Late Saturday evening, Kevin Stefanski was named the 20th Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Stefanski was fired at the end of the season from the Cleveland Browns after serving as the Head Coach for the last 5 years. He was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2023 for leading the Browns to 11 – 5 and 11 – 6 records. Their playoff berth in 2020 was the first for Cleveland since 2002.
Stefanski is 43 years old, and hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a Defensive Back for Penn, where he became the Assistant Director of Football Operations after graduation. Stefanski has been coaching in the NFL since 2006, starting with an Assistant to the Head Coach for Minnesota, moving to the Assistant Quarterback Coach, coaching Tight Ends, to Running Backs, to Quarterbacks, to Interim Offensive Coordinator to Offensive Coordinator in 2019. He survived 3 coaching changes in his tenure at Minnesota. He left to become the 2020 Head Coach of Cleveland.
Stefanski is a forward focusing coach and very offensive minded. He is known for maximizing talent, leading a punishing run game, by having a strong offensive line. Because of all of this, Stefanski was a top coaching candidate in 2020. He was a guiding force in leading Kirk Cousins (who is now with Atlanta) to having one of the best seasons of his career. Even with successful quarterbacks, Stefanski is known to hang his hat on the running game. The Browns were top 5 in rushing yards per game for 3 years. Also known for acquiring and developing talent. He successfully schemes to keep defenses on their toes. He has been an offensive guru his whole career.
Falcons seem to have prioritized experience over taking a chance on (currently) successful up and comers. This was the first second meeting the Falcons had with any candidates. This was live, a dinner with Owner, Arthur Blank, CEO and President of the Atlanta Falcons, Greg Beadles, Vice President, Executive Strategy of Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment, Josh Blank, and President of Football, Matt Ryan. Clearly Stefanski’s vision and plans for the Falcons is in alignment with Blank and Ryan’s visions. The introductory press conference will take place on the 27th of January, hopefully we will find out more at that time about plans and direction. Stefanski seems to be flexible and willing to accept input and adjust as needed through the season as things come up and change.
Stefanski knows that the people he puts around him are as important as he is. At this time, the Falcons have announced the retention of Jeff Ulbrich as the Defensive Coordinator and added Bill Callahan as the Offensive Line Coach.
I feel like the most important roles now are Quarterback Coach and General Manager. The QB coach either needs to get Michael Penix, Jr. healed up and performing better or prepare whoever the 2026 Falcons’ QB is. And the GM, work within the budget to fill spots opened by Free Agency….and of course, scouting out and preparing for the NFL Draft in April.
Recapping the questions and responses from reporters and new Atlanta Falcons’ President of Football, Matt Ryan, CEO and President of Atlanta Falcons, Greg Beadles, and owner, Arthur Blank. Recap of the Introduction piece can be found at Introduction of the Ice Age.
Through the entire press conference, you could see the affection and respect between Blank, Ryan and Beadles. Shaking hands, compliments, smiles, glances. A comfort level, respect, and love. They all said similar things on “picking the right person,” “collaboration” and “accountable.” Everyone holding everyone accountable.
It seems the Head Coach and General Manager roles are going to be thoroughly vetted by Matt and the rest of the small committee, Beadles, Josh Blank and a couple of others.
These are not exact quotes, but overall recap of the questions and response. Most everyone started with a “congratulations” or “welcome back” as many of the press has been in place long before Ryan left Atlanta. Because of audio, was unable to hear the name of some of the questioners, others, I know their voices and captured their names below.
Q: Your football resume speaks for itself, but why are you the right choice for this job?
Matt: #1 When you look at organizations and places you would like to be involved with, the first thing is the ownership. Bill Cowher, former in studio teammate at CBS always said the 3 most important people in and organization is the owner, the owner and the owner. Know what Arthur and his family stands for, what their core values are.
