Following the Falcons miserable start, Arthur Blank did not overreact and start firing personnel in the middle of the season. He remained calm and said he was looking for improvement over the second half of the year.
Well, if improvement is what he wanted, that’s what he received in the form of a 5-2 record since the team’s bye week with a chance to go 6-2 this Sunday against the Bucs. The Falcons offense and defense have completely turned themselves around – thanks in large part to the decisions Quinn made in altering the coaching staff. And as a result, the Falcons will be holding onto both their head coach and Thomas Dimitroff for the 2020 season.
BREAKING NEWS: GM Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Dan Quinn to return in 2020.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 27, 2019
There are two primary reasons for this decision.
First off, Blank is fond of Quinn. Letting go of him was always going to be more difficult than firing a guy like Mike Smith, who received a much longer leash than Quinn has thus far. Blank believes in his head coach and knows he is capable of taking this team to an elite level. Because after all, he’s done it before, not too long ago.
Secondly, Blank talks about continuity and not wanting to start from scratch. He says continuity is not always a good thing but mentioned the second half of the season and the improvements the Falcons made. Blank believes this type of play is sustainable heading into 2020, which is why Quinn will get at least one more season to prove himself.
After the 5-2 end to the campaign, it’s no surprise Blank decided to hang on to Thomas Dimitroff as well. While there were questions about the roster he put together after the team’s 1-7 start, this turnaround proves the Falcons have the necessary talent to thrive in this league, which is Dimitroff’s job to its core.
We will have plenty of more coverage on this as well as reactions from good to bad, but for now, enjoy your Friday morning knowing that Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff will be around for at least one more year.