ajcsportstalk

By firevicknext

January 7, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

excellent choice! now, let’s get a real QB.

By smuve

January 7, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

I’M NOT SURE????

By BigDaddy

January 7, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

Does Nick Saban ring a bell?

By Jon

January 7, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

It all depends on who the QB is.

Vick = coach killer.

By Josh

January 7, 2007 09:43 PM | Link to this

I’ll let you know when and if the Falcons decide to dump Vick.

By herewegoagain

January 7, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

So we took a chance on Mora, and I thought that was a reasonable risk to take, unfortunately didn’t work out. Now with all the coaching talent available within the NFL we have to go and take another risk?? Has anybody been watching these stud coaches like Saban and Spurrier come up just to fail before going back to college?? ugh…I don’t see this working out at all.

By REW

January 7, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

Two words - Lon Kruger

By dd

January 7, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

Can we hear from the reshirts at Louisville? I’d be very interested to know what they were told by Pettrino during the recruiting process.

By Gary

January 7, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

I believe he mite can make a difference. but i was pushing for Ken Whisenhunt. But hats off to bobby i hope him and the other coaches put us in a great chance to WIN ball games

By Dynesh

January 7, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

Seems rushed to me.

By Brian

January 7, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

Would someone evaluate this and tell me whether it is good or bad?

By HARTWELL IS ROBBING US

January 7, 2007 09:44 PM | Link to this

I THING THE FLACONS SHULD OF BROUGHT REEAVES BACK 2 CAOCH HE TOOK THEM 2 THE SUPERBOWEL HE CAN DO IT AGAIN VICK HAS HIS BEST SESSION WITH REAVES AS CAOCH MR BLANKS YOU MADE A MISTEAK!

By BJ

January 7, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Welcome Aboard.

By Brian

January 7, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Well, they did it again. I actually thought they might make a good hire this time, and instead we get this guy. I guess we’ll be back here in three years doing this again.

By Wreckin&Thrashin

January 7, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Risky, risky hire. This is all or nothing. Excited to see what Petrino could do with Vick, but if he isn’t able to handle the pro game, then it will be disaster for the Falcons. If a coach can’t find a system and develop Vick within the next 3 years, it will be too late for him. Whisenhunt should have still been the top choice. I hope they have done this only after formally getting a no from him.

By Rooch Bricks

January 7, 2007 09:45 PM | Link to this

Thank God! Thank God! All recruits welcome in Lexington! Go CATS!

By TonyG

January 7, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

Blank always gets his man. You gotta respect him for just going out and gettin it done. Go Falcons!

Now we just gotta get Calvin!

By Vivek

January 7, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

Blahhhh. Ken Whisenhunt would have been a much better choice. Petrino will jump ship in two years to a nicer job.

By kevin

January 7, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

Another bungle in the jungle. Should have kept Mora here and sent Ron Mexico packing. Trade Him for a couple of capable wide receivers and let Shuab be QB. He is another Favre in the making………DUH !!!!!

By 89 Bulldog

January 7, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

Petrino is the poor Man’s Nick Saban. Saban works Vegas, Petrino belongs on Stewart Ave. (Metropolitian Blvd.).

No honor or integrity. He’ll be looking for the hot college job in 2 years.

By Asro Joe

January 7, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

Did Billy Knight or the Atlanta Spirit have anything to do with this hire? A oollege coach from a second-tier conference? Who did he promise to bring as his coordinators? Bill Walsh and Marvin Lewis? WTF!!!!

By Shocked

January 7, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

I hope Blank and McKay are confident in the choice they made to hire Petrino.

By Ben

January 7, 2007 09:46 PM | Link to this

Good move. A coach whose team beat West Virginia and Wake Forest obviously knows a little bit about football. His offensive mindset will help Vick. Now let’s just get rid of Greg Knapp and we’ll be fine. The NFC sucks.

By Glynn

January 7, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

I welcome Coach Petrino to Atlanta. At least we hired someone with head coaching experience. I think Falcons fans need to welcome Petrino and give him a chance before we decide he is a horrible choice. Coach Petrino did a great job at Lousiville and I would like to believe that blank and McKay have good reason to believe he will succeed with the Falcons

By ewendel

January 7, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

The Bressaro Nick Saban - I should be a very entertaining press conference!

By C Daddy

January 7, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

What the h*ll? I hope this gamble pays off, but then again we need to run a college offense for our all world QB.

By Just Wondering

January 7, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

Wow!!! Did not see this coming. Never heard his name mentioned regarding being interviewed.

I like it though. This team needs to put up a lot more points and his teams did just that at Louisville.

By RollTider

January 7, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

Who’s Alabama gonna get for an OC now?

