ESPN Reporting That Mora Is Fired.

Ben E Lou · 01-01-2007, 12:14 PM

Press Conference scheduled at Flowery Branch, with Blank and McKay speaking...

The Falcons have called an afternoon press conference at their Flowery Branch team headquarters. Expected to speak are Owner Arthur Blank and GM Rich McKay.

Joe · 01-01-2007, 12:16 PM

Welcome to Alabama, Mr. Mora

Ben E Lou · 01-01-2007, 12:17 PM

They just updated AtlantaFalcons.com

The Atlanta Falcons have released Head Coach Jim Mora from his contract, effective immediately, the club announced Monday.

Watch Jim Mora's LIVE press conference NOWn | Fan Reaction to Mora's release

duckman · 01-01-2007, 12:20 PM

At least he can campaign for the Washington Huskies head coach position.

Raiders Army · 01-01-2007, 12:21 PM

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/ATL/9901769

Quote:

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (Jan. 1, 2007) -- Atlanta fired coach Jim Mora on Monday, just two years after he led the Falcons to the NFC championship game.

The decision to dump the fiery coach followed two straight disappointing seasons. The Falcons lost six of their final eight games in 2005 to miss the playoffs, and they finished 7-9 this season by losing seven of the last nine contests.

Owner Arthur Blank made the announcement at the team's suburban training complex.

Everybody gets what they want! It's like Christmas a week later!

JonInMiddleGA · 01-01-2007, 12:22 PM

Now Blank will make another brilliant decision & hire Denny Green.

duckman · 01-01-2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Now Blank will make another brilliant decision & hire Denny Green.

Denny would be a perfect fit for the Falcons!

*ducks*

miami_fan · 01-01-2007, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Now Blank will make another brilliant decision & hire Denny Green.

Funny since they were saying that Blank wanted to make a big splash and was making sure he had a good chance at Mora's replacement before he fired Mora.

biological warrior · 01-01-2007, 12:28 PM

Now, what are the grounds for firing Mora?

Ben E Lou · 01-01-2007, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raiders Army

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/ATL/9901769

Everybody gets what they want! It's like Christmas a week later!

Blank gave us this for late Christmas. Now, if McKay will give us Calvin Johnson for late Easter, I'll be a happy, happy man.

cougarfreak · 01-01-2007, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biological warrior

Now, what are the grounds for firing Mora?

He's not real smart. And his QB sucks. He's been called a coach killer.

GrantDawg · 01-01-2007, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cougarfreak

He's not real smart. And his QB sucks. He's been called a coach killer.

Mora's "coach killer" was his mouth. If he hadn't made the comments about the Washington job, I think he might still be employed. That "joke" was the final staw.

Dutch · 01-01-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Mora's "coach killer" was his mouth. If he hadn't made the comments about the Washington job, I think he might still be employed. That "joke" was the final staw.

I'll bet McKay is hoping Tony Dungy leaves Indy this year.

hoosierdude · 01-01-2007, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch

I'll bet McKay is hoping Tony Dungy leaves Indy this year.

Well if they want an underachieving defense, and a coach that is unwilling to make changes when it is plainly obvious that what is being used isn't working now, Atlanta is free to take him.

Watch Dungy lead the Colts to the Super Bowl now that I said that.

Greyroofoo · 01-01-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoosierdude

Well if they want an underachieving defense, and a coach that is unwilling to make changes when it is plainly obvious that what is being used isn't working now, Atlanta is free to take him.

Watch Dungy lead the Colts to the Super Bowl now that I said that.

The Colts are the winningest team in the last 5 years,

DAMN YOU DUNGY!

Easy Mac · 01-01-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyroofoo

The Colts are the winningest team in the last 5 years,

DAMN YOU DUNGY!

You silly fool... 16 games a year isn't big enough to get a sample size of a team and coaches ability. All that matters is the larger sample size of 1 playoff game. Its the same thing in baseball. 162 games doesn't matter, only 7 (see the Braves).

Logan · 01-01-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biological warrior

Now, what are the grounds for firing Mora?

Probably because he's white.

Tekneek · 01-01-2007, 07:19 PM

More of the same from the Falcons, if you look at the history of the franchise. Nothing has changed under Arthur Blank compared to the past. Not saying they needed to keep Mora for sure, but firing the guy without knowing you've got a definite improvement about to be signed is typical of a franchise that never really goes anywhere. I hope they do prove me wrong and surprise everyone with a great choice of a proven/established/successful coach.

