong position next year. Dunn is at best a third down back, Crumpler may be finished if that knee does not respond this off season and with the weight he has, it could be over. Petrino was clueless and really set this franchise back far more than MV did. Plus the Falcons just have to get physical and hungry. It won’t be easy but who knows, the NFC south is always a worst to first type conference.
By DR
January 26, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this
Terence,
You are a jack a*
By athensdawg
January 26, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
come on Terrance, go ahead and say it….we are all waiting for the real reason that you aren’t keen on mike smith….he is the wrong color. Had the falcons signed a ‘no-name’ african american coach, there is no doubt in my mind that your column would be filled with praise for such foresight and open mindedness.
By ballfan
January 26, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
I don’t get it. Didn’t they allow you to speak with the new coach? Did you and Jeff just watch the introductions via web-cam? It appears you simply judges the new coach on the history of the franchise and what the man looks like? Seems like the exact opposite of what Dr. King dreamed for the future.
I agree, no one knows what will happen, but perhaps a few well chosen questions might help you and Jeff get a better feel for what we will see over the next couple of weeks.
If you are open-minded about the transition, I hope you will actually speak to the new staff and GM. It is possible some of their thoughts and ideas could be more clearly understood that way.
Maybe I should just post my picture instead of write, that way you could determine what I am saying without all the unnecessary reading of these words. I look a little like… I’ll leave that up to your imagination.
By hop
January 26, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
I AN NOT KEEN ON THE HIRE OF SMITH,BUT IT IS TIME TO GIVE THESE NEW GUYS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO THEIR RESPECTIVE JOBS.
THE PREVIOUS SELECTIONS BY SIR ARTHUR WERE AWFUL AND NOW WE HAVE A NEW GROUP OF FALCON LEADERS, HOPEFULLY, THEY WILL BE FAR MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN THE PREVIUOUS ONES.
By will
January 26, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
those who think matt ryan should be drafted 1st round are IDIOTS! Please explain what warrants Matt Ryan a top five pick, while Brady Quinn drops 22 spots? Atlanta already has 2 first round quarterbacks (Harrington and Leftwich). If you think Ryan should be drafted top five you should have fan-hood privileges taken away
By will
January 26, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
those who think matt ryan should be drafted 1st round are IDIOTS! Please explain what warrants Matt Ryan a top five pick, while Brady Quinn drops 22 spots? Atlanta already has 2 first round quarterbacks (Harrington and Leftwich). If you think Ryan should be drafted top five you should have fan-hood privileges taken away
By hockeyman 3944
January 26, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Terance..CONGRATULATIONS!..you’ve just hit the big number on the Price is Wrong! You really need to do your homework son before writing a column…oops! No need for that, ou can just take the convenient way out and play the race card! The transparency of your so called articles as per race is so laughable it’s beyond the pale, (no pun intended!). I’d like to see Schultz, Bradley, or even the venerable Bisher write some BS with the same racial slant…no doubt they’d be on the next sleazy news cycle at CNN for their rants. At least those guys have the class you’ll never have as long as everything has a racial, “look how long whitey has kept us down” bias. Get off the dime Moore, write like a real pro, get over the race card and gain, (or at least try to), a smidgen of respect. I really think this is beyond you however, I fear that you’re not bright enough to move up in class and you’re just like others of your ilk…take the easy way out and continue down the same tired path yelling into the wind. I’m confident you don’t read these posts anyway, the truth would hurt and heaven forbid you’d even want to change your ways when the AJC is paying you to write your usual drivel, being your paying enablers. Good gig Terence..hope you laugh all the way to the bank..but its pretty hollow when you could use your “talents” in such a better way.
By Lynn
January 26, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Dimitroff didn’t even have Mike Smith on his list of candidates…. yet he found Smith to be the one he was most comfortable with…. LOL! 3-yr-olds get manipulated less! Arthur hired who HE wanted and people really think this was Dimitroff’s “choice” That press conference was the same one from last year this time!! Just insert new names!! Welcome back Falcons! Welcome back TV blackouts, complete irrelevance!