By Glass Half Full

January 7, 2007 09:47 PM | Link to this

Surprised Petrino would walk away from Louisviile. They could potentially contend for the national Championship in 2007…oh, wait a minute, the BCS would never select Louisville as #1 or #2 because they don’t equal ratings. Pencil in Texas, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Florida, USC, or Michigan into those slots every year. Good move Falcons.

By Nick Saban

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Bobby P’s offense is way too sophisticated for Ron Mexico.

Prediction—-the Ron Mexico led birds go 6-10 in 2007.

By DJ

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

WHOOOOO!!

By Benny 16

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Terrible decision. And we thought the Smiths were a joke as owners?

By Rico

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Good college coach…But that has never translated into the Pro game. I am shocked that a man with Mr. Blanks money would go after a college coach and not a proven coach with Pro expierence. Wow!! Now, we have 2-3 years to wait until Mr. Blank learns another lesson. I will be cheering for the Falcons every minute, but this hire does not make any sense!-

By Talon

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

well, nothing has worked in the last forty or so years, so why not try something differen’t. Although I would prefer someone with pro experience to give these guys the leadership they o so need…

By Apaul404

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

This seems rushed to me too. We may have gone from bad to worse. I can’t say I saw this coming.

By Wilco

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Another college coach, huh? Oh well, the beat goes on….. and on…..

By Pudge

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Great move, now just trade Vick for a good WR and re-hire Mora as DC and we are set.

By Carlos

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

It is a bad choice, great college coaches usually fail in the NFL (Saban, Spurrier, etc) College success does not translate into NFL success. It is a sad day in Falcons history…I won’t renew my season tickets….

By Vivek

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Petrino will jump in two years to a nicer job. Whisenhunt was a better choice.

By David Steinle

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

Awful, simply awful. Petrino is a college coach, and when a big-time job at a BCS school opens up, Petrino will be the first name that comes up. Atlanta has shot itself in the foot, which the Falcons do oh so well.

By chuck e

January 7, 2007 09:48 PM | Link to this

He’s a dynamic exciting offense minded coach. Hopefully he can figure out how to use Mike. The flip side is that he’s as big a liar to the people of Louisville as Saban was to the people of Miami. Hope we can trust him…..

By Dan

January 7, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

Why not dip into the college ranks? Nothing else has worked. I just hope we can have a consistent winner. We should have hired Lovie Smith when we had the chance. Go Falcons!

By Disgruntled

January 7, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

WTF????

By rick

January 7, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

YES!!!!! As a season ticket holder since the dome was opened I was seriously thinking about letting my tickets go. As an Auburn fan I have seen what he can do. Get ready for some fun. This guy is a super quarterback coach and a brilliant offensive mind. Mr. Vick is in for a treat and probably knows that already. If he cannot get it done now well, maybe it is not meant to be. Hire a defensive coordinator and let him run the defense. Man, I am Pumped. No tickets for sale

By I am the decider

January 7, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

I was certainly surprised by the selection and am certainly concerned. Although I am a big fan of Vick, I think too much emphasis was placed on how he is to be handled during the interview process. It doesn’t take a whole lot of creativity to do better than, “3rd and one, hand off to Dunn” 1. NFL offenses are typically more complex than college game plans. 2. Handing a first time NFL head coach a multi-year deal is pretty risky for Mr. Blank. 3. He seemed to have success as a offensive coordinator for the Jaguars a few years back. 4. What about the O-line, secondary, and D-line? 5. The rest of the coaching team will tell us more. 6. Please don’t go back to the option play 20 times a game.

By jimmy

January 7, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

dont hate on vick cuz ur on his wick

By Mr C.

January 7, 2007 09:49 PM | Link to this

Wow. College coach. When was he interviewed. How were they able to keep it discreet? Give them credit for keeping it away from the media.

By Steve

January 7, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

it is a great choice

By jean

January 7, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

Don’t know anything about him other than that they run a high powered offense over there…the track record for college coaches jumping to the NFL isn’t too good but look what happened last time when we hired an NFL assistant, so let’s wait & see. I wasn’t too excited about any of those assistants anyway but boy the Falcons are sneaky, didn’t even know they interviewed him!! Hey Coach Petrino, Finneran’s the best receiver we got, he & Crump! You can dump Shoddy White & please draft a massive O-lineman or massive d-lineman!! Welcome to Hot ‘Lanta!!

By REALITY

January 7, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

All the best but he’d better recognize that Michael Vick is still the head huncho right behind Blank who hasn’t recognized that Vick is exciting (and sells tickets) but is not consistent, which means unexplainable losses. Not to say that Vick should shoulder all of the blame because their defense is flaky, too. Again, all the best but this should be interesting…..

By chris

January 7, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

will all you idiots shut up and get vick a line

By Bryan G.

January 7, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

What a terrible, terrible move. When are people going to realize that there are college coaches and there are NFL coaches.

See: Spurrier, Saban, Dennis Erickson, Mike Riley, Pete Caroll etc. Only Jimmy Johnson did well in the NFL and college.

This is a bad call.

By MBATL

January 7, 2007 09:50 PM | Link to this

Seems like an awful quick move to me. I have nothing against Petrino, but don’t really see why we had to hire a new coach in a week. We’ll see, I guess.

By mountain_jim

January 7, 2007 09:51 PM | Link to this

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061231/COLUMNISTS01/61231020

Petrino’s quest for the perfect game

Kolby Smith has never asked Bobby Petrino if the head coach sleeps in his office during the University of Louisville’s pre-season football camps – he said he already knew the answer.

“Coach is there when we leave at 10 at night and he’s there when we get there at 6 in the morning,” Smith said. “I’m not sure he sleeps at all.”

Jeff Brohm is the Cardinals’ quarterbacks coach. He can testify about those nights when neither the lights nor the video player is turned off.

“There are times when my eyes glaze over,” Jeff Brohm said. “Coach will be running the tape back because he’s seen a weakness in a defense we can exploit. I can’t focus my eyes. He’s getting stronger.”

Ask anybody in the Cardinal football program. They all have similar stories about Petrino’s single-minded passion to build an offense that plays the perfect football game.

That is Petrino’s quest. A game where every block is delivered with precision. Every pass route is run with urgency and efficiency. Every ball is thrown with accuracy to an open receiver.

Former U of L coach Howard Schnellenberger visited Petrino’s practice Saturday and said it was better organized than most National Football League practices. “I’m amazed,” he said. “I learned something.”

No surprise. You are as likely to find Petrino in his office at 9 p.m. in the middle of June as you are at 9 p.m. in the middle of September. The man studies video the way Tiger Woods studies the greens at Augusta. It’s a relentless search for an edge – and perfection.

Maybe that perfect game will come Tuesday night when Louisville plays Wake Forest in the FedEx Orange Bowl. If it doesn’t, expect Petrino to return to the video room. Heck, if it DOES, expect Petrino to return to the video room.

“When two-a-days start, he tells the players he wants them to love the game and think about it 24-7,” said Dr. Raymond Shea, the U of L football team doctor.

“What he really wants is for them to love the game and think about it 24-7 all year like he does. But he’ll settle for the two weeks of fall camp.”

There are hundreds of reasons why U of L is playing in its first Bowl Championship Series game.

Make sure you put Petrino’s passionate push for the perfect game near the top of the list. This is a man who coaches offense as well as anybody I’ve seen in college football. A five-touchdown game has become routine.

There is no reason to overload you with hundreds of stats that prove what a remarkable strategist Petrino is. A few make the point quite emphatically.

Two Division I-A teams have ranked in the Top 10 nationally in total offense for four consecutive seasons. One is Texas Tech. The other is Louisville, which currently ranks second (behind Hawaii), following seasons when the Cardinals finished ninth, first and fifth.

Petrino has coached 49 games at U of L. His teams have scored 60 or more seven times and scored less than 10 once. Heck, they’re scored at least 40 in more than half their games (28 of 49).

“Before almost every game coach will tell us, ‘If you run this play the right way, it’s a touchdown,’” said U of L center Eric Wood.

“Before the Pittsburgh game, he told us if Pitt went into a certain defense, Harry Douglas was going to take one 80 yards for a touchdown.”

Petrino was wrong. Douglas scored. But it was only a 75-yard pass play.

But Petrino was also right. Said Wood, “You can always find a way to do it better.”

By hk

January 7, 2007 09:51 PM | Link to this

… let’s see if he gets rid of the west coast offense, which has virtually ruined Vick …

By Cannon

January 7, 2007 09:51 PM | Link to this

It is a shame that Bobby Petrino refused to honor the promise the University and to his players. He should have finished his contract. When did he break his word? If he has any success at Atlanta, how long will it be before a more prestigious NFL team comes along and hires him away from the Falcons?

By Matt

January 7, 2007 09:51 PM | Link to this

Petrino signed a 10 year contract with Louisville within the past year and stressed to everyone that he was their for the long haul, “I hope they Believe me”. Now he ditches them after a top 5 season. How many college coaches have had success in the NFL? Jimmy Johnson is the only one that comes to mind (B Switzer does not count to me, he won with a loaded team that J Johnson built).

This is a 3 year marriage in my eyes. Only positive I can see is Blank/McKay say he will have full decision on how to handle QB and Petrino wants a guy who can sling it for 300 + yards per game. That will NEVER be Vick. I won’t be p** about this hire if Schaub becomes our QB?!?!?!?!?!

