The Atlanta Falcons have named defensive backs coach Emmitt Thomas their interim head coach, Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting.Thomas was a defensive back for the Kansas City Chiefs for 13 years, and his name has been in the news recently because he's a finalist to be inducted in next year's Pro Football Hall of Fame class. He has never been a head coach before.
The Falcons are expected to begin a major coaching search after the season and are not likely to hire the 64-year-old Thomas on a permanent basis, although if the Falcons come alive and go 3-0 with Thomas after going 3-10 with Bobby Petrino, it would be hard to deny him the job.
Thomas has been an assistant coach in Atlanta since 2002. He's one of the few assistants on the Falcons' staff who was already with the club before Petrino was hired, which may be part of the reason that Falcons owner Arthur Blank chose him to finish the year.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-12-2007 @ 12:38PM
Sue Carpenter said...
That coach Bobby whoever should be forgotten for good. Atlanta should bounce back. Just keep the faith. Thanks
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12-12-2007 @ 4:00PM
Bentley said...
Emmett Thomas was my role model when I played H.S. and college ball. I wore the same number 18. He was and outstanding - pro bowl - defensive back. He deserve a shot at being the head coach. God Bless him!
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12-13-2007 @ 3:39AM
TheNeonDon said...
Thomas is not likely to be hired.... unless he goes three and oh and then maybe??????????? That makes no sense. That's like saying if Joey Harrington can win three or four games as the Falcons' starting quarterback, he could remain the starting quarterback. Well, he DID...but he's NOT the starting quarterback any more. Get the picture? