Parcells and Falcons talking (1 Viewer)

[massraider]

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has put a full-court press on Bill Parcells to become the team's vice president of football operations, according to multiple sources.

Parcells could accept or reject the job as early as Wednesday, the sources said, and he is giving it serious consideration.

Parcells would not become Atlanta's new coach but sources say he would be authorized to hire the team's next coach, as well as re-organize the personnel department. He also could hire a new general manager if he and Blank agree that one is necessary.

Blank has informed general manager Rich McKay that McKay will not return in the same role, even though the owner wants McKay to remain as the team's president, sources said.

Blank's talks with Parcells evolved from an advisory role into a firm offer to rebuild his football operation, the sources said.

"I've got nothing to say," said Parcells before he hung up the phone Tuesday. Blank could not be reached for comment.

Parcells, an ESPN NFL analyst, also has had limited dialogue with the Miami Dolphins about a similar role but the talks with the Falcons have been more urgent, a league source said.

McKay is out as general manager, sources said, even if Parcells does not join the Falcons. However, Blank has asked McKay to remain as the team's president to oversee short-range and long-range stadium plans and continue as a valuable liaison with the league.

It is uncertain if McKay would accept a new role with the Falcons. He also is co-chairman of the league's competition committee.

If Parcells declines his offer, Blank still will hire a new general manager or he could give personnel control to the new head coach, sources said.

Blank has acted with urgency since Bobby Petrino resigned as coach on Dec. 12th. He spoke with Bill Cowher on Friday when the former Steelers coach told the owner that he had no plans to return to the sidelines in 2008, sources said.

The Falcons owner also consulted with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones concerning Parcells, who resigned in January after four years as the Dallas coach. Jones credited Parcells with the franchise's turnaround at a point the Cowboys had suffered through three consecutive 5-11 seasons.

There is added irony in that Jones was an unofficial emissary for the University of Arkansas, his alma mater, who first relayed to Blank the school's interest in Petrino.

Chris Mortensen covers the NFL for ESPN.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3160597

 

[massraider]

Bill Parcells is officially in play.

In an attempt to correct the Bobby Petrino debacle, the Atlanta Falcons are talking to the current ESPN analyst and two-time Super Bowl-winning coach about a job as the team's executive vice president, FOXSports.com has learned.

In fact, Parcells and Falcons owner Arthur Blank have had discussions within the past few days. It's clear that Blank is trying to lure a man that could substantially help a team mired in bad public relations the last year.

It's long been assumed that Parcells wants to take a front-office job rather than jump back into coaching. Although with Parcells, one never knows.

The Falcons are hoping to have an answer in the coming days, but obviously would wait for Parcells to make a decision.

However, the Falcons may not be the only team vying for the future Hall of Famer's services. Parcells could have a choice between the Falcons and Miami Dolphins, who have also reached out to Parcells, according to league sources.

Clearly if Blank can lure Parcells to Atlanta it would be a major coup for a franchise in desperate need of any positive news. Less than a year ago, the Atlanta Falcons hired Petrino to replace Jim Mora after a 7-9 season, which included three straight losses to end the year.

Petrino thought he was getting one of the best coaching jobs in the NFL. Without Michael Vick, it wasn't worth keeping for even one full season.

Just 13 games into a miserable debut as Atlanta Falcons coach, Petrino stunningly announced his resignation last Tuesday and returned to the college ranks at Arkansas.

Petrino left Louisville for Atlanta in January, agreeing to a five-year, $24 million contract handed out by the Falcons.

A few months later, Vick came under investigation for a grisly dogfighting operation that led him to plead guilty to federal charges. He was sentenced last Monday to 23 months in prison without ever taking a snap for Petrino, who left with a 3-10 record.

Several league sources say that Parcells has recently called around for opinions on coaches and personnel people.

Parcells, 66, will likely be able to write his own ticket wherever he lands.

Parcells spent time with the New York Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. He retired for a third time after taking the Cowboys to the postseason in 2006. His career record is 183-138-1, including an 11-8 postseason mark. He's one of just five coaches to have taken two different teams to the Super Bowl.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7581372

 

[dudaman]

1) Does this put Keyshawn back into play? He must be

2) Is Dallas on Atlanta's schedule next year?

In all seriousness, Blank is depserate if he does this. The way Parcells ups and quits on teams has become a trend. Best of luck, Arthur.

 

[jscout]

Yeah, but every time he left, the team was always better than it was before he got there.

 

[PatrickT]

Yeah, but every time he left, the team was always better than it was before he got there.