By Brett

January 7, 2007 09:51 PM | Link to this

Wow! I did not see that hire coming. I was really hoping for someone with NFL experience, namely Mike Singletary, you know, hard nosed, no nonsense, tough as nails coach. I don’t know much about Petrino, but I am not excited at all about this. I have little hope for anything great to happen with him. I hope I am wrong. There seems to be little success with guys coming from the college ranks to the NFL.

By matt`Louisville KY.

January 7, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

Bobby P is a great coach and we have blessed to had have him as coach. Man lies like crazy I believe he is part gypsy and bipolar but hey he is a good coach. Not big on PR and is not Mr.Personality.Good Luck Dirtybirds From louisville

By bwash21

January 7, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

Tell me that last college coach to make a good transition to the NFL? Or just tell me any coach ever to give me some hope. Petrino would be a great hire in he were taking over Georgia Tech. It seems to me that they are alot more NFL qualified guys out there that would have been a better choice. At least Louisville ran a pro-style offense. How that translates to a Michael Vick led Falcons team, I have no idea.

By Henry

January 7, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

I do not believe the falcons would have gone to the college ranks for a Coach after what we see from Spurrier and more recently Saban. I really cannot believe it. If it is true I will be a truly disappointed Season Ticket Holder. I would have preferred any of the Assistants in the NFL that were named, preferably Wisenhunt from Pittsburgh. Let us look at the recent Assistants that were promoted and compare them to the College Coaches and you will see far greater success from the NFL Asssistants. This got to be a joke.

By JB

January 7, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

All of the recent success has come from NFL a*’t coaches taking over as head coaches (e.g. Lovie Smith) and college coaches coming to the NFL have gone back with their tails between their legs (e.g, Saban, Pete Carroll). I think the Falcons blew it.

By jilted cardinal

January 7, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

Petrino is a decent enough collge coach, but I think he will fail at the NFL level due to his complete lack of personality and charisma- If you don’t know what I’m talking about you soon will- the NFL is big time entertainment, and Bobby Petrino makes Al Gore look like Robin Williams-

By falconstink

January 7, 2007 09:52 PM | Link to this

To: Hartwell Is Robbing Us.

While I agree with the statement that your name makes, you ned to learn how to type. You “thing”? Super “bowEl”? “Session”? “ReAves”? “BlankS”? “MistEAk”?

As for the Falcons…. What kind of a hire is this? If they wanted an unproven small white guy, they should have kept Mora! We need someone to help Vick realize that he makes mistakes… and help DeAngelo Hall realize that just because he won the 40 yard dash in Hawaii doesn’t mean he can’t be burnt.

By HornetWatcher06

January 7, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. If he is the answer we should have kept Mora. He had 2 successful seasons on the college level at Louisville and now he is a legitamate NFL coach? Arthur Blank is smoking some other stuff. And for all of you Vick haters wisdom says build the offense AROUND your franchise player not force him to fit in to a scheme that does not work for him.

By J

January 7, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

Petrino has been an offensive coordinator in the league with the Jaguars, I think people are forgeting that. He led Brunnell to some of his best seasons.

By the podge

January 7, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

The key now is who he gets for the defense. He knows how to put points on the board!!! We ought to bring in one of Buddy Ryans boys.

By Greg

January 7, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

Terrible move. College coaches rarely succeed in the NFL, and yet when they return they usually go back to succeeding in college. I give you Spurrier and Pete Carroll. I bet Saban turns around Alabama.

Some people coach colleges, some people coach pros.

BAD HIRE.

By chriis

January 7, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

Nice spelling there, Hatwell. History suggests that this will not be a good hire. He needs to coach Vick, NOT try to be his friend. There is no respect factor in that. I hope he does well here.

By bob in sf

January 7, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

Petrino was the OC/QB coach at Jax Jags for 2 years and their offense was very good. He has pro experience. He has proven at every stop he had in college he was a creative offensive mind. Now lets see who he brings in to run the defense. I have feeling he will be encouraged to snag someone from the Tampa 2 coaching tree by McKay.

By Falcon fan stuck in purgatory

January 7, 2007 09:53 PM | Link to this

It’s hard being a fan of the Falcons. Another wasted pick of a head coach. And we thought it was bad during the Smith Era? I guess we fans found out the grass isn’t always greener.

By Dan

January 7, 2007 09:54 PM | Link to this

Every falcons fan who sneered at Alabama for hiring a snake like Nick Saban should ponder Petrino’sethical standards based on this excerpt from a story on his hiring:

Before the season, Petrino signed a 10-year, $25 million contract with Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich. Petrino had previously interviewed with Auburn, LSU, Notre Dame and the Oakland Raiders for other jobs, but announced in August that he would be at Louisville for the long haul.

“I can’t tell you how happy I am with the commitment and the confidence that Tom Jurich has in me and the university has in me,” Petrino said after signing the contract. “I also wanted to make sure that everyone understood, I know I’ve said it, that this is where my family wants to be. This is where I want to be. I want everyone to really believe it.”

