ajcsportstalk

By ToeKnee

January 12, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Exactly what we need in a GM, SOMEONE WHO KNOWS TALENT!!!

By ej

January 12, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

DUH……… Ahh……..

whoda……… whatda………

Huh??????????????? Tom who??????????

By bigslowme

January 12, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

I’m just glad it is over with.

By Joseph Allen McWhorter

January 12, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Perhaps this is a very strong move in what will be a very long process to turn the Falcon’s mess around. This man, I must admit, I don’t know much about him but then again he has worked with the New England Patriots which are indeed a top notch organization. And as I understand, this man will get to choose to next head coach which means that it should be someone who possesses outstanding credentials and someone who is a proven winner in the N.F.L. Maybe Marty Schottenheimer or someone of that caliber. Hiring this man as general manager will hopefully be a step in the right direction.

By Brian F.

January 12, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

Good for you Arthur !!! You got a REAL football guy afterall. I know absolutely nothing about this guy, but he certainly has been trained by the model franchise in this league. Oh, wait a minute, are we in the same league with New England.

By Royalty

January 12, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this

What has me shocked is he hires this guy based on a satellite interview, but wouldn’t even grant Terrance Mathis a face to face interview at all.**

Hopefully Tom will be a great addition to the organization.
Giving Mathis a shot would have done boasted support for the organization because fans no that he really cares about the team

By Jay

January 12, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

He should take the first week to watch film and evaluate our current roster and then start issuing pink slips…starting with Mr. Brooking!

By bmont

January 12, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

this guy has been a scout for the pats for 6 years. helped build one of the best teams ever. great hire. nuff said.

By Brien

January 12, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Now let’s hope he can help with finding a new coach and some hidden talent!!!

By Jared

January 12, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

it is the atlanta falcons. It has not mattered since 1966 and it will not matter now.

By Jared

January 12, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

it is the atlanta falcons. It has not mattered since 1966 and it will not matter now.

By viking

January 12, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Finally, a smart move. From what I read, Dimitroff was one of the best candidate available and a great evaluator of talent. The fact that he’s young is a plus. Maybe Blank and McKay weren’t as clueless as we thought in their simultaneous coach/GM search. Turns out they only interviewed coaches the guys they thought of hiring as GM wanted them to. It makes a certain degree of sense. What should he do first? Obviously, hire a coach. I think Jim Schwartz is the best guy available, but the Falcons need to hurry. Supposedly, the Redskins were really impressed and might hire him.

By A.M.

January 12, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Bottom line. It does not matter what the fan thinks. The only thing that matters with the Falcons is fielding a team that can win. Mr. D (the GM) needs to be able to do that, slow or fast it doesn’t matter, we just need a competent and viable team on the field that can win, compete and be solid in the NFL.

By Champ21

January 12, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

This is a great move, he is known for great draft picks and is from the PATRIOTS!

By Tony Cole

January 12, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21 FIRE # 21

By Charles

January 12, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Rid the team of those mostly no talent thugs and others, hire a coach w/NFL resume and then draft a QB and OL.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 12, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Don’t know anything about him, but the Patriots are pretty damn good at college scouting so I’d think he knows what he’s doing. This is what the Falcons need — a low profile, seemingly high intelligence GM who can accumulate talent here.

Now it’s time to put in that phone call to Marty Schottenheimer to be head coach.

By Falcon 4 life

January 12, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

THIS LOOKS LIKE A GOOD HIRE. I HAVE JUST ONE QUESTION? WHY DID MCKAY AND BLANK FLY ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY INTERVIEWING COACHES WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO LET THE NEW GM HIRE A COACH? DID THEY VIDEO TAPE THE INTERVIEWS? SEEMS LIKE THEY PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE. ALSO WHY IS MCKAY SO INVOLVED IF HE HAS NO SAY IN FOOTBALL OPERATIONS. HOPEFULLY BLANK WILL STAY IN THE BOOTH AND LET FOOTBALL PEOPLE RUN THIS TEAM.

By journalist james smith

January 12, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

let’s see if he shows up.

By Mike T.

January 12, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Hire Pete Carroll.

By Gene

January 12, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

I assume that #21 is Hall. I would include firing all of those who advocate freeing Mike Vick.

By JRich

January 12, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Great move! A young GM that knows talent evaluation. What he helped the Patriots do shoulde bode very well for the Falcons. Give it some time people, our talent level will be scary in a few years. Great hire Mr. Blank

By Brad in KY

January 12, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

Terrance Mathis? He wasn’t interviewed because he’s clearly not qualified for the job. Duh.

By Bob

January 12, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Has Mr. Dimitroff actually signed a contract yet? Just asking.

By MAhjk17

January 12, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

The patriots are more of a free agency team rather than a draft team they built there team from free agency. I would of rather got some one from the cowboys organization or the chargers because most of there players came from the draft rather than free agency so i personally dont think this was the right move.

By Bk Hawk

January 12, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Thank you LORD! Just who we need to get this team moving in right directions for a change.”“Great Hire” Now he will get a super Coach and great picks in draft. Trade the trash or cut the thugs ( White and Bk.)and put some class back on the field. Please trade Hall and Fire McKay. God Bless the USA.

By THESTREET

January 12, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Hire Assistant head coach Jim Caldwell(Colts)ASAP then I will feel comfortable renewing my season tickets:-) Great hire Mr. Blank:-)

By MAhjk17

January 12, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

I think the falcons should get Jim Caldwell from the COLTS and draft Matt Ryan with there third pick and let Jim Caldwell Develop him like how he developed Peyton Manning

By Ryder

January 12, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

I’ll believe it when I see the press conference. Besides, after the Patriots beat the Jaguars tonight Dimitroff will sober up and realize “Why the h*ll would I leave New England for this?” and quickly turn down the offer before church ends tomorrow morning.

By MICHAEL

January 12, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

DRAFT McFADDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ronny

January 12, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

Tom, to start with, you need to fire A Blank, then Mckay, then all the current player’s on the Falcon’s roster. Then You can start looking for a new coach.

By marie

January 12, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Well and good, maybe. If he can get Arthur to stay in the owners booth and out of Suwanee 100% of the time he has a chance.

By PatsGuy

January 12, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Mahjk17 do you know ANYTHING about the Patriots drafting players versus free agents.

Let’s see, here is a list of players the Pats have drafted.

Tom Brady (MVP) Matt Light (All-Pro) Richard Seymour Logan Mankins (All-Pro) Asante Samual (All-Pro) Tedy Bruschi Ty Warren (All-Pro) Vince Wilfork (All-Pro) Ben Watson Laurence Maroney Kevin Faluk

Need I go on…..

This is one of the top talent evaluators in the league. Good hire for Atlanta. Now go draft Matt Ryan.

By viking

January 12, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Najeh’s usually right, so I’m glad we agree. Hire Mathis as a GM? Does someone want to explain the term “qualification” to Royalty? Geez, why does race have to enter into everything?

By aarf

January 12, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Didn’t take long before the “thug” and get rid of Deangelo comments started flying. The Black guys on this team aren’t going anywhere. I’m sure more than a few of you closet bigots thought and continue to think Randy Moss is a thug. I can remember when there was talk of him coming here and the AJC staff and more than a few of you bigots that posted were dead set against it. So please lets cut the thug references. If you are going to say anything at least be a man and say Black players. Fact is Arthur Blank is trying to go with a “hot” choice. Since all things “great” are coming out of New England he probably would have hired the water boy for the Pats if they didn’t have a game tonight. Exactly how many of New England’s players did this guy actually have a hand in bringing to the team? Did he make the call or did someone else on their staff? Why did Blank interview the guy via satellite? You are going to put the keys to the franchise in this guy’s hands and he isn’t given a face to face? This is more of the continuing joke the Falcons have become.

By Bo

January 12, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Tom welcome to Atlanta. Now hire JASON GARRETT…that’sJason Garrett

Put D-a@@ Hall on the road.

By long time falcon

January 12, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

MAhik17, What the hell are you talking about the patriots are built from free agency? Guys drafted by patriots: Tom brady, lawrence maroney, asante samuel, richard seymour, vince wolfork, teddy bruschi, ben watson, mike vrabel, etc. Three offensive lineman who are going to the pro bowl this year drafted by the patriots: mankins, koppen, light. You’re like the guy on those sports commercial who’s talking out of his A$$! Saying that you are an uninformed fan would be an understatement.

I absolutely love this hire and this is exactly who I was hoping they would chose. Dimitroff has been the lead guy on college scouting for the patriots for the last five years. He reports directly to scott pioli and is a highly thought of personnel guy in the NFL. He is only 40 years old, so hopefully he will be here a long time. Some folks around here wanted heckert but he has been mediocre in his last five nfl drafts. Heckert had one great draft in 2002 and seem to go downhill from that point. I feel really relieved that we now have a great young talent scout in place. I wonder who he will go after for a head coach because the patriots really don’t have any assistants ready for the job? Any thoughts?

By samiam

January 12, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

I was surprised it has taken this long for someone to throw out the “Thug” word.

Do you people have any originality in your vocabulary. Just because someone doesn’t look like you doesn’t make him a thug.

He may be a bad apple or even a bad person, but do you really know what a true thug is? I would say no!

By Rod

January 12, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

Great the falcons hired the waterboy from the Patriots to be the GM. Great hire McKay!

By Cursed

January 12, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

Maybe this is a good move? Maybe not? I just can’t say anything until we see back to back winning seasons and some stability. Dan Reeves should still be the head coach….He had the team (and Mike Vick) going in the right direction….

Time will tell….

By Dude.I'm.a.falconsfan

January 12, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

It was a great hire, and I hope they get Jim Caldwell (Colts) as the head coach.

By dd

January 12, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

What should he do first?

PRAY!!!

By Cop

January 12, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

I’m white and a x cop. I know alot of thugs and they come in all colors. A thug is a rough, brutal hoodlum, gangster, robber, etc. So don’t put the Black to it( aarf.) GREAT JOB MR. BLANK. I THINK YOU DID A GREAT JOB HIRING TOM DIMITROFF.

By mars

January 12, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

aarf, when I began to read your comment I thought it was going to be hateful with racist overtones. I was wrong. Your oomment was well thought out and quite poignant. Good Job.

Oh, by the way, Tom! Singletary is awaiting your call. I’ve already taken the liberty of hiring him, now you let him know when to start.

By dd

January 12, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

According to Webster’s dictionary,

thug is defined as ” a brutal

hoodlum, gangster, etc “

By Billy

January 12, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

The Patriots are coming, the Patriots are coming!!!!!!!!!!!

By Boots

January 12, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

So, what should Dimitroff do first? Get a prescription for some Prozac from your doctor. This zoo will drive you over the edge if you’re not careful.

By long time falcon

January 12, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

Can someone please explain to me why Jim Caldwell would be a good hire? He went 24-54 in his only head coaching stint at wake worest. The guy who followed him at WF turned the program into a consistent winner. And please don’t try and tell me that Peyton Manning’s success is the result of Jim Caldwell. I’m sure he is a fine position coach but I think the falcons can do much better. I just don’t believe in hiring a guy who is not even a coordinator. And I’m pretty sure that he and dimitroff have no background together. Usually GM’s go after coaches that they have worked with before and share similar philosophies.

By Jay Black

January 12, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

If that’s the real definition of a thug, Deangelo Hall is far from a thug. What thug is gonna let TO spit in his face without being charged with aggrevated assault afterwards?!

By Boots

January 12, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

These guys are probably not thugs. They’re not tough enough.

* They’re gangsta wantabees of the hip hop persuasion.*

By tiredoftheredneckthugs

January 12, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

This is a GREAT hire! This guy has been an important part of building the model NFL franchise. Compare his draft picks with McKay’s: I think everyone will have to agree that Dimitroff is a huge upgrade. I am glad we didn’t go with some of the other reported GM candidates (Heckert.)

To McKay’s credit, DHall and RWhite were steals. Jenkins, Ojinnaka and JWilliams and many others have been or are most likely destined to be busts.

Being supportive of a teammate (even a teammate who has made some really bad decisions) does not make one a thug.

Again, GREAT hire. I am more confident about the coach hire now that Dimitroff is on board. I really didn’t want Blank and McKay making that call on their own.

By Cap

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

I love the hire Marty Schottenheimer card. How many times did Dan Reeves beat him in conference championships? How many Super Bowls has Reeves been to vs. Schottenheimer? Wasn’t Dan Reeves able to go up to Green Bay with Michael Vick in the snow and give them their first ever home-loss in the playoffs? Now look at what Green Bay is doing tonight. Where are the Falcons tonight? And before you go into some Anti-Vick rant go to profootballreference.com and see how his career percentages are basically identical to Elway’s (Elway passed for more yards and Vick made up for it in rushing yards). Before you go get some re-tread coach you might as well hire Reeves back.

By Weberuno

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

He has been with the best organization in football for the past six years. I think Arthur might be heading in the right direction. What the heck his initials are TD.

By Gray Dawg

January 12, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

FIRE #21!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By dave

January 12, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Good move. The front office needed an anchor and this guy will be a good one.

We’ll make the playoffs in four years.

dave

By Ticket Holder

January 12, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this

Just tell the new coach, who ever you hire to tell Arthur TO STAY OFF THE FIELD.

By bill

January 12, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry about the mule just load the wagon.

By tiredoftheredneckthugs

January 12, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Can you believe the Packers’ running game today?

By Orlando

January 12, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

aarf, you’re an idiot.

Ok, now on to more serious matters: I like this hire, that is if he decides to stay. He obviously had something to do with getting the talent and Pioli has to sign them. So I assume he would have had some hand in bringing together the Patriots of today.

Should he employ a similar philosophy, if he decides to stay, I don’t think we’ll be seeing a Jason Garrett or some offensive mind. He will go after a defensive-mind coach. Singletary, Schwartz, or whomever out there is the kind of guy who will build a TEAM.

I don’t think that it’s fair to label guys like DHall a “thug” just because he supports Vick. He is a rare commodity in this league, and that’s a cover corner. With the right LEADER in place (something the Falcons haven’t had since Dan Reeves) this team and players like him will respond.

In all, great hire by Blank. That is, if he decides to stay around.

By mike

January 12, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

The new GM should enjoy the Super Bowl ring he’s about to get from New England because it will be the last one he ever sees.

By JM

January 12, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

This is a great day for the Falcons. Finally, at long last, we didn’t get caught up in the glitz and glamour of certain a candidate and just hired a solid football man from a winning background. Dimitroff is eminently qualified for this job, and I feel very confident knowing that he’ll be selecting the new head coach.

I’ve been hard on Blank lately, but kudos to him for a great hire.

By stown

January 12, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

ronny you cant fire a blank hes the owner, the only way he goes is if he sells the team.

By big pap

January 12, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Nice find, now we start the rebuilding process but first we have 2 tear some things down starting with some of these contracts KEITH BROOKING must go, we respect what he has done 4 the organization but either he redo his contract or trade him the same with the nicest man in football mr.Dunn,thats what i think, he’s done.Draft Mc Fadden with the first pick, draft a quarterback with the second round pick even though i think shockly could be the man, he looked as though he could be a good back with playing time.GET RID OF D. HALL !! Trade him,cut him ,I dont give a f******* he’s got 2 go.Trade him 4 a couple draft picks were rebuilding anyway.the rest of the picks should go 2 a place kicker and the o line and a couple of d tackles. We already have 9 draft picks this year and if u trade d hall we will have even more.

By Dawgbyte

January 12, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

You can’t watch GB play without first cussin’ that dumb sob G. Glanville for letting Favre go, AND realizing how much the Falcons need a good evaluator of talent. Look at the production GB is getting out of their rookies and FA. I think(and hope)we got the best available.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 12, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

Cap, that’s all nice, and I completely agree about Vick, but last I checked the Falcons are not in a position to lose in the playoffs right now. The Falcons are 3-13. They are nowhere near the playoffs.

Schottenheimer is a world-class playoff choker. But what does he do well? He takes terrible teams and makes them respectable. That is exactly what the Falcons need right now.

Would Dan Reeves be able to do that too? Sure, probably, but not before he gets Dimitroff to trade the next Jamal Lewis for the next Reggie Kelly.

By beki

January 12, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

I may not know anything about this fella but, thank God, he’s not MCKay. He’s the one who’s a total bust. All I ask for is for a NFL-experienced coach and a lot of OLs to protect whoever is or will become our quarterback.

By robert

January 12, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

With out Vick the falcons wont be competitive for a long long time know matters whose the commander in chief. It quite clear that players support him and the NFL has a gage order on. Thats way the players were fined for being bold enough to make that clear. Loyalty cant be bought or traded.* GET VICK back!!!!* If you want to put the best team on the field. Lets move forward hey racist liberal press will you crucify CLEMENS?

By Grampus

January 12, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Find a buyer for the Falcons - immediately. Then hire a new head coach.

By Joe

January 12, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this

Rod, you are a Moron. The Waterboy from the Patriots? Do you have ANY idea how an NFL team is run? For this guy to get and keep his job in an orgainzation like the New England Patriots is testament enough to his skills. Last time I checked, they are pretty good. They make GREAT draft decisions. Don’t look for him to draft McFadden though. I am willing to bet that Jake Long from Michigan will be an Atlanta Falcon soon.

By arrf

January 12, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Dimitroff may indeed turn out to be a good hire I just don’t think the champagne corks should be popped just yet. Just because he comes from the Pats doesn’t mean he has instant credibility. The real brains up there are Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick. It’ll be at least 3 years before we know. There are a lot of holes on our team starting with our offensive and defensive lines.

By billy g

January 12, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this

This is the best move Arthur Blank has made as an owner. Congrats to Arthur. Let me be the first to welcome all the new fans that will jump aboard this train when the winning begins. All aboard!

By NASCARfan

January 12, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

FIRE RICH MCKAY!!!

That’s the first thing he should be allowed to do.

By Boots

January 12, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

robert, robert, poor ignorant robert.

Try to get this through your thick skull: Michael Vick will never dress out as a Falcon again, ever, no matter what you may want, crave hope or covet. He’s toast!

By Gus

January 12, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

Push Rich McKay over the railing, then hire a decent coach and rebuild from the ground up.

Second step would be to build Arthur Blank a cage in the owner’s box that could not be opened until 45 minutes after each game.

By March Hare

January 12, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

The Falcons have what is probably the worst fan base of any NFL team, except for, maybe, Tampa Bay or San Fran. All the race baiting and flaming does reflect back on Atlanta.

As for the hire… wait and see. Maybe, maybe not. …

By Jack G

January 12, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this

First thing to do——tell Blank to stay out of the way.

Second thing is to hire a coach.

Good luck Mr. D.

By la

January 12, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

The Falcons beat Green Bay with Michael Vick. The Seatle Seahawks can not beat Green Bay with Jim Mora’s defense. They have given up so many yards with Jim Mora as the defensive coach and Patrick Kerney as the defensive back. Please do not be blind by your racist ignorance when comes to Michael Vick. I give Brett Favre credit for being a good quarterback but Michael Vick beat him in the playoffs in Green Bay.

By charles harris

January 12, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Congrats Mr. Blank!! Mr. D-please get us a credible offensive line.

By FalconsFan1212

January 12, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Deangelo Hall is one of the best corners in the league…why would u want to get rid of him. Is it because he supports Mike Vick, ur gonna get rid of a player that is f*** quick and talented because he is a good person to support his friend….ur all stupid if u think that getting rid of 21 is a good idea

Draft Matt Ryan at three and then draft two OT’s in the second round to protect his a*

As for a coach i have faith in dimitroff because he cam from the pats and knows what it takes to have a good coach since he’s been working with the best one for 5 years

By Mark

January 12, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

This has to be a big positive for the Falcons. Even a waterboy from this first class organization would be a plus. The man will no doubt find a tallented coach to rebuild this team

By RainMan

January 12, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Arthur Blank should’ve hired Terrence Mathis as GM. DeAngelo Hall should be the next head coach. Yeah, that’s the ticket. Both are equally qualified for those respective positions.

By Dawgcrzy

January 12, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

I think Artie was playing with the media with his GM/Head coach search.He must have known all along who he was going to hire,he did’nt need a face to face meeting.

By BC$ Slave

January 12, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Who are the offensive and defensive coordinators of the Patriots? Are they head coaching possibilities? And does anyone know who the new GM has worked with before that might give us a clue as to who he’s thinking of for head coach?

By Geraldo

January 12, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Thank sweet Jeebus they didn’t hire some affirmative action dimwit. Now, if they would move the team out of the ghetto…..

By U.S. NECKVILLE REDNECKS

January 12, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

I hope he is a football man. if so he will not listen to the rednecks or the hommie and just use the best players. That said A lot of people will be pis$ off because their views will be toss out Why? we know how to lose now it time to win that why!

By Toccoabird

January 12, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

One question. Does he know how to hand out pink slips?

By Yolanda cuh!!!

January 12, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

ay cuh this rich mckay dude be trippin mane yall need tuh get up outta my face cuh fo real!!!!! YUH!!!!

By JP

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

Since he was interviewed by satellite do they even know if he was wearing pants???

By homo

January 12, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

hello i am finally coming out of the closet, everyone i am gay. I am a football fan and if anyone wants to cheer with me then just let me know!!!!
<3 U!!!!!

By Dawgcrzy

January 12, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

I’m white as rice so there is no race card being played here.Vick may be a thug,I don’t know but anybody not in the spotlight before Vick could have gotten out of federal prison on dog fighting charges.They do it every weekend in Alabama along with chicken fighting.Yes it was dumb and I personally don’t like dog fighting,but do you think Vick invented it?

By Dawgcrzy

January 12, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

Think he knows how to steal signals?

By mrdonut

January 12, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Most important, cut, drop, lose, make go away, forget about, every Falcon player that has been on the team more than two years. Second, hire a no-nonsense coach, maybe Billick or Schottenheimer, someone hard-nosed. Third, when you start to rebuild the team, make sure you rebuild with quality players, be sure of their character.

By UGA-y

January 12, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Geraldo the world is a ghetto and this is Georgia clown!

By Brandon

January 12, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

I think it is a wise move. The plan we had was obviously not working with Mckay at the helm. Now if Blank allows this guy to hire the coach he wants and can work with the only direction the franchise can go is up.

By TRS

January 12, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

(1)Fire Rich Mckay. (2) Hire a coach that’s got NFL experience. (3) Clean up the organization (4) Do the best with what’s left over

By MV#7

January 12, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Get me some lineman and a good running back. Then get another good defense line man with a new middle line backer. We have not had a all pro on our offense line in ten years ,allour lineman were 5th 6th and 7th rounders. we need killer offense line then we will win. Get talant not saint!

By MV#7

January 12, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

maybe we have the management the falcons have need for over 40+ years time will tell!

By Bama

January 12, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this

Great job Mr. Blank. Now all the fans need to get it together and support your team. Its time to roll.

By JM

January 12, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

On Schottenheimer, he’s not a choker. Earnest Byner, Lin Elliot, Nate Kaeding and Marlon McCree are the ones who choked, not Schottenheimer. You can argue that Schottenheimer’s teams shouldn’t have been in the position to lose those games, but if the aforementioned players make the plays they’re supposed to make Marty’s a hero.

I would kill to see Martyball in Atlanta. Don’t think it will happen, though.

By Matt the Brave

January 12, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this

Ok folks. I can’t believe that you’d even give Terrance Mathis the time of day as a GM. No experience! AT ALL! Yeah, he played the game of football. Big deal. Kids who are 12 play the game of football. Does that mean that they are qualified to decide who is the kind of talented player for the NFL or not? No! I liked T.M. when he was a player, and he could very well end up being one helluva GM one day, but he needs to sign on working somewhere in Administration in the NFL before he tackles a job like GM.

I sincerely hope that he can sucker a team into giving up draft picks for Vick when he gets out of jail. He’s going to be SO done when he’s finally out. But someone is going to be suckered into giving us two or three draft picks for him, I swear.