About to say the same.I think it's good that McKay is out as GM. Drafts haven't been full-on disasters, but they haven't been exactly stellar either. Despite all the talk about getting "character" guys, character guys don't quit mid-game as I've watched the Falcons do at times, including Vick. At the very least, a good house-cleaning is definitely in order, and Parcells seems like a man for the job.I wonder tho, how the sideline skills would translate into front-office skills. Should be interesting, but if nothing else, it demonstrates that Blank is dead serious about building a winner, and willing to give up controls to make it happen.

 

[JHuber77]

They cant do any worse than they already have.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Rich McKay is officially

While this is ok for national PR, I'm not sure how good a move this is for the Falcons.

J

 

[jeter23]

Mike and Mike are reporting Parcells is on the verge of accepting a deal to run football operations for the Falcons.

 

[Kiddnets]

Parcells the VP is nowhere near Parcells the coach - lousy drafts for the Jets when he was here.

It gives the Falcons some credibility - not sure about stability with his track record - but I have a feeling he will be more stable in a VP job then a coaching gig.

Good hire for a down franchise...

 

[Bada Bing]

Parcells "Probably" to Accept

Some more details....As a Falcon fan I would love this.

 

[Jene Bramel]

All kinds of interesting defensive implications here.

1. Parcells loves the 3-4 and will apparently be a major player in the hiring of the coaching staff and GM.

2. Current defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer worked under Parcells in Dallas and set aside his 4-3 after a season to acquire enough 3-4 personnel. It's pretty unlikely that he'll be a member of the Falcon staff, but it's interesting anyway.

3. Two of the hottest candidates and already rumored potential head coaches, Bill Cowher and Mike Singletary, have experience coaching or over-seeing 3-4 schemes.

It'll be interesting to see how the Falcon defensive scheme shakes out if/when Parcells starts putting his fingerprints on the coaching staff and roster.

 

[PatrickT]

All kinds of interesting defensive implications here.1. Parcells loves the 3-4 and will apparently be a major player in the hiring of the coaching staff and GM.2. Current defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer worked under Parcells in Dallas and set aside his 4-3 after a season to acquire enough 3-4 personnel. It's pretty unlikely that he'll be a member of the Falcon staff, but it's interesting anyway.3. Two of the hottest candidates and already rumored potential head coaches, Bill Cowher and Mike Singletary, have experience coaching or over-seeing 3-4 schemes.It'll be interesting to see how the Falcon defensive scheme shakes out if/when Parcells starts putting his fingerprints on the coaching staff and roster.

You gotta figure Zimmer is gone. He was not successful running a 3-4 in Dallas, and should be somewhere that plays to his strengths. Sorry to see him go, I really liked him.Cowher has already said no, doubt Parcells changes his mind. Two over-bearing personalities like that can only clash. I do think this hardens the case for Singletary, a 3-4 guy, and new to head coaching, so he may seek out Parcell's advice rather than rebelling against it.I'm very nervous about a move to the 3-4 right now. This defense was pretty solid all year, despite the numbers, and were made to look bad by a hopelessly inept offense. Moving to a 3-4 is going to take more time than fixing the current 4-3, I would think.Again, my main fear is that Parcell's the front office guy != Parcell's the sidelines guy. Not voicing an opinion either way, just concerned about it, but I still think it's a good move on Blank's part and shows a commitment to winning while at the same time silencing critics who claim he has to have too much control over the team.

 

[JHuber77]

The Falcons have offered Bill Parcells a job as the team's vice president of football operations, according to Chris Mortensen and the NY Daily News.

"Under no circumstances is Bill Parcells ever going to return to the field," the Big Tuna said, showing that "retirement" hasn't slowed his use of the third person. "I think I probably will do it ... The job description is to be the football operations overseer ... I don't think there will be any major hangups." Parcells says he will hire a GM and a coach. And while the Falcons say they'd like to keep current GM Rich McKay in some role, look for the former Tampa executive to move on. San Francisco is a possibility.

Source: NY Daily News

looks like Dirty Birdies are gonna get some Big Tuna to munch on

 

[PatrickT]

AJC: Bill Parcells coached one team in the Super Bowl (New England) while negotiating with another (New York). That might be the only thing worse than being a quitter.

 

[Slinger]

While this is ok for national PR, I'm not sure how good a move this is for the Falcons.

Why not? He's not going to be with the Falcons for 10+ years, but he typically sticks with a team for 4/5 years, which is plenty enough time for him to work his magic. And like the poster mentioned above he always leave teams in much improved shape.The Falcons are an absolute mess and they need a proven leader who's also good at finding talent in key positions for his football team. Parcells can do both. He's done it before.As far as Rich McKay, he was great for the Buccaneers, but terrible for the Falcons. He needs to go.