Loved calling games the first year at CBS, then the studio show, the guys on the desk and everyone behind the scenes. But it is hard to replicate wins and losses and what goes into that and having a result every Sunday. I have missed that, so getting back into that gets me excited. Don’t have previous experience in this particular role, but nobody does until they are. Been around a first time Head Coach, position coach that has never called plays, but they adjust. I’ve done that my whole life. Football to TV, never been scared. My working relationship with coaches and General Managers was different than other players. As the quarterback for a long time, had meetings about the team and decisions or alterations to a plan or change in the season; just a different relationship/input than other players. Am well versed in those conversations. The longer I was here, the more discussions that were had, more my opinion was asked for my opinion. Hopefully that will help what I do now. I’ve been preparing, already talked to allot of people around the league – can clearly multitask, can talk to you and ignore that noise over there – Cal is talking up a storm, loudly on Sarah’s lap. Asked contacts that made similar work transitions; What does that look like? What were some of the struggles? Things you didn’t see coming? Have many helpful relationships with folks inside and outside of this building.
Q: You signed your contract and 2 hours later were interviewing, how does your interview style compare to others?
I can’t speak for how others do it. I know there are certain things that I look for as a player – character, emotional stability, level of presence, ability to command respect without being overly vocal. They would have to connect with players that you have. Interview from a view of what I had or wanted as a player.
Q: DLed (D Orlando Ledbetter) What are you looking for as far as a good fit and clarity of vision between the Head Coach and General Manager.
Been waiting on this one D Led. We are looking for 2 people that don’t see the game polar opposite, people that work well together. They should not be best friends, but able to have a strong working relationship. They can see things differently, but see how they get to common ground. Excellent in their role and what they are asked to do, but strong working relationship.
Q: Mark Zinno – What do you have the authority to do?
Matt: Arthur and I are clear on the structure. This is Arthur Blank’s football team. The task for me is to lead this process with the others on search team, we are going to collaborate and make a recommendation.
Arthur: Matt has no desire to do their job. The Head Coach will pick his position coaches. The General Manager will style out their organization, helping with draft and Free Agency. Matt will be involved in that, but isn’t doing their job. He is offering up his wisdom and guidance.
Q: Are the president candidates that were interviewed now candidates for the GM role?
Greg: We are looking to determine that. There are several people that we are interested in, working on a list right now.
Q: Arthur Blank believes in the collective decision process, who has the final decision?
Matt: Final decision – on what? The final decision that the Head Coach has, he will have, the final decision the GM should have, will have.
The final decision I am going to have to make right now with Arthur’s approval is who we hire. We are empowering them to do their jobs. As I’ve said in the interviews, I am not trying to call plays, not trying to run the offense. Not trying to pull a “Phillip Rivers,” and get back out there and play. Trying to get the right people in here, trying to support you as best I can. I know the pressure that a Head Coach and General Manager are under, all the different directions they are pulled in, so I am trying to take things off their plate, so they can do what they are supposed to do. Coach. Scout. I am not doing the scouting or running those meetings.
Arthur: Anybody in those positions are not going to want to compromise their job and be less of who they could/should be. Matt isn’t looking to overstep. He is going to hire the best Head Coach and General Manager and give the servant leadership that is provided through all our businesses. Our businesses are run like a pyramid. The Falcons’ pyramid, the top is the fans, I am at the bottom. Matt is to provide leadership, support, wisdom, guidance, enthusiasm. They are going to do their own job. We are holding people accountable….General Manager, coaches, players.
Q: When does something like this job come onto your radar? What does your job look like after these hirings?
Matt: I didn’t ever think about this. I was very happy with CBS and excited about that opportunity. This is the only place I would do this. I feel really connected to this organization.
Job after hiring process is Where can I support everyone? Depending on who we hire, how can I help? Everyone has different personality types, different strengths and weaknesses. If they are new, help with the relationships that I already have, show them how to grow relationships. The faster that everyone is on the same page, faster to be good on the field.
Q: Know you always prepared game plans when you played and prepared for your broadcasts, how did you get questions ready for this interviewing process?
Matt: Allot of prep, but have to adjust and adapt quickly. All of the others on the committee were incredibly helpful. Beadles with a printed format for me, then we adjust as we go. Good part is we are talking football, things I’ve spent my entire life doing, so I am very comfortable. At the end of the day, trying to find out what leadership you are trying to provide.
Joe Patrick: Can you tell us who you spoke to and what advice they gave?
Matt: Not sharing any names, but overarching former players. It’s tough when you are done. Sense of missing being around the team, locker room, competitiveness, the nature of being prepared and leaving it all on the line. They said it is different than playing, but does get your juices flowing. Team work is something bigger than yourself, zero agenda. Just wanting the best for this place is very valuable.