JonInMiddleGA · 01-01-2007, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekneek

... but firing the guy without knowing you've got a definite improvement about to be signed ...

Then again, I see zero reason to hope for any improvement if you don't make this move. A new coach is certainly no guarantee of success or even improvement, but keeping this one was a virtual guarantee of continued mediocrity.

Atocep · 01-01-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biological warrior

Now, what are the grounds for firing Mora?

Highest payroll in the NFL this year and 2nd highest in NFL history got them a 7-9 record.

Deattribution · 01-01-2007, 11:43 PM

I'd like you Falcon's fans to know that the states of Washington, South Dakota and Montana do not endorse this firing according to Sportsnation, I bet you're having second thoughts now! ha! Jokes on you!

QuikSand · 01-02-2007, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atocep

Highest payroll in the NFL

Spare me, the NFL is not about payroll.

And I tend to think PECOTA is kinda backwards myself. *shurg*

Atocep · 01-02-2007, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuikSand

Spare me, the NFL is not about payroll.

No, its not about payroll in the sense that baseball is, but they put themselves in a position cap-wise where they need to win now or they'll be back to rebuilding. However, they aren't winning now and Arthur Blank's $111 million ended with a losing record. I'm sure he'd like a better return on his investment. So I'm sorry, but their payroll did play a role in his firing.

Tekneek · 01-02-2007, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Then again, I see zero reason to hope for any improvement if you don't make this move. A new coach is certainly no guarantee of success or even improvement, but keeping this one was a virtual guarantee of continued mediocrity.

I'm sure that was the theory behind the firing of all the other coaches who were tossed in the history of the franchise as well. What did we get out of that? More of the same. I will continue to be skeptical until the results show up. How about two winning seasons in a row for the first time in franchise history. Let's see if he can bring in somebody that will deliver that franchise first before we get too celebratory.

WSUCougar · 01-02-2007, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekneek

What did we get out of that? More of the same.

I might have gone with "Mora the same" there myself.

QuikSand · 01-02-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atocep

No, its not about payroll in the sense that baseball is, but they put themselves in a position cap-wise where they need to win now or they'll be back to rebuilding. However, they aren't winning now and Arthur Blank's $111 million ended with a losing record. I'm sure he'd like a better return on his investment. So I'm sorry, but their payroll did play a role in his firing.

But if the payroll is the issue, then it's about guaranteed payroll, unusually-structured contracts, a contract-driven
window of opportunity," and that sort of thing. It's not that they are spending more money on their players then other teams, and demand results for the investment. Withint fairly modest shades of difference, NFL teams basically pay their players about the same amount.

I just don't think it makes any sense to talk about "high payroll" in the NFL as if it were a compelling factor like it is with, say, baseball. In baseball, teams make wildly different commitments to player payroll, and justifiably alter their expectations accordingly. In football, that simply isn't a serious issue.

21C · 01-02-2007, 07:51 AM

I always thought that Mora got too much credit for his 11-5 debut season in 2004. Dan Reeves got fired in 2003 after Vick broke his leg in the preseason. The Falcons were considered to be contenders before the season but ended up 5-11 relying on Doug Johnson at QB for most of the year.

miami_fan · 01-02-2007, 08:06 AM

Well Falcon fans where do they go from here? From what I have heard they want an proven head coach. A big name.

albionmoonlight · 01-02-2007, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atocep

No, its not about payroll in the sense that baseball is, but they put themselves in a position cap-wise where they need to win now or they'll be back to rebuilding. However, they aren't winning now and Arthur Blank's $111 million ended with a losing record. I'm sure he'd like a better return on his investment. So I'm sorry, but their payroll did play a role in his firing.

You don't sound sorry.

wbatl1 · 01-02-2007, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekneek

More of the same from the Falcons, if you look at the history of the franchise. Nothing has changed under Arthur Blank compared to the past. Not saying they needed to keep Mora for sure, but firing the guy without knowing you've got a definite improvement about to be signed is typical of a franchise that never really goes anywhere. I hope they do prove me wrong and surprise everyone with a great choice of a proven/established/successful coach.

Like Denny Green?

If we hire Denny Green, I will no longer support the Falcons. Period.

Tekneek · 01-02-2007, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbatl1

Like Denny Green?

If we hire Denny Green, I will no longer support the Falcons. Period.

Definitely not Denny.

The Falcons under Arthur Blank are just like the Falcons under Rankin Smith so far.

gstelmack · 01-02-2007, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyroofoo

The Colts are the winningest team in the last 5 years,

DAMN YOU DUNGY!

I'll take the Patriots' 3 Super Bowl Rings thank-you very much

Actually, the likelihood is more that Dungy leaves and the next coach wins a Super Bowl for them. See: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

wbatl1 · 01-02-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekneek

Definitely not Denny.

They need to pull a rabbit out of a hat this time. The Falcons under Arthur Blank are just like the Falcons under Rankin Smith so far.

In a way. Arthur has at least is concerned with winning and has tried hard to bring good players to Atlanta and has paid all the bills plus some. His coaches and general manager have just wasted many of his efforts. The Smiths (at least in the later years) didn't put any effort into building the franchise in terms of courting free agents, upgrading facilities, ect.

Tekneek · 01-02-2007, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbatl1

In a way. Arthur has at least is concerned with winning and has tried hard to bring good players to Atlanta and has paid all the bills plus some. His coaches and general manager have just wasted many of his efforts. The Smiths (at least in the later years) didn't put any effort into building the franchise in terms of courting free agents, upgrading facilities, ect.

It hasn't made much difference on the field in results up to this point. I was just frustrated. He has been more involved than Rankin Smith, who was an absentee owner...but it has not translated into a meaningful change in performance. They've got to get a coach that can stay here for a while and be successful. The revolving door policy is getting old.

Kodos · 01-02-2007, 10:56 AM

It seems like Blank has his heart in the right place, but is becoming Dan Snyder, Jr.

wbatl1 · 01-02-2007, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tekneek

It hasn't made much difference on the field in results up to this point. I was just frustrated. He has been more involved than Rankin Smith, who was an absentee owner...but it has not translated into a meaningful change in performance. They've got to get a coach that can stay here for a while and be successful. The revolving door policy is getting old.

And I feel the exact same sentiments, which is why I said "In a way." Arthur is doing the right things, but it is not leading to the right results...

flere-imsaho · 01-02-2007, 11:37 AM

This is going to sound like hindsight, but I originally thought, when Mora was hired, that it was an odd choice. Here you have the game's biggest conundrum of an offensive player (Vick), and you're bringing in a coach with no head coaching experience and what experience he does have is on the defensive side of the ball.

In the other thread we talked about how it would be good/nice/whatever if the Falcons had someone either at HC or OC who was both willing and capable to devise and implement a novel offensive plan that took Vick's unique talents into account. We'll see what happens.

wade moore · 01-02-2007, 11:39 AM

Do Falcons fans have a dream hire here? The only people I can think of that seem like big name great fits seem pretty much impossible to get (Weis comes to mind for instance).

wbatl1 · 01-02-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wade moore

Do Falcons fans have a dream hire here? The only people I can think of that seem like big name great fits seem pretty much impossible to get (Weis comes to mind for instance).

No, I don't think so. I think everybody was just upset with the utter failures of the previous administration and wanted the coach, at least part of the problem, out. I think most folks would like to see an offensive coach, but I don't think there is anyone who the fans would kill for.

wade moore · 01-02-2007, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbatl1

No, I don't think so. I think everybody was just upset with the utter failures of the previous administration and wanted the coach, at least part of the problem, out. I think most folks would like to see an offensive coach, but I don't think there is anyone who the fans would kill for.

The Boise St. coach would sure seem to be a trendy "innovative" coach..

Cringer · 01-02-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

In the other thread we talked about how it would be good/nice/whatever if the Falcons had someone either at HC or OC who was both willing and capable to devise and implement a novel offensive plan that took Vick's unique talents into account. We'll see what happens.

They should hire Mike Martz.

Butter · 01-02-2007, 12:19 PM

Frank Beamer

st.cronin · 01-02-2007, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

Frank Beamer

My first thought as well.

Pumpy Tudors · 01-02-2007, 12:31 PM

I'm going to go out on a very, very distant limb and say that they'll bring back Art Shell.

Ksyrup · 01-02-2007, 12:40 PM

I hear Jeff Bowden is looking for a job...

wbatl1 · 01-02-2007, 12:46 PM

No, I'd say that Rich McKay is watching the Pittsburgh situation very, very closely...

rkmsuf · 01-02-2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbatl1

No, I'd say that Rich McKay is watching the Pittsburgh situation very, very closely...

so like the falcons are going with a player coach next year while cowher sits out?

stevew · 01-02-2007, 12:59 PM

Whiz won't get the Pittsburgh HC job, so I think he will be an excellent choice for ATL.

rkmsuf · 01-02-2007, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

Whiz won't get the Pittsburgh HC job, so I think he will be an excellent choice for ATL.

ah forgot about the whiz. nobody beats him.