 

[Jene Bramel]

All kinds of interesting defensive implications here.1. Parcells loves the 3-4 and will apparently be a major player in the hiring of the coaching staff and GM.2. Current defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer worked under Parcells in Dallas and set aside his 4-3 after a season to acquire enough 3-4 personnel. It's pretty unlikely that he'll be a member of the Falcon staff, but it's interesting anyway.3. Two of the hottest candidates and already rumored potential head coaches, Bill Cowher and Mike Singletary, have experience coaching or over-seeing 3-4 schemes.It'll be interesting to see how the Falcon defensive scheme shakes out if/when Parcells starts putting his fingerprints on the coaching staff and roster.

You gotta figure Zimmer is gone. He was not successful running a 3-4 in Dallas, and should be somewhere that plays to his strengths. Sorry to see him go, I really liked him.Cowher has already said no, doubt Parcells changes his mind. Two over-bearing personalities like that can only clash. I do think this hardens the case for Singletary, a 3-4 guy, and new to head coaching, so he may seek out Parcell's advice rather than rebelling against it.I'm very nervous about a move to the 3-4 right now. This defense was pretty solid all year, despite the numbers, and were made to look bad by a hopelessly inept offense. Moving to a 3-4 is going to take more time than fixing the current 4-3, I would think.Again, my main fear is that Parcell's the front office guy != Parcell's the sidelines guy. Not voicing an opinion either way, just concerned about it, but I still think it's a good move on Blank's part and shows a commitment to winning while at the same time silencing critics who claim he has to have too much control over the team.

I'd be very interesting to see a Singletary/Parcells match. The Falcons are closer to having enough 3-4 personnel than you might think -- Anderson could work as a 3-4 end and the team has four viable LBs (not including Demorrio) -- but Parcells has taken his time installing the scheme in the past. Singletary and Parcells have experience with different types of 3-4 schemes; if that marriage happens it'll be fun to see whose ideas win out.

 

[massraider]

I am very interested in which direction a Parcells-led team would go at coach.

PFT empties thir brain on the subject:

WHAT NEXT AFTER PARCELLS ARRIVES?

So with Bill Parcells reportedly poised to assume the position of "executive vice president" of the Atlanta Falcons, questions will arise regarding the persons whom Parcells might pursue to fill up the spots in the team's reconstituted front office.

Regarding the position of General Manager, the most intriguing possibility is Patriots' vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli, who also happens to be Parcells' son-in-law. Under league rules, however, Pioli most likely would not be able to exit his current contract with the Patriots unless he were in possession of final say over the composition of the roster and/or the coaching staff.

Another interesting possibility would be Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. In 2002, when Parcells was poised to become the coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tannenbaum arrived in Tampa to begin working as the Tuna's G.M. Although the Falcons would not be able to acquire Tannenbaum without the Jets being willing to let him walk, possible evidence of growing friction between Tannenbaum and coach Eric Mangini could make the Jets more inclined to let him go.

The other question relates to the identity of the next Falcons coach. There already has been considerable discussion regarding "Parcells guys" who might be available and/or interested in taking over the Falcons. Several of them, such as Sean Payton, Charlie Weis, and Bill Belichick, already have big-time jobs. Former Parcells assistants in Dallas who currently are not employed as head coaches include Cowboys assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tony Sparano, Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and current Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

As Chris Mortensen pointed out on ESPN's first take on Wednesday, the identity of the head coach will be largely influenced by the person whom Parcells hires to be the next G.M. If it were Pioli, for example, any of the various current New England assistant coaches would instantly be in play, such as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Likewise, those lingering rumors of Iowa's Kirk Ferentz waiting for Pioli to depart the Pats would likely be dusted off. (Given, however, the Falcons' most recent experiences with a college coach, it's highly unlikely that anyone from that level would be considered for the Falcons' job, even if by some Festivus miracle Knute Rockne pulled a Lazarus.)

The bottom line here is that Parcells will have many directions in which to go. In the end, however, look for Parcells to get to work in Atlanta with persons with whom he has some past working relationship -- and with a coach who'll be willing to cook the meal even though someone else is buying the groceries.

 

[Bada Bing]

While this is ok for national PR, I'm not sure how good a move this is for the Falcons.

Why not? He's not going to be with the Falcons for 10+ years, but he typically sticks with a team for 4/5 years, which is plenty enough time for him to work his magic. And like the poster mentioned above he always leave teams in much improved shape.The Falcons are an absolute mess and they need a proven leader who's also good at finding talent in key positions for his football team. Parcells can do both. He's done it before.

As far as Rich McKay, he was great for the Buccaneers, but terrible for the Falcons. He needs to go.

I think Rich McKay gets credit for the Tampa team when in fact Tim Ruskell was the driving force behind that team's success. Tim Ruskell

 

[Max Power]

Anyone else think the 2007 ATL season would make a great movie?

 

[teamroc]

1) Does this put Keyshawn back into play? He must be 2) Is Dallas on Atlanta's schedule next year?In all seriousness, Blank is depserate if he does this. The way Parcells ups and quits on teams has become a trend. Best of luck, Arthur.