He may or may not be a good coach but Petrino is definitely yet another coach with no integrity.

By mike

January 7, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

It should be great, because a college offense is all that #7 can comprehend.

By Wayne

January 7, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

What’s the rush in hiring? Should have interviewed more NFL Assistants. Mike Vick is not the right quarterback for his offensive scheme. Matt Schaub is Petrino’s style of quarterback. Vick will probably be traded.

By GrizzlyDad

January 7, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

I hope he can he bring Brohm and Bush with him?

Excellent choice for Falcons…..but it sucks for the Cards.

Is their any integrity left in Coaching or is the almighty dollar the most important thing?

By travis

January 7, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

this may not be a bad choice. however, i am very skeptical. i just googled petrino and he has a very interesting bio. he was the offensive coordinator at jacksonville, jaguars and was the quarterback coach for brunell, who had good numbers that year, 1999-2001. then he went to auburn, in 2002 and was there coordinator. Auburn had a good year that year.

By Brad

January 7, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

Three things that bother me: 1. This seemed to happen way too fast. They probably had something under the table done weeks ago.

I had a feeling that Mike Singletary was a token black interviewee. Been hearing good things about him.

Can’t trust a college coach.

By Dan From Lilburn

January 7, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

Petrino??? Who is he??? Just shows how unattractive the Falcons job is to qualified candidates.

Trade Vick to Oakland for first pick (and more), draft Calvin Johnson, and start Schaub.

By I am the decider

January 7, 2007 09:55 PM | Link to this

oh, and Vick will have to learn a new system! btw, Vick is the QB for the Falcons so a lot of you knuckleheads just have to accept that for awhile longer.

By Ugh

January 7, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this

Bobby has obviously lost his damn mind.

By kp

January 7, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this

It sucks we already just fired a college coach. Right now the only thing that been failing this organization is Arthur Blank. Shame on your Arthur Blank.

By Brown Eyed Girl!

January 7, 2007 09:56 PM | Link to this

I’m actually a native Georgian (Falcon fan)that lives in Louisville. They just broke in on programming and announced that there was a bombshell. Petrino is right now meeting with his team and telling them of his decision. I honestly don’t like the choice. People here in Louisville have been bothered by Petrino since he’s been here. Every year he announces that he loves the city and will never leave. Shortly thereafter, we hear that he has interviewed with another team. He will probably get run out of ATL like Saban from Miami. Of all the available coaches already in the NFL, I don’t understand why they want to experiment with a guy that has no NFL experience.

By scribe

January 7, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

If Petrino can’t get vick on track, no one will. The next 3 years will define Vick’s entire career. Either he will elevate his game or end up being another Randall Cunningham.

By Rick R

January 7, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

Found this report from November at U of L: Coach Patrino: “When Tom (Jurich) and I sat down this summer to talk about a new contract, we anticipated that there would be many high profile job openings. The University of Louisville made a tremendous commitment to me and I made a commitment to the University of Louisville. I’m not a candidate for any job openings.” As reported by Rocco Gasparro / U of L Sports November 29, 2006 Hmmmm… seems coaches talking & doing something else is pretty common. Money talks, bull—— walks, so do coaches.

By Rico

January 7, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

He Rick…You can rent my season tickets for three years. That’s about how long Petrino will have until he goes back to college football. Call me @ 1-800-THISSUX!

By jay

January 7, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

wow. wtf?????????? this guy will be fired after going 2-14 because the players will tune him out…

By RA

January 7, 2007 09:57 PM | Link to this

Listen, back up off Vick. If any of you losers can find another quarterback that can throw for three thousand yards while running for a thousand and completing 20 touchdowns with his recievers dropping every other pass, let me know…

By Atlanta Card

January 7, 2007 09:58 PM | Link to this

As a U of L graduate, I am very upset about this, but as an Atlanta resident, I am happy for the Falcons. This guy is a GREAT coach. I think that Vick may be the problem, but we will see.

I am sick about what this will do to the Louisville program and the kids. they adore him. I know that the Louisville fans are p**.

By Disappointed Shawwwttyy

January 7, 2007 09:58 PM | Link to this

Talk about risk McKay and Blank!!! You had a proven offensive genius in Norm Chow who understands how to use unique talents of Vince Young. Think of what he could do with Vick? Oh well, now it is just a thought. Bobby is all offense as well but he is not Norm Chow (someone who proved them can go it with a similar talent). Falcons fans please realize it will take the D.Brids at least 2 years to turn it around once they get some more quality O Linemen and D Linemen.

ESPN also reported this morning that the new coach has permission to keep Shaub and ship out Vick if he decides he does not want him. If this happens Vick will win a Super Bowl in Green Bay or Tampa behind a meaty O Line.