Pumpy Tudors · 01-02-2007, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevew

Whiz won't get the Pittsburgh HC job, so I think he will be an excellent choice for ATL.

How did Onterrio Smith get involved in this?

01-01-2007, 12:17 PM	#3
Ben E Lou Morgado's Favorite Forum Fascist Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Greensboro, NC	They just updated AtlantaFalcons.com The Atlanta Falcons have released Head Coach Jim Mora from his contract, effective immediately, the club announced Monday. Watch Jim Mora's LIVE press conference NOWn \| Fan Reaction to Mora's release __________________ The media don't understand the kinds of problems and pressures 54 million come wit'!

01-01-2007, 12:22 PM	#6
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	Now Blank will make another brilliant decision & hire Denny Green. __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

01-01-2007, 07:19 PM	#18
Tekneek Pro Rookie Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: USA	More of the same from the Falcons, if you look at the history of the franchise. Nothing has changed under Arthur Blank compared to the past. Not saying they needed to keep Mora for sure, but firing the guy without knowing you've got a definite improvement about to be signed is typical of a franchise that never really goes anywhere. I hope they do prove me wrong and surprise everyone with a great choice of a proven/established/successful coach. Last edited by Tekneek : 01-01-2007 at 07:22 PM.

01-02-2007, 08:06 AM	#28
miami_fan Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Land O Lakes FL	Well Falcon fans where do they go from here? From what I have heard they want an proven head coach. A big name. __________________ "Do not be indifferent in the face of historical lies. Do not be indifferent when you see the past being exploited for the needs of contemporary politics. Do not be indifferent when any minority suffers discrimination. For it's the essence of democracy that the majority wields the power, but at the same time, the rights of the minority must be respected." Marian Turski- former prisoner of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camp

01-02-2007, 12:19 PM	#42
Butter Coordinator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dayton, OH	Frank Beamer __________________ My listening habits

01-01-2007, 12:16 PM	#2
Joe Pro Starter Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Minneapolis	Welcome to Alabama, Mr. Mora

01-01-2007, 12:28 PM	#9
biological warrior High School Varsity Join Date: Dec 2005	Now, what are the grounds for firing Mora?

01-01-2007, 11:43 PM	#21
Deattribution College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2003	I'd like you Falcon's fans to know that the states of Washington, South Dakota and Montana do not endorse this firing according to Sportsnation, I bet you're having second thoughts now! ha! Jokes on you!

01-02-2007, 07:51 AM	#27
21C College Prospect Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Newcastle, Australia	I always thought that Mora got too much credit for his 11-5 debut season in 2004. Dan Reeves got fired in 2003 after Vick broke his leg in the preseason. The Falcons were considered to be contenders before the season but ended up 5-11 relying on Doug Johnson at QB for most of the year.

01-02-2007, 10:56 AM	#35
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	It seems like Blank has his heart in the right place, but is becoming Dan Snyder, Jr.

01-02-2007, 11:37 AM	#37
flere-imsaho Coordinator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Chicagoland	This is going to sound like hindsight, but I originally thought, when Mora was hired, that it was an odd choice. Here you have the game's biggest conundrum of an offensive player (Vick), and you're bringing in a coach with no head coaching experience and what experience he does have is on the defensive side of the ball. In the other thread we talked about how it would be good/nice/whatever if the Falcons had someone either at HC or OC who was both willing and capable to devise and implement a novel offensive plan that took Vick's unique talents into account. We'll see what happens.

01-02-2007, 12:31 PM	#44
Pumpy Tudors Bounty Hunter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	I'm going to go out on a very, very distant limb and say that they'll bring back Art Shell. __________________ No, I am not Batman, and I will not repair your food processor.

01-02-2007, 12:40 PM	#45
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	I hear Jeff Bowden is looking for a job... __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

01-02-2007, 12:46 PM	#46
wbatl1 High School Varsity Join Date: Jun 2003	No, I'd say that Rich McKay is watching the Pittsburgh situation very, very closely... __________________ wbatl1

01-02-2007, 12:59 PM	#48
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Whiz won't get the Pittsburgh HC job, so I think he will be an excellent choice for ATL.

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