The Atlanta Falcons have had one of the most disappointing seasons of any team in the NFL, as they missed the playoffs with an 8-8 record after starting the season 5-0. The Falcons clearly have top-tier talent on their roster and were the only team to beat the Carolina Panthers this regular season. Many thought changes could be coming to the front office after their collapse this season, but Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement on Friday regarding his commitment to both head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff.
"My commitment to our fans is to put the best possible product on the field each year. No one is satisfied with an 8-8 record, but I am very pleased with the direction of our team under the leadership of Dan Quinn and confident in his long-term approach. No question, we took some positive steps forward this year and have a good foundation our existing coaching staff can build upon," Blank said in his statement, via the Falcons' team website.
"Over the last week, we have conducted an exhaustive review of every area of our team. Through this process it has become very clear to me that Coach Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff have build a productive working relationship over the last 11 months. There is very good alignment between Dan and Thomas on the direction we need to go to improve our team and I believe maintaining the continuity of that relationship, with Scott Pioli continuing to assist Thomas, is the right way forward."
Blank stated that the organization will make multiple changes to their pro personnel and college scouting departments and will try to align these groups with a shared vision of both Quinn and Dimitroff. Quinn truly never felt like he was in jeopardy of losing his job in his first season in Atlanta, but reports had surfaced that Dimitroff was on the hot seat this season and was in jeopardy of losing his job.
The Falcons clearly have talented playmakers on the field, and star wide receiver Julio Jones led the entire NFL with 1,871 receiving yards this regular season. The Falcons offense produced on the field this season, but their defense struggled, finishing the regular season ranked 16th in terms of yards allowed per game.
The Falcons signed Dan Quinn to a five-year deal to turn their franchise around and to bring a dominant defense to Atlanta. The former Seahawks defensive coordinator reportedly went to Atlanta because of Dimitroff, and it will be interesting to follow what moves they make this offseason to improve their defense.