He took an awful 5-11 team, and got them to the playoffs and now SB contender. I hope he does the same to ATL then leaves.

 

[PatrickT]

All kinds of interesting defensive implications here.

1. Parcells loves the 3-4 and will apparently be a major player in the hiring of the coaching staff and GM.

2. Current defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer worked under Parcells in Dallas and set aside his 4-3 after a season to acquire enough 3-4 personnel. It's pretty unlikely that he'll be a member of the Falcon staff, but it's interesting anyway.

3. Two of the hottest candidates and already rumored potential head coaches, Bill Cowher and Mike Singletary, have experience coaching or over-seeing 3-4 schemes.

It'll be interesting to see how the Falcon defensive scheme shakes out if/when Parcells starts putting his fingerprints on the coaching staff and roster.

You gotta figure Zimmer is gone. He was not successful running a 3-4 in Dallas, and should be somewhere that plays to his strengths. Sorry to see him go, I really liked him.Cowher has already said no, doubt Parcells changes his mind. Two over-bearing personalities like that can only clash. I do think this hardens the case for Singletary, a 3-4 guy, and new to head coaching, so he may seek out Parcell's advice rather than rebelling against it.

I'm very nervous about a move to the 3-4 right now. This defense was pretty solid all year, despite the numbers, and were made to look bad by a hopelessly inept offense. Moving to a 3-4 is going to take more time than fixing the current 4-3, I would think.

Again, my main fear is that Parcell's the front office guy != Parcell's the sidelines guy. Not voicing an opinion either way, just concerned about it, but I still think it's a good move on Blank's part and shows a commitment to winning while at the same time silencing critics who claim he has to have too much control over the team.

I'd be very interesting to see a Singletary/Parcells match. The Falcons are closer to having enough 3-4 personnel than you might think -- Anderson could work as a 3-4 end and the team has four viable LBs (not including Demorrio) -- but Parcells has taken his time installing the scheme in the past. Singletary and Parcells have experience with different types of 3-4 schemes; if that marriage happens it'll be fun to see whose ideas win out.

Curious about the bolded statement. What makes you say that? Size? Just don't like him as a player?Our current LB corps is built on speed rather than size, I was under the impression that size was more important for a LB in a 3-4. No?

 

[redman]

Rich McKay is officially While this is ok for national PR, I'm not sure how good a move this is for the Falcons.J

There's no way McKay sticks around IMHO. He'll have no power or prestige, and every success will be attributed to Parcells.

 

[massraider]

In all seriousness, Blank is depserate if he does this. The way Parcells ups and quits on teams has become a trend. Best of luck, Arthur.

No one knocks Parcells for bailing more than me, but taking an executive job is much less taxing, in almost every way, than an NFL head coaching gig. I could see him sticking around.He can get several jobs like this around the league, so I am guessing he likes the situation. I would too. There is talent in ATL.

If Blank is talking to him, he's planning on being completely hands-off, because obviously Parcells wouldn't stand for it.

I do wonder about getting a top coach there. Parcells over your shoulder might be OK, but the media would constantly bring it up. He would be a distraction.

 

[redman]

In all seriousness, Blank is depserate if he does this. The way Parcells ups and quits on teams has become a trend. Best of luck, Arthur.

No one knocks Parcells for bailing more than me, but taking an executive job is much less taxing, in almost every way, than an NFL head coaching gig. I could see him sticking around.He can get several jobs like this around the league, so I am guessing he likes the situation. I would too. There is talent in ATL.

If Blank is talking to him, he's planning on being completely hands-off, because obviously Parcells wouldn't stand for it.

I do wonder about getting a top coach there. Parcells over your shoulder might be OK, but the media would constantly bring it up. He would be a distraction.

Forget coach, what about a GM? Do you really think Parcells is not going to run that draft room?

 

[massraider]

All kinds of interesting defensive implications here.

1. Parcells loves the 3-4 and will apparently be a major player in the hiring of the coaching staff and GM.

2. Current defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer worked under Parcells in Dallas and set aside his 4-3 after a season to acquire enough 3-4 personnel. It's pretty unlikely that he'll be a member of the Falcon staff, but it's interesting anyway.

3. Two of the hottest candidates and already rumored potential head coaches, Bill Cowher and Mike Singletary, have experience coaching or over-seeing 3-4 schemes.

It'll be interesting to see how the Falcon defensive scheme shakes out if/when Parcells starts putting his fingerprints on the coaching staff and roster.

You gotta figure Zimmer is gone. He was not successful running a 3-4 in Dallas, and should be somewhere that plays to his strengths. Sorry to see him go, I really liked him.Cowher has already said no, doubt Parcells changes his mind. Two over-bearing personalities like that can only clash. I do think this hardens the case for Singletary, a 3-4 guy, and new to head coaching, so he may seek out Parcell's advice rather than rebelling against it.

I'm very nervous about a move to the 3-4 right now. This defense was pretty solid all year, despite the numbers, and were made to look bad by a hopelessly inept offense. Moving to a 3-4 is going to take more time than fixing the current 4-3, I would think.

Again, my main fear is that Parcell's the front office guy != Parcell's the sidelines guy. Not voicing an opinion either way, just concerned about it, but I still think it's a good move on Blank's part and shows a commitment to winning while at the same time silencing critics who claim he has to have too much control over the team.

I'd be very interesting to see a Singletary/Parcells match. The Falcons are closer to having enough 3-4 personnel than you might think -- Anderson could work as a 3-4 end and the team has four viable LBs (not including Demorrio) -- but Parcells has taken his time installing the scheme in the past. Singletary and Parcells have experience with different types of 3-4 schemes; if that marriage happens it'll be fun to see whose ideas win out.

Curious about the bolded statement. What makes you say that? Size? Just don't like him as a player?Our current LB corps is built on speed rather than size, I was under the impression that size was more important for a LB in a 3-4. No?

Yes, Vilma-David Harris in New York being example #1.With those LB's, Anderson and Abraham, and even the guys like Babineaux, that team is much better suited to a 4-3. I don't, admittedly, know the roster that well.

 

[teamroc]

Rich McKay is officially While this is ok for national PR, I'm not sure how good a move this is for the Falcons.J

McKay has largely been a bust. I've seen almost every Falcon game the last 6 years and follow them fairly closely. I would rate most of his drafts in the C-D range. Awful FA signings. The Falcons pretty much have questionable talent all over the field. DHall is a mix bag, Jimmy Williams has been more or less awful. Jenkins is a bust. Mora was an awful coach. Then he hires Petrino. What has McKay done? The Falcons are awful, and again no coach. 3rd coach in 3 years? Who's fault is that? Clearly it falls on McKay. The Falcons need to be blown up, and most of that is due to McKay and his lackluster football moves the last 3 years. Most of the success the Falcons had in the last 5 years was due to Vick running for his life making plays. They have no playmakers on either side of the ball and almost every draft pick has underperformed. As someone pointed out, McKay didn’t build the Bucs. He gets credit, but it’s fairly clear he wasn’t the genius behind all their success.Parcells turned around the Cowboys, had great drafts, and basically left Wade with a team loaded with talent poised for a SB run. When McKay leaves, he'll be leaving a huge mess that will take 2-3 years to recover from. Sure we can blame Vick, but Vick masked a lot of this teams problems with his play making. McKay is a smart guy, but he's horribly overrated as a GM.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I'd be very interesting to see a Singletary/Parcells match. The Falcons are closer to having enough 3-4 personnel than you might think -- Anderson could work as a 3-4 end and the team has four viable LBs (not including Demorrio) -- but Parcells has taken his time installing the scheme in the past. Singletary and Parcells have experience with different types of 3-4 schemes; if that marriage happens it'll be fun to see whose ideas win out.

Curious about the bolded statement. What makes you say that? Size? Just don't like him as a player?Our current LB corps is built on speed rather than size, I was under the impression that size was more important for a LB in a 3-4. No?

Way past speculating here, but it's too much fun. My guess is that the best current 3-4 alignment would be Abraham/Brooking/Nicholas/Boley. Williams has had enough trouble defending the run while being protected as a WLB, he'd get killed as a 3-4 ILB. And I don't think he's got enough pass rush skill to play ROLB. Nicholas would probably prove a better WILB. And, like the Cardinals did with Karlos Dansby, it might be best to stick your primary playmaker, Boley, in that role and go searching for another tweener to fill the other OLB slot.

The size-speed question is key in the Parcells-Singletary distinction. Parcells is an old school plugger type 3-4 coach -- think Pepper Johnson, Marvin Jones, Bradie James most recently. Speed helps, but size more important. Singletary, if he officially decides to pursue the Mike Nolan via Wade Phillips 3-4 school, might want more athletic players -- think Ray Lewis, Donnie Edwards, Patrick Willis most recently. Size helps (Lewis and Willis aren't small), but athleticism and mobility is a little more important -- Edwards was pretty successful at 228 in San Diego. As always, the NT (particularly) and DE will be key. You can get by with smaller and quicker players if the line holds blockers.

 

[massraider]

In all seriousness, Blank is depserate if he does this. The way Parcells ups and quits on teams has become a trend. Best of luck, Arthur.

No one knocks Parcells for bailing more than me, but taking an executive job is much less taxing, in almost every way, than an NFL head coaching gig. I could see him sticking around.He can get several jobs like this around the league, so I am guessing he likes the situation. I would too. There is talent in ATL.

