Here's part of Falcons owner Arthur Blank's opening remarks regarding the firing of head football coach Mike Smith, the winningest coach in franchise history:
"We thought it was important to speak to you all sooner, rather than later and hopefully provide some answers to your questions. As you know this morning, we released Mike Smith from his contract. As all NFL owners learn, some antecedent decisions are more difficult than others, I would tell you that probably including my 23 years at the Home Depot, this is the most difficult decision that I have ever had to make. I mean that very sincerely. It was complicated by the deepest respect that I have and we all have for (Mike Smith). He has made contributions to our team and our community during his seven year tenure.. .. (last season) was disappointing, but promised hope right up til the last game. This was not a decision that was based on one season."
The sessions lasted for 66 minutes.
Here are five things that we learned:
- Coach Mike Smith was fired because Blank no longer felt he could lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl victory. "That's what this is about," Blank said.
- General manager Thomas Dimitroff is staying – for now --- and would have some input in helping to find Smith's replacement. Blank got defensive over repeated questions about why Dimitroff was retained and Smith was not.
- Blank said that business side of the franchise had nothing to do with the decision. The team has to sale personal seat license for the news stadium.
- Quarterback Matt Ryan will not have any input in the coaching search.
- The search-firm Korn Ferry only takes one NFL team as season. They helped with the hiring of Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien and Kansas City's hiring of Andy Reid. The team has already sought permission to interview Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, Arizona defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
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