By gg
January 26, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
i do agree with moore that the falcons needed to find a coach that is elated to be a head coach instead of a big time coach that is just coming here for money. i know it sounds bad, but that is the state of the falcons right now-they are desperate.
By Adam
January 26, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Moore, when have you ever had anything positive to offer about the Falcons? Any good suggestions? Interesting information? NEVER. Your negative drivel is pointless and I regret wasting my time whenever reading your column. Just post the headline from now on and let the readers do the posting. They offer more insight and research than you ever have. Jerk.
By Terrible Truth
January 26, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Yes, the Falcons currently are below mediocrity, Bigot Terence Moore, but they have risen above it on a few occasions. Ever wonder what that’s like, BTM?
By hysterman187
January 26, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Mr. Moore, you are the most negative journalist that I have ever had the dis-pleasure of seeing and reading about in the media.The only cancer left for the falcons now that petrino is gone are the media like you who continue to remain negative no matter what.Your articles are crap! Get a life man and please do all us real fans a favor, when the falcons do start to have some success again,please stay off the band wagon!We don`t need any Fair weather fans, or journalist as far as that goes.
By Mr T
January 26, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Smith looks, sounds good but … (he’s not black) same old s**t different day with Terrence. I wish you would jump off a roof idiot!
By BravesfaninMD
January 26, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
No, I’ve pegged who Smitty looks, speaks and acts like: Chris Farley That can’t be bad, that guy was funny!
By carl wolerski
January 26, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Artie, one more reason that it was a good thing Bernie ran Home Depot.
Why is he always trying to create the “corporate image”? I would’ve selected Singletary in a NY minute!
Tell me D-Hall would give lip service to Singletary on the sideline? I’d pay to see that!!
By Volfanatic
January 26, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
Bold: Here is a great quote that I would like to use in regards to our new hires. ” Many of us are more capable than some of us….but none of us is as capable as all of us.” Its all about how the entire staff meshes together as to how successful things will be. Yes, these guys are no-names but look at some of the ‘names’ out there that have failed. Jim Fassel, Marty ball, even Pricktrino. The point is, give these guys a chance. I believe through a good working relationship, loyalty, and trust things will work out with this new group. None of them lack of decent NFL experience. You have to be a first time Head Coach SOMEWHERE. What better a place to start than the Atlanta Falcons considering their current state of affairs. Plus we just landed Mularkey who is the one ‘name’ that was hired that too failed as a head coach. Take it easy people and get positive. It can’t get any worse. By the way, the quote above was from Tom Wilson.
By BravesfaninMD
January 26, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
If Singletary is such a great choice, why hasn’t he been snapped up by the other teams that have been looking for coaches? I don’t even hear his name being mentioned by the Redskins up here .
By Volfanatic
January 26, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Bold: Right on Mr. Carl Wolerski, D Hall would have to change his name to I.P. Freely after running his mouth to BIG MIKE.
By Negative Nick
January 26, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
My mom gave this name before I was born. The way I look at it, it was my responsibility to live up to it. It is actually not as difficult as you might think. The more negative you act, the more natural it becomes. I’ve only got one life to live on this earth, so I better not waste it. I could encourage folks but that takes a leap of faith in people and besides it’s more fun to chastise, ridicule and harass. Nope, I’m not changing as long as I’m alive because then I’d have to admit I’ve approached life the wrong way from the very beginning. After all, I’ve got a legacy to live. Hey folks, if you want to change, read God’s word. It is His perspective on life as it should be lived. Oh, I’m sorry, is this a sport’s blog?
By BravesfaninMD
January 26, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Volfanatic…. you have to put two astericks in front and behind the text you want to bold.
By Volfanatic
January 26, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
* By the way Bulldawg fans. Good luck tonight when your team comes up here to Rocky Top. You’re going to need it now that Duke Crews is back and the Vols are finally rested a bit. Don’t think the loss to the Mildcats the other night was anything other than a team that just ran out of gas after 3 HIGHLY competitive games in 6 nights. GO BIG ORANGE, Falcons, Braves, Hawks, and Thrashers!!!!*
By Volfanatic
January 26, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Thanks BravesfaninMD, I figured that out a bit too late. That was my daily braincramp in full force!!