Also did anyone see Mora this Saturday. He got made as H@!! when Costas asked him about the stupid Seattle radio comment.

By Joseph

January 7, 2007 09:58 PM | Link to this

I thought McKay was a real football man. A college coach!?!?! Bad move…again.

By Terry

January 7, 2007 09:58 PM | Link to this

UNBELIEVABLE. Why hire a college coag? Did Blank/McKay not see what happened to Spurrier and Saban? I will not be paying for Falcons tickets this year. Blank is clueless.

Whisenhunt and Cameron were much better alternatives.

By Jim

January 7, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this

Vick wasn’t as great as so many thought he was three years ago, but he certainly isn’t as bad as so many think he is now. Those receivers could make Johnny Unitas look bad.

That said, how closely did Blank look at the track record of college HCs coming to the NFL? Very few success stories. I hope we’ve got one.

By FeyBo

January 7, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this

He showed that he could win at L’Ville looks like a good coach, but why hire a college coach when we could hire offensive innovator Ken Winsenhunt from Pittsburgh

By JJ

January 7, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES

By bob in sf

January 7, 2007 09:59 PM | Link to this

I love how everyone gets high and mighty and busts on coaches for taking better jobs. If I was sitting in my cubicle at work and the phone rang with an offer for twice the money, I’d hit the door running and 99.9% of the posters on this blog would too.

By mick

January 7, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

I’m a diehard Louisville fan and all I can say is screw’em.He may be a good hire for the Falcons though.On another note, Kentucky fans don’t get too happy, you won’t steal any of our top recruits and we’ll still beat you down next season.

By keeping it real

January 7, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

We got a QB now let’s go win!

By The Grinch

January 7, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Could be a good hire. Guy looks like he knows how to run an offense, which is a hell of a lot more than can be said for Knapp. I think Blank wouldn’t have done this so quickly if Petrino didn’t look like the man. Much, MUCH of this depends on who we get now as a DC.

By chris

January 7, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

He’s lied to Louisville on several occasions but to give him credit he has a great offensive mind.

By bark

January 7, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

I really believe this is the hire to get the offense where it needs to be. He has nfl experience and success at each level. I think the key will be who will he bring in to coordinate the defense.

By RW

January 7, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Until Ron Mexico gets his mind off his bling-bling and his ding-ding, the Falcons will remain the mediocre team they are regardless of the coach.

By Ray

January 7, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Since I do not watch or care about college football, I only have one question….who is this guy????

By billdawg

January 7, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Way too quick…is AB getting too old to lead? A NFL asst like Singleton, Whisenhunt, etc would have been a better choice. 2 years and a cloud of see ya later.

By Rob

January 7, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Petrino is another Nick Saban. He jumped ship in with Jaguars when he felt he wasn’t getting enough credit in the NFL. Went to Auburn for one year, left, went to Louisville, a year later tried to steal Tuberville’s job. I think Petrino could be a good hire but, in my gut I just don’t see him being around in five years. I pray that Mr. Blank just didn’t make another big hiring mistake. Whisenhunt would of been a better hire.

By Crash

January 7, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

After reading his bio on the web, sounds like an amazing offensive coach. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, but i’m with many here, if Vick can’t cut it with Petrino, a change will have to be made at that position also…and i’m a Vick fan.

Now let’s see who rounds out his staff. Does he call his own plays or will he have an O.C.? What about Singletary for Def. Coordinator? It would be a promotion for him. Whatever the outcome…Knapp and Donatell have to go.

By JD3

January 7, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

I think that Falcon Fans should give Petrino a chance to work his magic with Vick and the crew. Who cares if he has no NFL experience and did not even come from a major college. As a Saints fan I think this is a Great Hire.
GO SAINTS!!!

By Larry from the branch

January 7, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

I don’t know if I should be happy or sad. I would love this move if it was for the head coaching job for G.T., but I really didn’t want to see a rookie NFL coach for the falcons. The main problem I see with the falcons is they don’t have a leader. #7 isn’t a leader and if your starting QB isn’t a leader then your head coach MUST be the leader. I’m wondering if the players for the falcons will respect Bobby? Because they sure didn’t respect Jimmy. They said they respected jimmy, but their actions proved otherwise. I’ll be there at training camp sitting at the 50 yard line.

By PercyHarvin

January 7, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

atlanta sports teams really are struggling. hiring the louisville football coach? that is weak. Maybe the Dolphins will hire the Rutgers coach. Go Gators.

By TRACI

January 7, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

WHO?*WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?WHO?*WHO?

By Drexel Gal

January 7, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Wrong Atlanta team! Here is how it should have played out:

• Chan Gailey to the Dolphins.
• Bobby Petrino to Tech.
• Ken Whisenhunt to Louisville.
• Arthur Blank to Falcons. (He has been the de facto head coach since he bought the team.)

By supervick

January 7, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

good decision on the coach, he is a good offensive play caller that can bring offense to this team. and who is dan from lilburn who hasnt heard of petrino? shows how much you follow football, GO FALCONS VICK RULES

By Brian

January 7, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Much better than Mora, but why can’t we get a Saban-level coach?

Vick=CoachKiller, STOP HIM BEFORE HE KILLS AGAIN.

By rob

January 7, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

We blew it, again.

By rick

January 7, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Rico, you better hold on to them. This guy knows how to coach an offense. This is exactly what Vick or Schaub needs.

By diane

January 7, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

No! What happened with the gentleman from the Steelers? We need someone coming from the Pros.

By scott

January 7, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

By Anonymous

January 7, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

I love the hire of Petrino because I’m tired of all this conservative offensive crap. Petrino is a coach that likes to attack and keep on attacking. The guy was up on Pittsburgh by 20 points in the fourth and still went deep just to score again. Thats the kind of guy he his. He was kind of known as a guy who liked to run up the score. I want a guy who likes to attack down field. He also has a good running game so don’t think he will neglect that either. He also has a good track record with quarterbacks. He is good at developing them into accurate throwers. Brohm and even his backup are very accurate QBs. Even the guy before him Stefan Lefours was accurate. So I love it because I can guarantee you that the offense will be a lot more exciting.

By jean

January 7, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

People, before you get way too bent out of shape, google Petrino & see he DOES have pro experience, so that’s really not an issue. As for his leaving after signing a 10 yr contract this summer, they all do it & who in their right mind would turn down that big of a raise & the dream challenge of coaching in the big time?? No one would turn it down, so let’s cut him some slack!! I sincerely hope he opens up the quarterback position to some serious compeitition, if Vick’s so great, he shouldn’t be threatened at all & I think he’s way to complacent right about now. Go Shaubie!!!

By Louisville Alum

January 7, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I really thought that under Petrino the ‘Ville could make a run for the championship next year. This is one year too soon. Reconsider, Bobby!!!

By G-Man

January 7, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

WTF?????? A 5 year deal. For that kind of money you could pretty much have gotten any NFL coach in the market currently. I think this move was done in haste and go against a thorough candidate selection.

Well maybe he will have beginners luck like Mora did in his first session.

By BIRDDADDY

January 7, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

BEING ONE OF THE ORIGINAL FALCON FANS & HAVING WITNESSED 41 YEARS OF FALCON FOOTBALL,I WOULD’VE HOPED FOR MORE [DON’T CONFUSE THAT WITH MORA].TO BE A FALCON FAN YOU MUST FIRST BE A DREAMER & YOU HAVE TO DREAM THAT THIS IS A GOOD MOVE.WITH A SUPER HISTORY OF CRAPPY COACH HIRING,THIS MOVE IS RISKY FOR SURE.HE DOESN’T LOOK VERY NFL LIKE BUT LOOKS DON’T BLOCK & TACKLE EITHER.I WOULD’VE PREFERED A PROVEN NFL WINNER.COLLEGE COACHES BEING SUCCESSFUL ON SUNDAYS IS ACTUALLY A LONG SHOT AT BEST.A COLLEGE COACH WAS THE FALCON ORGANIZATION’S OBVIOUS POOL OF CHOICE BECAUSE OF THEIR QB PROBLEMS ,BLANK’S INSISTENCE ON HOLDING HANDS ON THE SIDELINE WITH HIS HEAD COACH & THE FALCONS INCREDIBLY LOW ALL TIME WINNING PERCENTAGE.CAN YOU STILL DREAM, MUST BE EVERY FALCON FAN’S REACTION!

By jean

January 7, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Let’s hire Singletary as defensive coordinator!!!!

By krisg

January 7, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Saban had two losing seasons, but didn’t exactly stink up the joint. My concern is more the wanderlust, if Petrino, like Saban, will just get bored and decide to jump ship.

If Saban had stayed, they would have turned it around.

By go falcons

January 7, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

i’m with rick. this is exciting! if you don’t know anything about bobby p don’t make a damn comment. spurrier and saban didn’t stick it out and see what could have happened so they don’t count. when bill sucked in cleveland he still got another chance in new england and look what he’s doing there. welcome bobby! let’s bring the city of atlanta some wins!!!

By fred b.

January 7, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Gotta admit after hearing that this process would be long and thorough, i am a little suprised by this hire. I guess only time will tell and to all you Vick haters, don’t know what the future holds for him but the chances of him being traded are slim to none. And to Carlos if you don’t want your season tickets sell them to me because i’m sure there are tens of thousands of us on the waiting list my man

By Here's Why No Pittsburgh OC

January 7, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

I’m thinking Wizzenhut is the lead man for the Steelers and that Rivera and others didn’t impress.