If Blank is talking to him, he's planning on being completely hands-off, because obviously Parcells wouldn't stand for it.

I do wonder about getting a top coach there. Parcells over your shoulder might be OK, but the media would constantly bring it up. He would be a distraction.

Forget coach, what about a GM? Do you really think Parcells is not going to run that draft room?

Ha, I didn't even consider any other possibility.

 

[Fiddles]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

 

[Fiddles]

Rich McKay is officially While this is ok for national PR, I'm not sure how good a move this is for the Falcons.J

McKay has largely been a bust. I've seen almost every Falcon game the last 6 years and follow them fairly closely. I would rate most of his drafts in the C-D range. Awful FA signings. The Falcons pretty much have questionable talent all over the field. DHall is a mix bag, Jimmy Williams has been more or less awful. Jenkins is a bust. Mora was an awful coach. Then he hires Petrino. What has McKay done? The Falcons are awful, and again no coach. 3rd coach in 3 years? Who's fault is that? Clearly it falls on McKay. The Falcons need to be blown up, and most of that is due to McKay and his lackluster football moves the last 3 years. Most of the success the Falcons had in the last 5 years was due to Vick running for his life making plays. They have no playmakers on either side of the ball and almost every draft pick has underperformed. As someone pointed out, McKay didn’t build the Bucs. He gets credit, but it’s fairly clear he wasn’t the genius behind all their success.Parcells turned around the Cowboys, had great drafts, and basically left Wade with a team loaded with talent poised for a SB run. When McKay leaves, he'll be leaving a huge mess that will take 2-3 years to recover from. Sure we can blame Vick, but Vick masked a lot of this teams problems with his play making. McKay is a smart guy, but he's horribly overrated as a GM.

Nailed it

 

[Buckle]

Buy low on Julius Jones here in this situation?

 

[PatrickT]

Rich McKay is officially While this is ok for national PR, I'm not sure how good a move this is for the Falcons.J

McKay has largely been a bust. I've seen almost every Falcon game the last 6 years and follow them fairly closely. I would rate most of his drafts in the C-D range. Awful FA signings. The Falcons pretty much have questionable talent all over the field. DHall is a mix bag, Jimmy Williams has been more or less awful. Jenkins is a bust. Mora was an awful coach. Then he hires Petrino. What has McKay done? The Falcons are awful, and again no coach. 3rd coach in 3 years? Who's fault is that? Clearly it falls on McKay. The Falcons need to be blown up, and most of that is due to McKay and his lackluster football moves the last 3 years. Most of the success the Falcons had in the last 5 years was due to Vick running for his life making plays. They have no playmakers on either side of the ball and almost every draft pick has underperformed. As someone pointed out, McKay didn’t build the Bucs. He gets credit, but it’s fairly clear he wasn’t the genius behind all their success.Parcells turned around the Cowboys, had great drafts, and basically left Wade with a team loaded with talent poised for a SB run. When McKay leaves, he'll be leaving a huge mess that will take 2-3 years to recover from. Sure we can blame Vick, but Vick masked a lot of this teams problems with his play making. McKay is a smart guy, but he's horribly overrated as a GM.

Nailed it

Agree. Especially the coaching decisions.

 

[Lord of the Rings]

Bill Parcells is just what "THE DOLPHINS" need! Come on Huzienga pony up. Don't let him slip through your fingers.

 

[massraider]

PFT:

BLANK, TUNA FINALIZING DEAL

Adam Schefter of NFL network reports that Falcons owner Arthur Blank is in Saratoga, New York to finalize the terms of a contract with Bill Parcells.

Per multiple media reports, Parcells is expected to accept an offer to become executive vice president the Falcons. Despite the specific title, Parcells apparently would have full and complete control and authority over the football operation.

Several readers have inquired as to whether Blank can make such a hire without interviewing minority candidates. The so-called "Rooney Rule", however, applies only to the hiring of head coaches. The rule, which requires at least one face-to-face interview with a minority candidate, has not been extended to the hiring of key front office personnel.

With that said, the National Football League has encouraged teams to engage in inclusive and diverse search processes for the filling of key jobs, and the decision of the Falcons to focus exclusively on Parcells could result in a push to formally extend the Rooney rule beyond the position of head coach.

'

That bolded part is pretty much crap, IMO.

 

[Exile]

I just wonder now that Parcells will be just a front office guy, if he will let his coach "shop for some of the groceries"?

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

In all fairness to Mckay the other two caoches he has hired have been Gruden and Dungy...

 

[CravenM]

Parcells in Atlanta is a good thing. I think he knows how to help build teams and lead by strength.