By BravesfaninMD
January 26, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
Hey, maybe it has been mentioned before, but did you notice that TD started the news conference introducing Smitty, NOT Arthur Blank. I think that was Mr. Blank’s way of showing that he is going to try to get out of the way… I think it would have been better if Arthur wasn’t at the news conference at all, but I don’t think he can help himself sometimes. I agree with those that are saying “Give them a chance”… hey, it ain’t all bad… we were in the playoffs not too long ago so I don’t think it will take that long to be competitive again. This year was just a nightmare and we really don’t know what will happen next year, so let’s stay behind our Falcons!
By amused onlooker
January 26, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
When TM and his disciples lament over the list of GM and HC candidates who were not interviewed, does anyone think that maybe these people were called and hung up on the caller when they were told the reason for the call?
By Mean D
January 26, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
As much as I do dislike Terence Moore, recognize the obvious that he is a racist, and believe the AJC should fire him, these are some pathetic hires. From Parcells to “Thomas”, from Cowher to Smith, from Kiffin to a rehash with Van Gorder, and Mularky who has failed everywhere he has been. Blank is an idiot. Falcons will be dead last again in ‘08.
By David Duke
January 26, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Well, the Falcons took on a GM who was an equipment guy in New England and he found a lifelong assistant, Mike Martz lookin’ peckerwood to be coach. we are headed in the right direction now, for the Falcons, lower than we’ve been previously. I salute Mr. Blank for these moves. The Falcons have a tradition to live down to and these moves assure utter and complete failure!
By roan st
January 26, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Dimitroff worked on a grounds crew in Cleveland when he was in his early twenties. After hours he would go up to the scouting office and work with scot pioli into the wee hours of the night because he wanted to learn the business. Whats wrong with a guy starting at the bottom and busting his a$$ until he gets to the top? Some of the greatest americans who ever walked this land started out at the bottom. I appreciate the fact that he pulled himself up from his boot straps and reached the pinnacle of his profession. Would you rather have another silver spoon brat ( mora) that got here because of his daddy? Or would you rather have a guy who busted his rear and never gave up his dream until he reached his goal? Bill Belichick and the Patriots didn’t put this guy in charge of the college draft for nothing. If he elevated to that position in New England it was because he had some serious talent. I champion the cause of the underdog and I like the fact that this guy built himself from the ground up. I guess you started out at the top of you’re profession there Mr david duke?
By Ernest
January 26, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
A. Blank you made your choice for coach and that is your right but you should ressign as the head of the committee to get minority coaches hired in the NFL. If you will not make the hire you will not be able to convince another owner to do so
By quint
January 26, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Why do so many people think that Mike Singletary would have been such a great coach? Hall of Fame player credentials do not mean that a man will be a good coach. You guys need to quit being such “jock sniffers.” Ask yourselves who the greatest coaches of all time are and then tell me how many of them were HoF players? John Madden, Bill Parcells, George Siefert, Mike Holmgren, Bill Bellichick, Tony Dungy, etc. are not in the Hall or going there because of their NFL playing careers. Some of you sound like little kids, “My daddy wouldn’t take that. He’d beat up your daddy!”
Give me a break. There are only 32 NFL team owners and only 32 NFL GM’s in the world. If you are smarter or better qualified, apply for the job and fix all of the Falcon’s problems.
By Ernest
January 26, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Mr. Blank strike a deal for MV7 to the Raiders for one of their QBs. As a lifelong Raider fan the blackhole will take of Peta protesters ASAP.
By Ernest
January 26, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Trade MV7 to the Raiders. The Raider Nation will show you wimpy falcon fans how to protect your franchise player from Peta protesters. They won’t show up in the Black Hole.
By misawa
January 26, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
To NoMoore - your post shows just how ignorant you are. Maybe you are from some other country, but in America, we have something called FREE SPEECH. No person, no even you for your idotic posts should lose their job because of their opinion. If you don’t like what’s written, don’t read it. If we start firing people for what their opinion, there would be on one to work.
By misawa
January 26, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Now that you understand that everyone has a right to their opinion, I will share mine. I feel that Mr Blank would have/could have done better by choosing Floyd Reese as the person to run football operations. He has the experience as he has excelled at all levels: a player (very important), a coach, a personnel guy, and as GM. He would have been an experienced guy who has done it all without the big ego. The coach should have been no one other than Mike Singletary. Singletary was the unquestioned leader of one of the most dominant defenses in the history of professional sports. He could instantly bring the correct amount of respect, experience, and discipline that that current roster (D Hall -attitude, Crumpler-weight issues, Jenkins-concentration)desperately need. By choosing a guy who has no experience to run a football operation and a coach who by some accounts was along for the ride, I am not convinced that it will bode well for the Falcons. As a lifetime Falcon fan, I sincerely HOPE I’M wrong about those 2!
By gg
January 26, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
i really hope we don’t draft a qb in the first round. Work on the 0-line, defense, running game and then worry about the qb by picking up one via free agency. i am so tired of drafting so so-called big time qbs and then watching him either be traded or never work out. it seems to me that so many of the high pick qb’s are headcases. See Ryan Leaf, MV7, Akili Smith, David Klinger, Andre Ware, Jim Drunkenmiller and so on. Wait until the later rounds and try to get someone like Chad Henne from Michigan or even John David Booty. I know they weren’t world beaters during the season but look what they did later on during the later part of the season and in the bowl games.
By ch67
January 26, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I’m willing to give Coach Smith a chance, but I do think the Falcons and Mr. Blank have bypassed several good minority candidates over the years, and that concerns me. We could have had Lovie Smith instead of Mora. I don’t understand why Singletary doesn’t even rate an interview this year, after being touted as a very good interview last year.
Still, with that said, I’m pleased that Emmitt Thomas is going to be assistant head coach, and I think Dimitroff is going to be a good GM. Time will tell.
By Christie Blackley
January 26, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Isn’t Reggie McKenzie Afro American? I don’t think the Birds wanted a black head coach….guess what….neither did I. Too much possibility of the guy being a racist idiot and haveing the attitude and lack of reasoning ability of T. Moore. Is it a coincidence that all the problem players on the team led by MeAngelo are black…good grief…who wants more of the same???? Besides….making Emmett Thomas assistant head coach is the token black hire. So the birds are ok with their minority hiring.
By mahjk17
January 26, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
NO MIKE SMITH LOOKS LIKE OUR BASEBALL GM FRANK WREN
By Wesley A. Wallace
January 26, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Lets hope Blank grows up and stays in his seat. This is the appropriate behavior expected of an NFL owner by the fan base.
Blank needs to gain the respect of the players and the fans, and only then will I go back to Home Depot.
By PT
January 26, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t know what all the fuss is about. First about experience. GMs and head coaches have to get their start somewhere. I know we as fans are nervous and want some established names in here to right the ship. But I think it’s good that Dimitroff and Smith will be able to grow together.
Moore…just because people outside of the league haven’t heard of Smith doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a good reputation around the league and that’s what matters.
I’m siked about the hire. Singletary seems to be a popular choice among many fans. That’s fine. He hasn’t been a coach all that long. I can’t speak to much of the minority hiring/interviewing. No one really knows why he wasn’t asked back. But that doesn’t mean it is racially motivated.
Someone said Smith won’t command as much respect from the veterans as Singletary. First, how can you even make that kind of assumption? Second, I’m sure he’s respected for being a great former player. But playing isn’t coaching.
By Awesome
January 26, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
T. Moore, Thanks for keeping it real. Smith will suck as a coach, just like Dimitroff as a GM. this team is BS. I’m sick of these sorry arse moves Blank is continuing to make. I thought McKenzie should have had a shot also. The guy has been in the Packers front office for years and played the game. Singletary should have been the coach also. I’m sure he would’ve put together a hell of alot better staff than Smith assembled. Blank, I won’t be buying season tickets this year! You suck!
By Awesome
January 26, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
Blank, go ahead and admit that you don’t want a minority in the front office, or coaching your team! It’s a shame, of all the years the Falcons have been in the league, all we’ve had are white coaches. It’s okay though, it took black atheletes less than 30 years to be a majority in the sport, in less than 30, the majority of the league will have minority coaches. Book it! The days of the good ole boy regime is coming to an end!