Q: Will you have input into the Quarterback situation?
Matt: I am not hired to be the quarterback coach. I love Mike (Michael Penix, Jr.), have gotten to know him the last couple of years. I am happy to help him however I can – anything he needs from me – not a coach. If asked and relationship with that department (QB room) is right, happy to help.
Want what is best for this organization and the players on the field. Working together for Mike and his rehab, but that is up to the trainers, rehab guys, doctors. I learned as a player – look at what is next in front of you and that is where Mike is now. He’s already here working out and rehabbing. He’s in a good mental space.
Q: Seems you are focused on the Head Coach job first?
Matt: It’s all in the timing. Really want a concurrent search, but because of the NFL rules on timing with coaches, we have interviewed those first. I am glad Greg is here – he tracks all the rules.
Greg: There are specific rules and timelines and even certain days you can talk to coaches, way more restrictive, so trying to get them when we can. So had to jump on the Head Coach when we could.
Arthur: It is important to land both at the same time because they need to be collaborative, vision and compatibility wise. Need to see the vision of football the same way, not always agree, but can work together successfully.
Q: You mentioned a sense of unfinished business….
Matt: It is all about helping us win and winning the right way with the right people. My role is different than it was before. I’ve always been a part of team sports, played different positions, played basketball, baseball. Sometimes you assist, sometimes you are a back-up. Been around it my entire life and love having different responsibilities. Nothing is better than being a part of the locker room after a win. Everyone in this building’s role is huge. Everyone.
It takes everyone to win. But we are here to win.
Arthur: We do a variety of things to be successful, connect with players, community, give back. Our role is to win football games.
Q: You mentioned on the CBS set on Sunday you want the them talking about the Falcons this time next year.
Matt: Yes, specifically Coach Cowher. I believe there is allot of young talented players on the defensive side of the ball. There are some solid offensive lineman here, some that I played with, which is crazy. A special running back in Bijan (Robinson), talented pieces on the outside. It takes everyone to come together and pulling their weight to win. I think there are allot of strong pieces.
Q: Greg, can you comment on time here?
Greg: This is my 31st season here. Began as an intern in 1995. Helped with the sell of the Falcons to Arthur Blank in 2001. Arthur is a builder and hasn’t stopped since then. Every single year has been different, learned business side, building of the stadium, helping Athur and everyone else build a sustainable thriving organization. Now, excited to help Matt however I can
Matt: Shout out to Greg who I have known since 2008. I always really liked him, seemed like a good guy, but now the relationship has changed. A ton of professional respect outside looking in. “This guy is an ass kicker – very good at what he does. His wisdom, level of detail. Very lucky to be partnering with him, to be sitting next to him. He is a fantastic human being. But an excellent of this organization and I love him. And appreciate the last 3 days.”
Q: Reporter from local CBS Station, Guess CBS Atlanta can’t run those promos anymore. What would 2026 Matt say to 2008 Matt Ryan?
Matt: Yeah, those promos were great. “Man – how lucky you are about to be starting this ride.” I would sign up for it again in a heartbeat, knowing everything. I got to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL and for the best team and owner in the league – “enjoy it and hey 20 years from now might be doing something different.”
Arthur: I love Greg and the family before and after I bought the team. He will be supporting Matt and the team.
Looking over at middle son, Josh Blank.
I would like to acknowledge Josh (middle son of Arthur Blank). He worked for the NFL for 5 years and comes to us with a tremendous amount of knowledge, wisdom of the league. Growth and maturity and perspective. Been great on the search committee.
Q: What are the most important qualities on head coach, considering the current trend is a young offensive mind?
Matt: We are looking for the best coach. Look down the road, Kirby Smart (head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs) is from the defensive side and he does pretty good. Who is the best person to get the most out of your football team? Seen it work lots of different ways. Coach Cowher is always telling me Defense still matters. Looking for the right person, one that connects with the players, can push, but is there for them in other ways too. Build a great staff, then you do it with the people around you. A team of coaches, team of scouts, team in the front office. Bring people together, players, building, staff.
Arthur: A common vision. Then, after it is laid out, hold people accountable – the Head Coach, General Manager and Matt. Be prepared to hold folks accountable. Train, move them around, hold fully accountable, if necessary, move on.
Q: Brandon Leak: What are your thoughts on the culture of Atlanta? And, what it was and should be with your power; Your comment about unfinished business – how gratifying to win the Superbowl?
Matt: I think it would be pretty gratifying – if you are in this business – that is the goal. The trick is how you get there. For the culture, that is what Arthur is talking about, the best is a shared vision for the group. Group when vision isn’t correct, you fix it and hold people accountable. Looking for a group of people (allot already here) just looking for a little bit more.
Culture of Energy, passion, people who love playing, who love football.
Arhtur: Head Coach to hold players and other coaches responsible. The Head Coach has to start by showing players that you are holding yourself and staff accountable.
We don’t use the word “power,” we use authority that doesn’t turn into power. It’s about how to communicate effectively and get the results we are looking for.
Q: The family is in front row, how important was it to come back here and be competitive and have them see Dad in this role?
Laughing at the boys
Matt: They are all laughing at me. Little boys see better than they hear, so you have to show them an example of what you want. Want to create a great example as a leader, a dad, a husband.
Q: For Arthur, how have you seen Greg grow year over year?
Arthur: Greg is always learning, listening, responding. He is heavily involved in the stadium, community, atmosphere in the building. Part of his success is measured in those efforts, but also, are we winning and doing the right thing to win? Couldn’t be prouder of Greg.
The introductory press conference begins with the seating of President and CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, Greg Beadles, President of Football, Matt Ryan, and Owner, Arthur Blank.
Blank begins by waving and speaking to the Ryan family. Ryan’s wife, Sarah, is seated apparently front row to the left of the stage. She is there with twins, Johnny and Marshall, and youngest son Cal who has been quite active checking everything out before the presser began and insisting to find out what was behind the Falcon curtain. All 3 boys are in the #2 Falcon jerseys.
Blank begins by addressing the family, “You weren’t here 20 years ago were you?” The boys apparently shook their heads “no.” Blank also thanked everyone for attending.
Blank praised Ryan (still addressing the boys), noting that “Matt lead us to the best 14 years of our franchise, both on and off the field” and has done an incredible job on CBS for 3 years. Now he is back here for the next 14 years.
“We are thrilled, could not be happier to have Matt back” noted Blank. He described Ryan’s role as everything between football and grass. Blank said that Ryan’s success and leadership over all this time makes him the perfect choice. Five individuals were interviewed for this role, all really good candidates, and the decision was Matt Ryan.
Back to focusing on the boys, Blank said, “This is the 3rd time I have talked about your dad in this situation, when we drafted him, when dad retired as a Falcon, and when he was inducted into our Ring of Honor. He has been a special player, leader and couldn’t represent the team and the NFL better.” Blank recalled a recent conversation with NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, and Goodell agreed that you “Can’t find a better man and leader for a franchise.”
After Ryan signed his contract early on Saturday morning, he lead all coaching interviews and will be involved in all Head Coach and General Manager searches/interviews as the Falcons go forward.
Greg Beadles spoke and was grateful to Blank and is happy to continue to serve this team and community and city. Beadles has been in many roles over the years and has learned allot from folks inside and outside the building. Beadles has known Ryan since Ryan was drafted in 2008, he is one of the Legends and is always trying to pull them into the building as much as possible.
Beadles feels like he and Ryan are going to have a partnership. They lined up and interviewed 5 candidates, selected Ryan and Beadles noted, “Matt is a tenacious negotiator and happy to have him here.” Then threw him into the fire with 6 Head Coaching interviews in 3 days, many on Saturday. Watching Ryan lead the interviews was super encouraging, jumping right in and being prepared. There are more interviews scheduled this week, within the allotted interview time frame per NFL rules. There have not been any General Manager interviews yet, but those will take place soon, likely concurrent searches.
Then, the man of the hour spoke. Matt Ryan first thanked “Arthur for this opportunity.” And shook his hand. Ryan laughed as he started a stat, “I should have looked into this before saying it, but I think I am the first player you have signed to 5 different contracts.” Ryan is “so excited to be back as a part of this organization.” When he was drafted in 2008, he had only been to Atlanta twice in his life. He was recruited by Georgia Tech, then played against GT as the Boston College quarterback. So when drafted, he didn’t really know anything about Atlanta and “now it is home.” “The people, the fans, this organization have made it home.”
Ryan said it is incredible to be a part of this organization, in a different role. “I am sitting at the same table but the seat has changed and that makes it comfortable.” Ryan has known Beadle, Josh Blank (middle son of Arthur Blank) and Rustin….all who are on the search committee….for years. “That makes it easier, signing my contract, then 2 hours later being in interviews is uncomfortable, but having previous professional and personal relationship with the others involved in this process makes it easier.”
Ryan’s mission since he was drafted was to help the organization do everything he could do to be a champion. “There is a sense of unfinished business. We have been close and have had some success here and there. I truly believe we are going to get there.” Ryan has faith that with the people currently in the building and that they will be bringing in, the Falcons are going to get there.
Ryan spoke out to his former teammates, thanking so many that have reached out in the last couple of days. “Love you and appreciate how excited you are. Cant wait to get you back in the building to bring that energy of former players.” Ryan noted how much it meant to him sitting there on the bench or in a meeting room and seeing former guys come back. “This is going to be an important part of my time here.” Noting that these players paved the way for what is here now and is looking forward to them being a strong part of who we are.
Then Ryan spoke to his family, “To my family, my twins are 7, they claim to remember me on the field, but think more on the iPad. But for these guys to grow up around this building is really exciting.” Cal is just happy there are Gatorade bottles everywhere for him to slug down. And, “Sarah, I would not be the player I was without her. And the last few years with CBS – traveling – incredible support, incredible mother and wife. She is the reason I can do this.” Ryan knows this is going to be a big commitment, “and she is the only person I could do this with.”
Ryan ended with “Can’t wait to get started.”
Blank called back before the question and answer portion, he thanked CBS for being very collaborative and allowing them to talk to Ryan.
Falcons Unplugged is special PSL owners call, where PSL owners get to listen and watch Dave Archer interview a player or staff member of the Atlanta Falcons. Tonight, Owner Arthur Blank was on the hot seat. Archer introduced the call, but all questions were submitted by PSL owners before the call.
Mr. Blank immediately began answering fan questions. He said he is most excited that the 2020 season is actually happening. Mr. Blank saluted the NFL and doctors and teams and medical council to ensure everyone is healthy and safe, although he is definitely disappointed to not be able to see and have fans in attendance.
The team is excited and ready to go. They have had a really good, al biet odd, training camp. Mr. Blank noted that Head Coach Dan Quinn did a great job keeping in touch with the players via Zoom or in person. The coaching staff and players have all become experts in technology, and now on the field, they have a great energy and they are all ready to play.
With a great team, bulked up in free agency and the draft, Mr. Blank expects the team to pick up from 6-2 record at the end of the 2019 season and to play at that level and above at beginning of this 2020 season. In speaking with MattRyan, Matt feels strongly that we have the offense needed to win games. Our Defense ended ranked 8th last season, so they can continue to give us a competitive edge and give the ball quickly back to the offense.
One of the biggest challenges during COVID-19 is making sure everyone is healthy. Having a large family, 6 children and 6 grandchildren, Mr. Blank’s first focus was trying to keep everyone safe. Followed closely by trying to ensure the team is healthy and following all of the best protocols. Falcons CEO RichMcKay is very involved in the decision making for the NFL, so we are on the front line of making sure the Falcons are all healthy. We are hoping to have some fans in the building in October. But we will protect our fans and ensure they are safe first.
The NFL requires a family to own the organizations/teams, so the ownership is on the owner to take the financial impact of no fans and decisions can be made with the good of the fan, not a corporation in mind. The good news is, the golf business is booming. So, Mr. Blank is financially ok with the no fans….for now. The loss of revenue will not changes the aggressiveness in the team, going after the best players, paying players, or any changes to the stadium and services once re-openend. MercedesBenzStadium continues to be ranked number 1 or 2 in all fan experience polls.
Mr. Blank serves on the NFL social justice league, organizations including the active and retired players, and numerous other committees and organizations. He remains very in touch with all of the discussions and will be truly listening to the social injustice issues that are facing America today. The NFL overall is making huge financial investments in communities and organizations helping those communities. In Atlanta, there is a social action committee on the team, made up of players that volunteered because of experiences or desire to serve. These players steer discussions to affect their home communities, shoulder to shoulder with the team and NFL to affect change. It is not about making instant change, but continuing to move the ball down the field toward constant change.