The 2006 Falcons weren't bad but the whole team needs offensive and defensive discipline. The team needs a new journeyman QB, better use of available talent (Jerious Norwood, Alge Crumpler and the WRs) and healthy OLineman (lost 6 this year I think).

The team is probably only win 3 games this year but I don't think the cupboard is bare.

 

[redman]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

Aside from a stupidly public flirtation with UW (that I'm not even sure was serious) what was the problem with Mora?

 

[burd]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

actually, Petrino was Blank's call. McKay wanted Singletary but Blank vetoed his choice and offered the job to Petrino. You are correct in that Mora was McKay's choice

 

[PatrickT]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

actually, Petrino was Blank's call. McKay wanted Singletary but Blank vetoed his choice and offered the job to Petrino. You are correct in that Mora was McKay's choice

You have that backwards. McKay talked him into Petrino, by all reports I've read. Also, someone said Dungy and Gruden were McKay's hires and I don't think that's right. I'm pretty sure McKay wanted Marvin Lewis instead of Gruden, and somebody else over the Dungy.

 

[PatrickT]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

Aside from a stupidly public flirtation with UW (that I'm not even sure was serious) what was the problem with Mora?

Absolutely no discipline whatsoever. He also had a stubborn loyalty to Knapp when Knapp's offense wasn't working. He couldn't make the tough decisions to better the team. He basically took Reeves team to an NFC title game, and then proceeded to have a .500 season and a sub .500 season where the players just plain ole quit, pure and simple.Which is really too bad, I really liked Mora when he came on, and wish he had worked out. He may have learned some lessons to become a good HC in the future.I heard the interview on the UW thing, and it didn't sound like a joke to me.

 

[redman]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

Aside from a stupidly public flirtation with UW (that I'm not even sure was serious) what was the problem with Mora?

Absolutely no discipline whatsoever. He also had a stubborn loyalty to Knapp when Knapp's offense wasn't working. He couldn't make the tough decisions to better the team. He basically took Reeves team to an NFC title game, and then proceeded to have a .500 season and a sub .500 season where the players just plain ole quit, pure and simple.Which is really too bad, I really liked Mora when he came on, and wish he had worked out. He may have learned some lessons to become a good HC in the future.I heard the interview on the UW thing, and it didn't sound like a joke to me.

You know your team better than I do, so thanks. That's why I asked. BTW, you're judging the hiring of Mora in hindsight- was it so obvious that he would fail when hired that McKay deserves blame for it?

 

[PatrickT]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

Aside from a stupidly public flirtation with UW (that I'm not even sure was serious) what was the problem with Mora?

Absolutely no discipline whatsoever. He also had a stubborn loyalty to Knapp when Knapp's offense wasn't working. He couldn't make the tough decisions to better the team. He basically took Reeves team to an NFC title game, and then proceeded to have a .500 season and a sub .500 season where the players just plain ole quit, pure and simple.Which is really too bad, I really liked Mora when he came on, and wish he had worked out. He may have learned some lessons to become a good HC in the future.I heard the interview on the UW thing, and it didn't sound like a joke to me.

You know your team better than I do, so thanks. That's why I asked. BTW, you're judging the hiring of Mora in hindsight- was it so obvious that he would fail when hired that McKay deserves blame for it?

It's a good question. And I think you make a good point. A lot of people throughout the NFL thought it was a really good hire, as did I. But I suppose the point could be made that McKay is paid to be a better prognosticator than me.

 

[redman]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

Aside from a stupidly public flirtation with UW (that I'm not even sure was serious) what was the problem with Mora?

Absolutely no discipline whatsoever. He also had a stubborn loyalty to Knapp when Knapp's offense wasn't working. He couldn't make the tough decisions to better the team. He basically took Reeves team to an NFC title game, and then proceeded to have a .500 season and a sub .500 season where the players just plain ole quit, pure and simple.Which is really too bad, I really liked Mora when he came on, and wish he had worked out. He may have learned some lessons to become a good HC in the future.I heard the interview on the UW thing, and it didn't sound like a joke to me.

You know your team better than I do, so thanks. That's why I asked. BTW, you're judging the hiring of Mora in hindsight- was it so obvious that he would fail when hired that McKay deserves blame for it?

It's a good question. And I think you make a good point. A lot of people throughout the NFL thought it was a really good hire, as did I. But I suppose the point could be made that McKay is paid to be a better prognosticator than me.

Hey, my team has a more egregious recent example in Steve Spurrier, who most thought was a very inspired hire at the time. I personally am in favor of aiming for unknowns (untried assistants, college coaches, etc.) if you're really trying to build something, as they're the ones who tend to leave a mark when they work out. I think your team needs a veteran right now to straighten things out though, and I'm still trying to figure out why Schottenheimer's phone is not ringing (won't happen with Parcells there though).