Rivera’s D got burned last year in the playoffs vs. Carolina at Soldier Field.

I welcome the change. For a franchise with NEVER having back to back winning seasons anything is worth a shot.

By The Truth

January 7, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Bad move, Mora wasn’t the prolem it was the players. Move vick to a slot/Running back, Insert Matt Schuab,dump all the receivers except crumpler and our fortunes will change. And by the way somebody with the money , please buy the team from blank, he doesn’t have a clue what to do with a nfl team. FIRE MCKAY!!!!!!!!!!1

By brenda

January 7, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Way togo blank you know nothing about NFL FOOTBALL!! u hire a coach from the big east. not wasting my $1400 on renewing season tickets! won’t be long only 30,000 will show up for home games(if that many)in two year he’ll be gone just like the past college coaches!

By TRACI

January 7, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

OMG…..another Loser for a head coach…who’s brilliant idea was this.

????

i WOULD HAVE SETTLED FOR DENNIS GREEN OR ART SHELL OR JIM COWER…WHY ARE WE DEALING WITH ….WANNABE’S ?

HELL, DAN REEVES WOULD BE GREAT - IF THIS IS WHO YOU WERE GONNA PICK.

DAMN,DAMN, DAMN……

By STEALTHMAN

January 7, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

What!!?? Who is he?? I thought BLank and Mckay were going to Chi-town this weekend. Somebody lied somewhere or it was reported wrong. How is he going to go from coaching College players to Pro players making millions and coach. How tough is this Guy?? The Falcons need a Major tune-up, this might not be good. What gets me is that the choice was so quick. It must have been planned. The contract given for 5 years at 24million for him???????

By Mr. T

January 7, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Petrino lies. In Aug 2006, after signing a 10-year contract at Louisville, he says, “I can’t tell you how happy I am with the commitment and the confidence that Tom Jurich has in me and the university has in me,” Petrino said after signing the contract. “I also wanted to make sure that everyone understood, I know I’ve said it, that this is where my family wants to be. This is where I want to be. I want everyone to really believe it.”

Way to go Mr. Bidwell, er, I mean, Blank. You’re a boob. I’d say the same of McKay but clearly he has no say.

By Eric

January 7, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

We will never get a good coach so long as Rich McKay is the general manager, he is to strong of a personality so he has to hire these mascot coaches. We should have keep Jim Mora if we were going to do this. Rich Mckay brings the players in and tells the mascot coach who to play week in and out, so there is nothing for him to do.

By Jurrell Howell

January 7, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

GREAT HIRE GREAT HIRE THIS GUY HAS BEEN N D NFL BEFORE HE HAS PUT UP GOOD NUMBERS BUT THIS HIRE WE FAIL IF HE DONT HAVE TO GREAT COODINATORS THAT WILL TELL US IF THIS IS A GOOD HIRE AND ALL YALL VICK BASHERS GO TO THE DEVIL YALL STUPID

By Dan

January 7, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

I still don’t know what I think about this hire, but Falcon fans are some of the dumbest people on the face of the earth.

By Jeff

January 7, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

As a Card fan I hate it. we were on the verge of something big in the ville. I guess we’ll have to see how that shakes out.

As a Falcons fan I like it. This guy has been number one on everyones list and we got ‘em. He may fall but it will be a fun offense guarenteed.

I wish him luck.

By dan the fan

January 7, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

I think its a real gamble,but hopefully he brings in some good coordinators and a plan for mike vick

By OB1

January 7, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

It will be interesting to see if Petrino want to bring his QB Brian Brohm. He could draft him in the first round. He knows the system.

By The Professor

January 7, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

From Petrino’s bio…

During his tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Petrino tutored Mark Brunnell to three of his best passing seasons in his illustrious career. Brunnell threw for 3,640 yards in 2000, which was the second-highest total in team history, and 3,309 yards in Petrino’s only term as the offensive coordinator with the Jaguars in 2001.

By gary

January 7, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Falcon fans - good luck with Coach Petrino for as long as you have him. He cannot be trusted to stay but you may not need that in NFL vs. NCAA. Less than year ago Louisville gives this guy BCS coach money for 10 years (unheard of) and this is long before he even wins a BCS bowl. Be glad for the one man but look at the 85-100 kids in Louisville that he has completely lied to. Enjoy his bland comments too…….which are probably right in line with the lying and deceit he weaves. Gary/Louisville

By Glass Half Full

January 7, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Folks, Whisenhunt is likely going to be the Pittsburgh coach since Cowher resigned. Rich history, rabid fans, great football city. Whisenhunt wasn’t coming to Atlanta anyway.

By Mike

January 7, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Another Nick Saban waiting to happen.

By CJ2