Mr. Blank encouraged everyone to ensure that they vote in the elections. He quoted a discussion with the late JohnLewis, “The most significant protest you can do is to vote.”
To be an Atlanta Falcon, you have to be a good person and give back to the community, not just a good player. As an example, all of the current Team Captains are deeply involved in the community, through donations, volunteering, creating their own charities, and going into the community to lift them up and build partnerships.
Mr. Blank continues his support and praise of Dan Quinn. He noted that midway through the season last year, Quinn recognized and made the change to the coaching staff and some player reassignments. He realized he had spread himself too thin. Quinn has kept to the decisions made late last season, to not be diluted, and let the responsibilities lie where they were. Quinn really believes and lives Brotherhood, it isn’t just a cool slogan.
Although Matt Ryan is the franchise quarterback, the plan for the future, is to possibly play into his 40’s. Mr. Blank commented that Matt is in the best shape of his career, he’s smart and motivated. He is moving quickly and always taken excellent care of himself, still putting up Hall of Fame statistics. He is a leader on the team and becomes more dominant as time progresses. He is always early in and late out of Flowery Branch. One of the best, if not the best, draft move the Falcons ever made. At some point in time, there will be a discussion with Matt and make a mutual decision the years are coming to an end.
Joking with General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, Rich McKay, and Dan Quinn, Mr. Blank suggested cutting the salary of some of the defenders since they will greatly enjoy getting to knock Tom Brady around twice a season, as the new Tampa Bay quarterback. He reiterated that he was joking. But what a joy for those left over from the SuperBowl season to see Brady twice now.
Asked about the rivalry with the New Orleans Saints, Mr. Blank commented that the Falcons still have the win advantage over them, and it is a heated rivalry, no matter the yearly record. It is always very competitive. The NFC South is always competitive and will be even more so this year. Carolina has coaching and quarterback changes, the ever-consistent Drew Brees, and the New England transplants into Tampa Bay.
After purchasing the team in 2001, Mr. Blank has changed personally from his early ownership days. H now realizes that the highs are never as high as the lows are low. “The losses are like daggers, especially certain kinds of losses.” The wins are great, but you have to turn around in a day or two to prepare for the next game. As an early owner, he would take everything home and personally, really feel deeply for the fans, players, families, but realized you have to let it go and not let it ruin or interlope into relationships and daily life. And here I am still pouting and being mean to people have the week after a loss.
Mr. Blank has also learned that you cannot just change coaches on a whim, there is so much related to the head coach, to the rest of the staff, the players that fit into that scheme. There is so much transition time, you need to value the continuity in coaching and the general managers and other staff. Everyone is still held accountable, but let them gel and create consistency. The most successful teams over time have maintained consistent leadership and tweaked other things.
Mr. Blank referenced his book, “Good Company,” noting his 6 core values, and his goal that he learned from his mother, Molly, “You do the right things, for the right reasons and live with the consequences.” Mr. Blank said that, “I live my life with purpose.”
Mr. Blank realizes his responsibility to the fans. Fans do not only give their money, but their time, their support, their enthusiasm – and he wants to bring rings to the city and fans and team.
Mr. Blank ended the call with a “Thank you – Stay Safe and May God bless you all.”
I could not be prouder to call Mr. Arthur Blank my owner.
Atlanta Falcons President and CEORich McKayand ownerArthur Blankheld a press conference Friday, December 27, 2019 to discuss the announcement earlier in the day. The Falcons site and Twitter announced that the team would retainDan Quinnas Head Coach,Thomas Dimitroffas General Manager. Rich McKay will take on an increased role in football operations, where he had been mainly overseeing the new stadium. Raheem Morriswill be the Defensive Coordinator for 2020. There was no mention of other coaches, offensively or other defensive/position coaches.
Mr. Blank began the press conference by stating that the last 2 seasons have been a great disappointment and as the steward of the team, he understands everyone’s disappointment. He noted that overall since the drafting ofMatt Ryan, the Falcons have been 4thin the NFC and 7thin the NFL overall in winning percentage. He noted that consistently is important, with the right things and for the right reasons. Mr. Blank recurring brought up the difference in the first half to the second half of the season. Mr. Blank noted several other leading reasons for the retention of Quinn and Dimitroff.