Also, keep in mind that the Falcons really need to hire a FOOTBALL type coach as well. No more Norm Van Brocklin/Bobby Petrino type of coaches who bee-yotch and moan about everything. We’re good at hiring those people unfortunately.

By MAhjk17

January 12, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

YO PATGUY TOM DIMITRUFF HAS ONLY BEEN IN NEW ENGLAND FOR 5 YEARS HE WASNT THERE WHEN THEY GOT DRAFTED

By Wink from Lithonia

January 12, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

I will reserve comment until the ink is dry on the contract. This is the Falcons management after all.

By Geraldo

January 12, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

UGA-y, the world may be a ghetto, but I don’t want to live in yours, and I sure as hell don’t want you living in mine.

By Wise Man

January 12, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

maybe he will bring us an outdoor stadium like the Pats.On second thought,nothing like tailgating at the dome and possibly getting robbed at the same time.

By MAhjk17

January 13, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

PLUS MIKE VRABEL WASNT DRAFTD BY THE PATRIOTS HE WAS DRAfTD BY PITTSBURGH PATGUY YOU IDIOT

By Luthur P

January 13, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Did Blank even consider a minority candidate for GM? He needs to get off his white horse and look at black candidates for GM and coach—-Dennis Green is available and would be better than this scout from New England. I’m thinking blank is a racist and will not hire or promote blacks. He already ran off Mike Vick, who will not want to come back and play for the falcons!

By THE FOOTBALL GODS

January 13, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this

*GUYS! GUYS! WAIT LETS SEE WHAT HE DOES FOR THIS FRANCHISE FIRST WE DONT WANT TO JUMP THE GUN LIKE WE DID WITH PETRINO WHY WANT THEY SAY EXACTLY WHO HE HELP DRAFT ONE THING WE HAVE LEARN OR SHOULD HAVE LEARNED IS THE PATRIOTS DONT LET GO PEOPLE THAT ARE GREAT CALIBER PEOPLE IF HE WAS THAT INVOLVED WITH N.E. DYNASTY THEN WHY WILL THEY EASILY LET HIM GO OR TALK TO ANOTHER TEAM WHILE THEY ARE IN THE BEST SEASON OF THERE CAREER AND PLAYOFF SO DONT PUT ALL OF OUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET LETS WAIT AND SEE WHICH COACH CHOOSE TO COME UNDER THIS GM BLANK WILL FIND SOME WAY TO MESS THINGS UP REMEMBER THAT RICH MCKAY HAS A SUPER BOWL RING AND HE WANTED TO HIRE LOVIE SMITH AS HEAD COACH AND BLANK CHOSE NO COACHING SKILLS JIM MORA JR. * TEXT TO BE LINKED

By DAWG NATION RISE UP

January 13, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this

ok now let’s hire jim caldwell of the colts and and we’ll be celebrating in 2010 withh a real winning team!!!!! DAWGS NATIONAL CHAPIONS 2008-09 FALCONS SUPER BOWL CHAPIONS 2010 WOOF WOOF

By Gen

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

Since 2002, the Patriots have drafted the following significant players:

Vince Wilfork* Logan Mankins* Asante Samuel* Dan Koppen* Laurence Maroney Benjamin Watson Ty Warren Deion Branch Eugene Wilson Stephen Gostkowski David Givens Daniel Graham Nick Kaczur Jarvis Green Matt Cassel Tully Banta-Cain Dan Klecko

In his six years with the Patriots since he joined them in 2002, the Patriots have acquired four Pro Bowlers, another nine important starters (not all of whom have stayed with the team), two really good backups, and a couple decent bit players via the draft. Considering they haven’t generally been picking that high, that’s a really impressive list of players.

By DAWG NATION RISE UP

January 13, 2008 2:31 AM | Link to this

MR.GM PLEASE GIT RID OF #21 AND BRING IN THE JAG’S #2 QB QUINN GRAY TO PLAY UNTIL RYAN (OUR DRAFT CHOICE CAN GET READY) THIS CAN BE DONE VIA TRADE.

By Drexel Gal

January 13, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this

When are you crackers going to realize that the moose-faced mogul does not have the sports savvy to run a franchise? As long as he is dealing with nebbishy accountants with nasal whines (no, I don’t mean Clark Howard), he is in his element. But when he faces adult males who have wills of their own, he is overmatched.

Go back to your orange apron.

By STEALTH MAN

January 13, 2008 3:29 AM | Link to this

IS HE GOING TO BE CHEATING LIKE BILL BELACHEAT?

By brenda

January 13, 2008 4:04 AM | Link to this

aAnother bust By Blank and his crew of monkies.Georgia Dome will be empty and no games on tv in 08! This bunch is on life support!

By jesse

January 13, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this

Art Blank is getting just waht he deserves for throwing M. V. (P) under the bus. It was an awful shame to have incarcerated M. V. (P) when there were so many other options for such a talented player. Shame, Shame, Shame!

By kevin

January 13, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this

Thug? maybe not! But what Deangelo hall and the rest of the players who decided to defend vick are is selfish ungrateful fools who only care about them self and there boys!

Do not get me wrong I like Vick, but he did a lot of damaged to the team and its fans! I for one can not defend anyone who could do this to a team and its fans? How can #21 or any of the other players do so. Its not about race its about right and wrong. grow up act like a man, do the right thing and no one will call you a thug!

By Average Joe

January 13, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

Dear Jesse,

If, indeed,Mr. Blank threw Mr. Vick under the bus then it can be considered payback for Mr. Vick throwing Mr. Mora Jr under the bus after Mr. Mora Jr defended his star QB, who admitted quitting against the Carolina Panthers two years ago —- thus throwing his whole team “under the bus”.

By Mark "Superfan" Tucker

January 13, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

jesse, are you on drugs?

By Dawgs

January 13, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Royalty,

What has Mathis done to even deserve a shot at GM? Nothing. He was a quality guy for us when he played. Seriously though are we to hand him the team just because he caught a few balls?

Mathis does not deserve an interview for this level of job. Now if he wants to be a part of the organization and work his way up to being a gm candidate somewhere then by all means give him a scouts position and let him learn.

I don’t know anything about this new guy but I do know he was with the Pats in a position to know how to evaluate talent. Can he manage a cap? That is my question now.

By DaBoss

January 13, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

I believe this a terrific hire. Dimitroff will lend respectibility to this organization and also build a world class personnel staff. I don’t know who he will hire as a head coach, but I know this: DRAFT MATT RYAN! McFadden is great, but there are a plethora of equally talented running backs available in this year’s draft and they will be able to get a quality RB in the second round, or by moving up in the late first round. Matt Ryan is the best of breed in a very thin QB class this year, whereas RB is loaded with options. We must have a great QB first, then RB, then OL in the middle rounds, including potential trades for players or draft picks. I’m looking forward to the next several weeks and have a renewed hope for a team I’ve been a loyal fan of since 1971. GREAT HIRE ARTHUR BLANK!

By newteamgear.com

January 13, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

hey Arthur why does everyone get their first chance with you? ever thought about hiring the sure thing rather than people getting their feet wet for the first time.

By newteamgear.com

January 13, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

you folks are hilarious. Corey dillon, randy, moss, wes welker, jabbar, gaffney, washington, junior seau,vrabel, addelius thomas, kyle brady, rodney harrison, roosevelt colvin, were not drafted by the pats. the pats success has a lot to do with Tom Brady. very few Qbs can run that offense.

By Stan

January 13, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Until Arthur stays away, we will go nowhere. He needs to stay off the field during games and off the practice field. Unless that happens, it will make no difference who he hires, we will not get better. He is part of the problem.

By Gumbo

January 13, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

THank you, Pete Carroll, for saving Arthur from himself…..

By vesaversa

January 13, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

at last a strong football guy is with the falcons organization . nice move blank no circus monkeys this time i’m thinking it was a good hire on blank part

By Tom Robinson

January 13, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

first action this new GM needs to take is the outright release or trade of the players who comprised Vick’s posse. This needs to be done to rid the team of malcontents and the stench of Vick

Deangelo hall should be the first to go

By ra

January 13, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this

He may be great at evaluating talent but I hope he is just as good at hiring the new coach. Remember, we need the personnel here to make the talent functional and productive. In theory, from my limited understanding, it seems like a great hire.

By Cardinal Wolsey

January 13, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

MAhjk17, makes sense. this guy has not drafted anyone. I have reconsidered after reading MAhjk17 posts. This is a bad choice. What about Mike Singletary as coach?

By UnwaveringFan

January 13, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

First of all give this man a chance. We can’t do no worse than what we have. To Kevin & the rest of you, Vick did this to himself, not the team. He made some poor choices but he still deserves a second chance. You can’t blame everything on him. These are paid professionals. They didn’t get the job done. Most people take adversity & turn it into something positive. That’s not what the other players did. Also, there is nothing wrong with showing support for a friend. No one is condoning what Vick did, but as stated before he still deserves a second chance. So many of you are hypocrites. I”m sure you have done some things in your life you are not proud of but yet you continue to judge. Stop calling people “thugs”. People do stupid things, make bad decisions, & say things they shouldn’t but we all have. That doesn’t make you a thug. Mr. Blank some of us still believe. I will continue to be a loyal fan-win or lose, not a bandwagon fan. Some of you, get a grip and move on. There are more pressing issues in this world than dogfighting (ex. child abuse/molestation, murders etc) that we need to be concerned about. GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!

By chuck e

January 13, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Sounds like a good hire. Wonder if he can convince Arthur to stay in the owner’s box and off the sidelines and let the coaches do their jobs.

By GREGGP

January 13, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Art Blank being on the field has nothing 2 do with winning,look at Dallas. If you own something, you do what you want. The right Gm , coach and scheme are whats up!

By GREGGP

January 13, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I also hope Vick will want 2 come back and the powers that be will have him,then all the Vick haters and other racists can move back to the hills.ha ha ha

By THESTREET

January 13, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

A malignant tumor is a growth of tissue that forms an abnormal mass. Malignant tumors generally provide no useful function and grow at the expense of healthy tissues.Let’s remove this tumor(#21)then rebuild this team with the remaining healthy tissue.

By aaaetc

January 13, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Good start. Now hire Garrett, Caldwell, or Singletary, and we’ll be heading in the right direction.

By BulldawgMike

January 13, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

All the malcontents on this team should be shown the door now! Having them gone will help to attract better coaching. I am willing to go with a whole new team myself. How could it get any worse?

By Manny

January 13, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Jim Caldwell isn’t leaving the Colts until the Colts hear if Tony Dungy is coming back or not.

If Tony’s back, the Falcons may have a shot. If Tony’s leaving, Jom Caldwell is the new head coach of the Colts.

By Dawgbyte

January 13, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

Just remember that when Belichick was hired to be NE’s coach the only thing he had going for him was that he had worked for Parcels. He had been a flop as Ceveland’s coach. This guy knows football and football players and he will hire a coach from the pro ranks. He will turn the Falcons around.

By falcon21

January 13, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Good choice if we keep DH ,if not,bad choice.

By Jamal

January 13, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Tom Dimitroff have drafted a lot of player and now they are all Pats starters since 2002 he drafted In the early rounds, you have names like Ben Watson, Vince Wilfork, and Richard Seymour. In the later rounds, you feast upon such luminaries as Asante Samuel, Nick Kaczur and and Stephen Gostkowski. So I don’t know what some of y’all people are talking about.

By CAM

January 13, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

I am pleased with the hire I belive that just about anyone associated with teh Pats has a good idea how to run an NFL franchise. The fact that he was the director of college scouting, should mean that he knows how to evaluate talent which is what we have been lacking here for years.

If he is any good he wont waist our top pick on a quaterback when we have a horrible line. Below is just some thing to think about a list of all the first round QB’s draftet since 1997.

Jamarcus Russell #1 Brady Quinn #22 Vince Young #3 Matt Lienart #10 Jay Cutler #11 Alex Smith #1 Aaron Rodgers #24 Jason Campbell #25 Eli Manning #1 Philip Rivers #4 Carson Palmer #1 Byron Lefwich #7 Kyle Boller #19 Rex Grossman #22 David Carr #1 Joey Harrington #3 Patrick Ramsey #32 Mike Vick #1 Chad Pennington #18 Tim Couch #1 Donovan McNabb #2 Akili Smith #3 Daunte Culpepper #11 Cade McNown #12 Peyton Manning #1 Ryan Leaf #2 Jim Druckenmiller #26

There are only 3 Pro Bowl quaterbacks Manning, Palmer, and McNabb. The others are total mistakes that the franchise they wish they could try again or haven’t been in the league long enough to be sure either way so they are maybes.

Draft the best available player then wory about needs 1st rounders should be ready to contribute right away.

By Eric

January 13, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

LOVE IT!!! great move FINALLY! this guy is going to be the theo epstein of football.

now hire jason garrett!

By Greg

January 13, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Hall is a bad player, and Petrino certainly made him look like Warren Dunn in comparison. But “cover corners” are increasingly rare because of the new coverage rules.

If you could trade Hall and Jenkins for NE’s first round pick (#7 or 8 overall) so that they can compensate for Samuel and Stallworth leaving, then maybe you can get McFadden AND a QB like Woodson.

This team needs to trade veterans for draft picks - not because the vets are all bums (NO ONE could have won given what the Falcons went through this year) - but because the team needs to get younger, so it can compete in 2009 or 2010.

By CAM

January 13, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Hire a coach with a defensive background majority of the playoff teams have defensive minded coaches that make plays that allow the offense a chance to win the game. We have a pretty good defense with the right coach and a few changes in the line up they could be even better and give the falcons a chance to win every week.

By Awesome

January 13, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone on the Patriots nuts. If the Falcons used cameras on the sidelines to steal signs we’d be winners too. It’s amazing how the NFL burned all the evidence from the past years that they’ve been cheating. I’m not inpressed by this higher at all. The Patriots are a “Free Agent Team”. They don’t build through the draft. Period. Hire Singletary and get rid of Brookings sorry butt. Keep Hall, we need more guys on this team with fire in them. It’s amazing how alot of you Judas’s were amped when Hall smashed one of the Eagles helmets to the ground before a Monday night game, but now he’s a thug.

By Common Sense

January 13, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

“What has me shocked is he hires this guy based on a satellite interview, but wouldn’t even grant Terrance Mathis a face to face interview at all.**”

HAHAHAHAHAHAH

gasps for air

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

By falcon21

January 13, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

T.Mathis, M.Singletary,get serious!

By gary

January 13, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

We could get a pretty good draft pick for d hall. and everybody stop pressing the post button 8 times, it says there is a delay. no one wants to see ur ignorant posts more than once…

By ga dog

January 13, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

he can start by getting rid of all the guys who have to masterbate after they make a play and get team players

By powerhouse neckville rednecks

January 13, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Falcon 21 redneck and common sense of a redneck these guy are saying we have no use for a black man in management. And some of you say we don’t have a race problem. Blank you want to make money do the right thing . Your season ticket holder deman you do what is best for the team and city.

Most of these red necks just talk $hit with hate and don’t buy Ticket. The season ticket holders and you blank know what the deal is! you made the right pick for GM and now come the coach blank!

By Steve

January 13, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I have not read the whole blog but where are the thug complainers? The worst rule I have ever heard is the “you must interview at least one minority coach.” How stupid! It is pretty simple thugs, there are more white people in this country, therefore, there will be more white coaches, CEO’s, presidents, etc. I don’t see black jobs like the NAACP,SCLC, BET TV, etc hiring white people. Remember who is in change of this country, whites! All you thugs are good for are being athletes and shooting each other.

By Dawgcrzy

January 13, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

I’m 40 years old and I’m a man!

By Joe

January 13, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

All of you MV, DH, lovers better get ready to see the ME, ME, ME attitude of this team turn into the WE, WE, WE. It will be pure magic when D’Angelo Hall gets traded to another team. Hopefully a terrible one. He’s going to hold out this year you know. Typical though. No honor of commitments.

By gg

January 13, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

obviously time will only tell if this is a good pick for GM. But please, do not sign a first round qb. It seems like that for the most part high first round quarterbacks are usually head cases.

By KrisG

January 13, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

I hate all this assumed racism responding to posts with no implied racism. It always escalates to geniuses like Steve there.

So what, Terrance Mathis wants to get in the front office. So what? if he wants to work his way up, Blank needs to get him started. Talk about a loyal Falcon, he deserves that much.

And Jesse, yeah… Vick threw people under the bus like some people pop candy… this comes from a guy who defended Vick on a lot of issues, and hopes he gets his head together and makes a comeback. His contempt for his own personal responsibility is why he’s in jail with a stiffer than expected sentence.

And I am GLAD for once we have made a hire that wasn’t about marketing or making a splash. Now, if we can hire a decent hard working coach, and this time, give him a chance to improve instead of firing him over Blanks ego, maybe we can win some games. You know, a few years from now.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 13, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

At this point, the minority hiring rule may be out of date in the NFL, now that black coaches have established themselves as being successful in the league. Lovie Smith, Tony Dungy, Mike Tomlin, etc. have established that black coaches are fully capable of winning.

But for the NCAA, the minority hiring rule if anything should be made stronger.

CAM, apparently you forgot that Michael Vick is a 3-time Pro Bowler.

By falcon21

January 13, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this

all i am saying is t mathis has never been a gm and m singletary has never been a hc.the shape the falcons are in now,they need experence.tom d. knows how to find talent.we need a coach that knows how to use it.black or white.

By Tim

January 13, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Mr. Dimitroff, just a recommendation, ask the Patriots if they will allow a six week leave of absence. You are use to dealing with players with class. This is your worst nightmare.

By War Eagle

January 13, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

I have never heard of a 40 year old NFL GM.Of course this could be an exception. I hope Falcons get going in the right direction. My interest died when Dan Reeves departed.

By ViperIce

January 13, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

Blank wanted to hire someobody he can control - his mo. His a micromanager/control freak type. Anyone w/lots of success and experience was not an option b/c there wouldn’t be enough room for both egos……He hired someone he could control and that McKay could still be the boss of - though not a talent evaluator…….The Falcons should go full bore for Jim Caldwell….if he’s not interested, then they might get another young, unproven coach (bad move - this hasn’t worked so far…)…..I like Singletary a lot, but he’s in the young, unproven mold….They’ve had the worst year in history and they need a mature, experienced person who is stable to see them through improvement.

By David

January 13, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Michael Vick made several bad decisions that would have hurt most other players far before they did hurt him, given his superstar status.

I don’t dislike Vick at all. But his treatment of dogs won’t exactly endear him to the NFL now or in the future. Geez, let it go. Sometimes it’s about perception.

By deester11

January 13, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Vick wasn’t the only reason for this teams downfall. Look down the halls of Flowery Branch and find McKay, Blank…Pestinko, et.al. Killing dogs is terrible, but at least two murderers are playing football and they killed HUMANS. Get over the Vick stuff. His mistakes are costing him.

By morris

January 13, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

I have read some things that really concern me about this hire. First, Dimitroff will report directly to rich mckay! Thats right, Mckay is dimitroff’s boss. That little nugget has some league insiders thinking that this whole GM search process was a sham. Some NFL personnel believe that Mckay was directing this search and pushed Blank into hiring a guy that he could control.

FALCONS SCREWED THE POOCH, AGAIN?

We’re picking up some reactions to the decision of the Falcons to hire Pats director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff, who’ll be the new G.M. in Atlanta.

The consensus thus far is that deposed G.M. Rich McKay got his way, bringing in a guy whom McKay thinks he will be able to control.

“McKay has to be ecstatic,” one league source opined. “He got someone he can manipulate. [Eagles G.M. Tom] Heckert would have been more combative. Dimitroff is like a yellow lab. His tail always wags. Heckert has some bite. McKay is dancing right now.”

By NCR

January 13, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Is this guy out of college yet?

By KrisG

January 13, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Tim:

The Patriots? Class? Cheatin’ Belichick, Moonin’ Moss, Baby Daddy Brady… Used to have Corey Dillon the original cancer. Florida receivers everywhere. Corners well-known for changing the rules on pass interference because they were so out of hand.

You know why you think they’re classy? because they’re winning.

Or maybe, if you were a Patriots fan, you would be too concerned with the players personal and political affiliations, like most Falcon fans.

By Pete

January 13, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Anybody…………anything……..is light years better than what this dismal franchise had. I like fresh, young, new blood. He will bring in a winning coach and people that can actually block at the line of scrimage………….a FIRST in 43 years !!!!!!

By Dane

January 13, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Good hire A. Blank!!!! Now hire Mike Singletary, Tom!!!!!

By Baby cakes

January 13, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

What about Bartkowski? Can’t he coach as well as anybody Blank is pickin’? I’m sure he’d like 24 million dollars. Right, Bart?

By Clayton

January 13, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Great hire, the former talent evaluator who has drafted so many all pros on that team and also knows who fits his coaches schemes.

I believe judging my the attitude of most of the players that a coach like Marty S would be a good hire and could hopefully change D-Halls attitude so we wouldn’t have to trade our best defensive player.

Maybe look at trading our extra 2nd round pick for someone like Billy Volek who wants to be a starter, and the way he played today may deserve it.

Do that then draft DMAC if we get the 3rd pick.

By Jean

January 13, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

Falcons office - please find a more flattering picture to post for your new GM! He doesn’t look like an astute

By Jean

January 13, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this

Falcons - please hurry and get a more flattering photo of Tom Dimitroff. He doesn’t look like an astute GM who will command respect in the only photo I’

By ED

January 13, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

A GREAT HIRE FROM THE BEST TEAM IN THE NFL!!! HE KNOWS WHAT IT TAKES BEHIND THE SCENES TO WIN… AND BRING IT TO THE FALCONS! NOW WE WILL SEE THE COACH HE CAN GET AND A NEW COACHING STAFF, NEW PLAYERS. GO FALCONS!!!!

By falcon21

January 13, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Good call on Marty,but not sure about Volek.Maybe Tom can get it right.

By CK

January 13, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

I think that he should hire a highly qualified minority head coach verses some re-tread or unproven college coach, who will marginally improve the team. Here’s where he should start: Graduates of the “NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship”

http://io.stlouisrams.com/MediaContent/2006/08/23/11/minoritycoachingfellowship_56508.pdf

The excuse can’t be said that there are no qualified minority head coaching candidates to be found.

By joebrave

January 13, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I will bash,any marthaphucker,that claims Mike Vick,or Should I say Mike Prick,should be a Falcon,Here ya go Mike Vick is Bubba’s Beatch Now,Never will he Ever be a Falcon again!!!! He never was nor ever will be an NFL Qb,He is what he is,and Folks Mike Vick is a PIECE OF $HIT!!!!!!!!

By Barkin'Dog

January 13, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Tony Dungy Theory: I haven’t read all of the blogs lately, so I don’t know if this has been discussed, but I see Tony Dungy as Atlanta’s New Head Coach. Why? Because he wants to work near his 15 year old son who recently moved to Tampa. The closest place for Coach Dungy to work is Atlanta. Heck, maybe his son and family will like living in Atlanta… most pro athletes do (whether they work here or not). Tony Dungy built the Bucs into a Super Bowl Champion (but Chuckie got the credit), as well as the Colts last year. He is the one man who could PACK the dome and bring us a championship. But Mr. Blank will have to have a charter jet ready to take Tony to Tampa on a moment’s notice. That would be a small price to pay to call “a proven winner” our coach. Think about it – Arthur. You put Tony and your new GM together and you’ll have a champion in 5 years. Coach Dungy (man that sound’s good) would love this last “challenge of a lifetime.” IMAGINE if he produced a THIRD NFL CHAMPIONSHIP in his career – who else could say that?

In case you haven’t noticed, Mr. Blank, Coach Dungy is available. The Colts lost today. His contract is about up. And he’s better than Pete WHO? Go ahead, make him an offer he can’t refuse… you won’t regret it if he takes it. Then all of this suffering will go away.

By Jean

January 13, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Hurry and get a more flattering photo of the new GM! The only one I’ve seen does not depict an astute man who inspires respect and confidence!

By morris

January 13, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

No Tony dungy’s contract has not expired with the colts. And owner Jim Irsay has already agreed to give him 3 months off per year plus use of his private jet. So why in the hell would he want to come to the falcons? Even though Indy lost today he still has a super bowl caliber team. Plus it doesn’t make sense for the falcons because they would have to give up multiple first round drafts picks to the colts as compensation for hiring Dungy. The bucs had to give up two first round draft choices for Gruden and he hadn’t even won a super bowl at that point like dungy has with the colts. So please tell us oh great football mind how the falcons with their roster in shambles can give up those kind of draft picks and still win? Even a coach of Dungy’s pedigree couldn’t win with this current roster and no first round picks for the next two years! Dungy will not be coaching the falcons next year and that might be one of the dumbest so called theories I have ever heard.

By Lynne

January 13, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

I knew that nothing but “from New England” would be enough to fool folks. Director of college scouting?? Are you kidding? How many of the players currently on the Pats roster did Dimitroff have a direct hand in selecting? Seeing as development of those players is totally under the control of Belicheck…what the hell difference does it make about the college scout for the Pats? Thats not impressive, what’s impressive is how those players are developed! Those same players probably would be big busts in Atlanta seeing as no real infrastructure is here for developing rookies into solid starters for the future or even for great depth. I guess that would be the Head Coach that Dimitroff will select (or rather choose from the pre-selected 5 names he’ll be given by Blank & McKay…just watch).

Oh and for those who continously put Mike Vick in any and every coversation…you do know that he’s not in prison for 23 months…he’s in rehab camp for 11 months. He’s going to counseling, taking some classes and working out everyday…all the while living in the equivalent of a college dorm. Smoking that joint got him time reduced and better arrangements. gotta love it!

By Barkin'Dog

January 13, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Hey, Morris… I was looking for some feedback and opinions. But what bug bit you in the butt and made you want to be so insulting? I suppose opinions are like…(YOU)… and we have to put up with people like you. I’ll bet people like you would like nothing more than to run off all decent, civil bloggers. Obnoxious, knowitall people like YOU, make it hard to enjoy reading a lot of these comments. Thanks for your input. BTW, have a nice day. That’s it - I’m outta here.

By partspuller

January 13, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

This will be great fro the falcons . i just hope he can find the right talent and the right coach to finally make this team gell into a championship caliber team good hire Mr Blank , lets turn this ship around for good .

By partspuller

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

This will be great fro the falcons . i just hope he can find the right talent and the right coach to finally make this team gell into a championship caliber team good hire Mr Blank , lets turn this ship around for good .

By carol

January 13, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

dawgcrzy, thank you for your observation with regards to the injustices that so many african americans see in the vick case. i made similar comments on a past blog, when the vick case first came up, in an attempt to get others to understand why a number of african americans see race as an issue in the case.

it leaves me with a very sour taste about atlanta-and america as a whole- in its ability to truly acknowledge and change the systemic racism born out of white privilege.

By Chris Edwards

January 13, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Falcons Fans will be proud of Thomas if they give him a chance. He is very smart and will do a great job. He is a man of good moral character and an extremely high football I.Q. He also has extremely high standards. Good luck Thomas

By neckville redneck

January 13, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

check out Joe brave our hometown redneck, check out his views. do you think he is a fan. Good ol boy Joe. Let him tell it any black star in atlanta is is a thug. and Joe I bet your redneckness Vick will play in Atlanta in 2009.And when he does please , please don’t die. May your redneck soul rest in peace!

75% of black players in the NFL and the white owner say we don’t know the game, they and clowns like Joe still have skin color problem in there hearts Just a american fact!

By hubert thomas

January 13, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

You knoe that the NFL is a copy cat league. This move might bring succrss but we fans just have to be patient. Hopefully we can get some stability in our franchise. It is just ridiculous to have a team that has never had back to back winning seasons in their history. Mind boggling. I just hope that he gets a FOOTBALL coach that wants to come to the ATL for the long haul.

By hubert thomas

January 13, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

You knoe that the NFL is a copy cat league. This move might bring succrss but we fans just have to be patient. Hopefully we can get some stability in our franchise. It is just ridiculous to have a team that has never had back to back winning seasons in their history. Mind boggling. I just hope that he gets a FOOTBALL coach that wants to come to the ATL for the long haul.

By Pats Fan

January 13, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

The best move for Dimitroff would be to hire a coach he’s comfortable with. He’s from the Patriots front office and understands the benefits of the relationship Belichick has with Pioli. Maybe it’s Josh McDaniels’ time. In any case, the Falcons will no longer be drafting stupid players or bad character players.

By Geraldo

January 13, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

I was wondering how long it would take for Tony Dungy’s name to be called here in Atlanta. You guys are pathetic morons if you think Dungy is coming to the ghetto to please the local baboons. Ain’t gonna happen.

Neckville, 75%? More like 80+% black in the NFL. Does that mean blacks know how to run a football team? Did a field hand that could buck a 400lb bale of cotton know how to run a plantation? Similar analogy.

By DOYLE

January 13, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

GREAT HIRE NOW LET GET A HEAD COACH

By joebrave

January 13, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Neckville,You’re an Idiot,and moreso,an idolistic,babbling Retard, No your Stupidness,Mike Vick will Never play in Atlanta,again….

No G.M. in his right mind would take that Moron back. First of all,this team needs a real Q.B.,not some flashy,pot smoking scumbag that can’t even audible at the line:You do know what a g******* Audible is don’t you DUMB@SS????

What you need to do is forget Mike Prick ever Existed,He was,and is the WORST Trade in Atlanta Falcons History!!!!

Or are you so IGNORANT,as to realize Ladanian Tomlinson,and Drew Brees should be Falcons right now!!! Those two Dudes are real Football Playas Bra!!!!

Mike Vick Is a FOOL,without a clue!!!

By David Duke

January 13, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this

Mr. Blank, last year, ran off, met Bobby Petrino, signed him to a lucrative contract before anyone knew he was contemplating doing such a thing, and then saw his slightly less than mediocre team become a highly sought after punching bag. After thirteen games, ten of them losses, Mr. Petrino, despite his numerous, disingenuous denials right up until his plane left, took a job with Arkansas and left Mr. Blank blank. So, what did he learn from that experience? Nothing, would appear to be the correct answer. Now he’s hired a General Manager and he’s never actually met the man in person. Mr. Dimitroff, has never before held the post of General Manager. He’s spent time evaluating talent or counting equipment or mowing grass or some such thing. Mr. Blank signed him because he was part of the New England Patriots. He has high hopes that by hiring people from winning programs he can find the right karmic combination to transform the Falcons’ lot in life from awful to wonderful. Well, that might work but it would still be wise to actually meet your prospective employees in the flesh. Mr. Blank, what if karma works the other way? What if a bright person comes in from another organization and suddenly becomes stupid? This could happen! We’re talking about the Falcons. In forty-one years the Falcons have averaged 9.29 losses per year. The four hundredth loss for the franchise is on the horizon. Now, we have a GM hired on the strength of a tele-interview. My guess is this guy is the first guy to say yes. It’s my understanding that the offensive coordinator for the Patriots told the Falcons he had no interest in taking a coaching job with them- a head coaching job. Something’s wrong when a franchise has to beg for applicants for the Head Coach and GM positions. Something’s horribly wrong when a franchise hires an equipment guy to be it’s GM and the powers that be have never actually met the guy. This is another half-baked, rash, ill-considered move by Mr. Blank. Now, Mr.Dimitroff will probably amaze us with his pick of coaches. Maybe there’s a janitor in the patriot’s complex who wants to move up. It doesn’t make a great deal of sense to me but we are talking about the Falcons!