 

[eddiezz74]

per ESPNNEWS, Parcells and the Falcons are "no longer talking".

 

[yellowdog]

Per Adam Schein, Sirius NFL Radio, Parcells is NOT going to Atlanta.

 

[PatrickT]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

Aside from a stupidly public flirtation with UW (that I'm not even sure was serious) what was the problem with Mora?

Absolutely no discipline whatsoever. He also had a stubborn loyalty to Knapp when Knapp's offense wasn't working. He couldn't make the tough decisions to better the team. He basically took Reeves team to an NFC title game, and then proceeded to have a .500 season and a sub .500 season where the players just plain ole quit, pure and simple.Which is really too bad, I really liked Mora when he came on, and wish he had worked out. He may have learned some lessons to become a good HC in the future.I heard the interview on the UW thing, and it didn't sound like a joke to me.

You know your team better than I do, so thanks. That's why I asked. BTW, you're judging the hiring of Mora in hindsight- was it so obvious that he would fail when hired that McKay deserves blame for it?

It's a good question. And I think you make a good point. A lot of people throughout the NFL thought it was a really good hire, as did I. But I suppose the point could be made that McKay is paid to be a better prognosticator than me.

Hey, my team has a more egregious recent example in Steve Spurrier, who most thought was a very inspired hire at the time. I personally am in favor of aiming for unknowns (untried assistants, college coaches, etc.) if you're really trying to build something, as they're the ones who tend to leave a mark when they work out. I think your team needs a veteran right now to straighten things out though, and I'm still trying to figure out why Schottenheimer's phone is not ringing (won't happen with Parcells there though).

Yeah, we need stability right now, and some credibility to FAs that we're serious about building a winner. That's happens when parcells signs. I've waffled back and forth between Marty and Singletary as my 2nd choice behind Cowher, who isn't biting.

 

[yellowdog]

Yeah, we need stability right now, and some credibility to FAs that we're serious about building a winner. That's happens when parcells signs. I've waffled back and forth between Marty and Singletary as my 2nd choice behind Cowher, who isn't biting.

Read the two posts directly above yours.

 

[PatrickT]

After reaching an agreement to become executive vice president of the Falcons a day earlier, Bill Parcells backed out of the deal Wednesday, according to team owner Arthur Blank.

http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/sports/...snews_1219.html

This organization is more F'd up than a soup sandwich.

 

[teamroc]

Regardless of how the Parcells thing works out McKay leaving is a big plus. Petrino was his guy and so was Mora.

Aside from a stupidly public flirtation with UW (that I'm not even sure was serious) what was the problem with Mora?

Absolutely no discipline whatsoever. He also had a stubborn loyalty to Knapp when Knapp's offense wasn't working. He couldn't make the tough decisions to better the team. He basically took Reeves team to an NFC title game, and then proceeded to have a .500 season and a sub .500 season where the players just plain ole quit, pure and simple.Which is really too bad, I really liked Mora when he came on, and wish he had worked out. He may have learned some lessons to become a good HC in the future.I heard the interview on the UW thing, and it didn't sound like a joke to me.

You know your team better than I do, so thanks. That's why I asked. BTW, you're judging the hiring of Mora in hindsight- was it so obvious that he would fail when hired that McKay deserves blame for it?

It's a good question. And I think you make a good point. A lot of people throughout the NFL thought it was a really good hire, as did I. But I suppose the point could be made that McKay is paid to be a better prognosticator than me.

Hey, my team has a more egregious recent example in Steve Spurrier, who most thought was a very inspired hire at the time. I personally am in favor of aiming for unknowns (untried assistants, college coaches, etc.) if you're really trying to build something, as they're the ones who tend to leave a mark when they work out. I think your team needs a veteran right now to straighten things out though, and I'm still trying to figure out why Schottenheimer's phone is not ringing (won't happen with Parcells there though).

You do have a point. Listen every move McKay made, had some kind of sound football reasoning behind it. It's no fool. That's not up for discussion.But if you look at the coaches, the draft picks, the FA moves, the team needs to be blown up. The team is out of control, the draft picks are busts, they have no QB. The secondary sucks, the LBs are iffy at best. JA is a big time player. He's always hurt or gimpy and I question how much he's helped. You can go over all the moves, top to bottom, and it just hasn't worked. No one is an idiot. No one is dumb. Blank is a very smart man. McKay is a very smart man. It just hasn't worked out. It's time for a change, time for a new direction.So I don't think we need to go over every move McKay has made. Look at the team, the talent, the coaches, the QB. And the answers are all there. Parcells is a HUGE boost to the franchise. New direction under a guy who is a proven winner (in recent history, unlike Gibbs). Dallas is STACKED. They were an awful team before he showed up. Now they are the best team in the NFC.