1-Falcons had two/three-ish new coordinators. Quinn wasn’t fully aware/prepared what all that would take, with defensive coordination and running the team overall and connecting all of the other moving parts. That is when Quinn made the decision that he needed to just be the head coach and gave up the defensive coordination.
2-The change at defensive coordinator also changed the defensive scheme, making the defense simpler, communication was better, moved some players around where they could win more easily. “Round pegs in round holes and square pegs in square holes” as Mr. Blank said. And also saw young talent emerge.
3-The players played hard for the coach and the organization, even when they may not have been in the best position in the first half of the year. With the coaching/position changes, they were able to perform better.
4-Players believe and support the Brotherhood, each other, the coach, and the organization overall.
With the 2017 opening of the stadium, leading the NFL in stadium experience each year, Rich McKay will now be at The Branch at least 4 days a week, working directly with Quinn and Dimitroff, who will now report directly to McKay, instead of Mr. Blank. Mr. Blank will still be in charge and involved, but McKay will be a sounding board and leader with great experience and wisdom with his 25 years of GM and the like experience.
Rich McKay – “We look at this season as one we will not celebrate, but one we can build on.” You can see there was a complete change in the 2ndhalf of the season, lots of credit to Dan Quinn, his coaches, and the players. McKay noted this is not a complete turn-around like he has ever seen before. Usually, play will fall off as you are eliminated from the playoffs, but this team has played better and better. “We looked at studies on consistency, what gives us the best chance to win 2020 and beyond.“
Mr. Blank, “We are about winning games and winning championships. It is my belief that this personnel will get us there more quickly than other decisions we could have made.”
Mr. Blank sounded a smidgeon frustrated at the suggestion of constant or quick coaching changes, noting several teams that had down years, stayed the course, and were winning again. He believes that keeping everyone in sync, keeping coaches and management together, not having draft choices from a previous regime. He believes this is the team and the players that can win over time, noting San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carolina tough/competitive wins on the road. The defense moved from 31stto 6thin the league. He reviewed Dan Quinn’s self-awareness and willingness to step down from DC and HC to just HC and other changes he was willing to admit and make.
Mr. Blank’s only criticism of Quinn is that he made changes and decisions too late. And “I don’t think he will make those errors again.” McKay will help with that, meeting with Dimitroff and Quinn on these type decisions. “The whole mid-season coaching change has little value.” If you feel like the staff is going to make changes – as you started to see in the 2ndhalf of the Seattle game. Mr. Blank stated that you could see that the players were committed. When you see major changes and wins in 7 games, not just part of a game. Mr. Blank believes that Quinn has learned from that and will make adjustments quicker going forward, including mid-game. It is a great credit to these players to make the change, accept the change, and continue to play at 100% throughout the season.
Quinn will continue to have the final decision on the 53 man roster. Quinn, Dimitroff, and McKay will work closely together – discussions and group decisions, no one person will impose their will on the organization.
Asked about the future, Mr. Blank replied that without a crystal ball, “I believe our best opportunity going forward is to keep Quinn and Dimitroff in place.”
With McKay’s experience in football operations, being on the competition committee, his close link to the commissioner, this is not a surprise or big change to move him back to football operations. It is a matter of focus, not change. With the 5 year process of planning and implementing the stadium, 80% of his time was on the stadium, but he was in touch with Quinn and Dimitroff. Now, McKay will be making sure the processes are working and in constant working and talking contact with Quinn and Dimitroff.
McKay believes that the team ended up taking on too much change around all the other coaching, defense and offense leadership.
When asked about deadlines or number of losses to start the next season, Mr. Blank replied that there are no set numbers/parameters set for next season. There is no reason to think that the second half of the season is not sustainable into 2020. With the same coaches, many of the same players, free agency and the draft coming up.
McKay is not concerned about the salary cap, he has lived in that since 1993. He is ready to restructure, resign, evaluate anything and feels confident in the Falcons ability to manage the cap. Mr. Blank called out several players as “guys you would not want to not have signed”Julio Jones, Matt Ryan,Grady Jarrett, Deion Jones, andDevonta Freeman….sounds like he just laid down the Free is a Falcon stamp.
FalconAlley Football 