By joebrave

January 13, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

I like Dimitroff,first of all A real Football Guy!! what is pi$$ing off the local ghetto dwellers,is this guy is Probably going to gut the team of these Hip-Hop,bull$hit artists,and get some real football players in here,I say right now Mr. Blank needs to say SCREW the Fans,and get his ,and I do Mean His house in oreder,after all He is The Owner,It Is His Money,and It Is His Team!!!!Not the local hiphoppers that think their Broke @sses have a right to say,who stays or goes!!!, As for Head Coach,no way to Singletary!!!! Maybe,Caldwell,Garrett,Ryan,orNorm Chow,But He11 no to Singletary!!!

The last thing this team needs is another Brother,kissing these clowns,@sses!!!!

By falconmaniac

January 14, 2008 3:05 AM | Link to this

Nothing will change—the incompetent rich mckay will still be running things and making all major personnel decisions. Blank never learns—he’s clueless.

By big tone

January 14, 2008 4:44 AM | Link to this

joe brave how could the falcons have both ladainian tomlinson and dew brees?san diego already had the 29th and 1st pick that year.so ladainian probably would be here no drew brees as well.

By SealT2

January 14, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: If the new GM deems it prudent to keep #21 and the “MV7 supporters” on the team, will he then become a “bad hire”? …Get off Art Blanks back. Overall, because of his decision making, he is extremely wealthy and he has put himself in the elite position of owning a professional football team. What has your decision making process done for you?

By Dawgcrzy

January 14, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

Getting off the subject a little,did anybody see TM last night on Sports Final? Even Bill Hartman thinks he is crazy!

By Chio

January 14, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

At least Blank found someone interested in the job. We can’t deny he’s coming from the best franchise in football. Now if he can just keep the players out of Magic City long enough to learn a new system and compete as professionals.

By Mike

January 14, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Terance Mathis was a great Falcon and cares about the team. But he has NO coaching or FO experience. If he wants to get involved at either of those levels, let him start as an asst. somewhere first. Jason Garrett has 1 year of OC experience. Dimitroff has 10 years experience, plus he grew up in an NFL family. He is a good hire. No to Mathis, No to Garrett. Go get Rex Ryan for HC.

By John Doe

January 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Trust me…what you blacks see as “white privilege,” has nothing to do with race. There are plenty of pure-bred white males (and females) who feel the sting of being left out of that slim minority of upper-crust elitists (both black and white) walking around with their noses in the air, acting as if they’re the end-all, be-all on moral authority in this country, flaunting all their ungodly riches and luxuries in life, and then not being able to understand why there is such class envy in this country from the people who have NOTHING.

By SealT2

January 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

To: Steve, Geraldo, Wise Man [sic], Boots and all you other fans that feel that Black People are only good for being athletes and shooting each other and would rather have a Life Without Black People…

A very humorous and revealing story is told about a group of white people who were fed up with African Americans, so they joined together and wished themselves away. They passed through a deep dark tunnel and emerged in sort of a twilight zone where there is an America without black people.

At first these white people breathed a sigh of relief.

“At last”, they said, “no more crime, drugs, violence and welfare.”

All of the blacks have gone! Then suddenly, reality set in. The “NEW AMERICA ” is not America at all - only a barren land.

Now, isn ‘t that something? What would this country be like without the contributions of Blacks, as African-Americans?

By DR

January 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

Thought this was Falcons blog. There is more blogs here on racism than sports.

AJC needs to do better job on moderating the blog. This is turning into a racist blog.

AJC, moderate!

By Jim H.

January 14, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Well, I skipped ahead to the end of this blog to see if there was any interesting conversation about our new GM going on…….but I see that it has deteriorated into the typical moronic racist blather that these things usually erode into. Sad. This is 2008 people! Get a friggin’ life! I’ll be checking out now and go see if SI.com has any interesting news on the Falcon’s new GM.

By Eric

January 14, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

SealT2 - Get your facts straight. Anyone with any amount of intelligence would not believe what they read in e-mails. If you forward this message on you will be rich in four days!!! :)

[http://www.snopes.com/business/origins/blackinv.asp]

By wakeupcall

January 14, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

This GUY IS NOT A GM! He has been great at SCOUTING, can’t take away from that fact but it doesn’t make him a qualified candidate for GM. He wasn’t an asst. GM with the pats after 3 rings. I wonder why? The pats have a good sense of knowing who to cut and who to sign. The drafts have been good also, but its not key to their success. Go hire the guy to be your Scouting Director and pay him more than Pats. But not GM, The Falcons continue to shoot Blanks and to bad you cant fire Blank

By T.C

January 14, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

cam by putting all the QB names and listing the ones who made the probowl doesnt mean the ones that didnt are not good players.probowls dont define a good QB. look how many years it took john elway and manning to win superbowls.for most of the QB that comes in the nfl,it just takes time then they get there turn to make something happen like everything else in this world.

By Awesome

January 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Great Hire! Are we getting the “Spy Gate Cameras” too?

By Carroll

January 14, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

DR: you must be new around these parts. LOL!

It never takes less than 5-10 replies for any and every Falcons blog to turn ugly.

By CDS

January 14, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Is there no Falcons blog that can go on without some mention of race going on?

First thing, I don’t even want to hear the name Tony Dungy. When he’s done, he’s done for good.

Second thing, the guy got the job because he can evaluate talent. In case you haven’t noticed, that’s something this team is severely lacking.

Third, what are you fools smoking to think Terrence Mathis deserved to be a GM? What front office experience does he have that warrants that kind of position?

Fourth, Blank and McKay need to leave this guy alone. Especially McKay. He’s still lucky to have a job, and he needs to have no say in the coaching search.

God, I wish some of you idiots would stop shouting racism every two seconds when a black person doesn’t get something here.

By CDS

January 14, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Is there no Falcons blog that can go on without some mention of race going on?

First thing, I don’t even want to hear the name Tony Dungy. When he’s done, he’s done for good.

Second thing, the guy got the job because he can evaluate talent. In case you haven’t noticed, that’s something this team is severely lacking.

Third, what are you fools smoking to think Terrence Mathis deserved to be a GM? What front office experience does he have that warrants that kind of position?

Fourth, Blank and McKay need to leave this guy alone. Especially McKay. He’s still lucky to have a job, and he needs to have no say in the coaching search.

God, I wish some of you idiots would stop shouting racism every two seconds when a black person doesn’t get something here.

By T.C

January 14, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

well people if there wasnt a such thing as slavery,selling human beings like animals,having to sit in the back of a bus,ect…it wouldnt be a such thing is racism,i wonder what race started hatred? hmmmm.

By David Duke

January 14, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

How many of you know that George Washington Carver invented the term General Manager? He also coined the term Head Coach. As most of you know, his presence is felt at every sporting event. After all, it was he who invented the peanut. We have GWC to thank for the ill wind that noisily permeates many of our best athletic events.

By Geraldo

January 14, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

SealT2, if you want me to put up some uncomforatble FACTS for you, let me know. Otherwise STFU.

By Gabriel (chibougamau,QC,Canada)

January 14, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

I hope that tom is going to be intelligent for draft Ryan or Woodson but not Mcfadden!!!

By zackem

January 15, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

I believe a Mr. Blank should have hired the AJC sportswriters as a committee to run the Falcons since they seem to have the experience needed. Terence Moore could be coach which would take care of the diversity issue he preaches on everyday.

By kevin

January 15, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

unwaveringfan First of all I never said anyone was a thug. What I was talking about is people who get upset when someone calls players a thug. They are doing that not because of race but because they do not act professional. When a player is at a game in his uniform, he is there representing the team and its fans. That’s not the time to show posters in support of vick! That unprofessional and is why they are calling them thugs! Supporting vick is fine but should be done on there on time not when they are on the clock.

Second, Yes vick did this to himself, but he also did this to the team, or do you not know what a salary cap is? I am not blaming everything on vick, but he has to take some of the blame

Third, I do believe vick should get a second chance I never said he should not. But first he has to do his time.

Last, Yes I have done things wrong but when I did I had a price to pay for that.

By Free Mike Vick

January 15, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

First thing Dimitroff needs to do is get Vick out of prison and back to Atlanta and the Falcons….Sad thing is, Dimtroff is a whitey, hired by a whitey, to keep the black man down. Because of that, this team has no chance until Vick returns. As soon as she does, they will make up another crime and charge him with it. Doon’t you crackers prefer soccer?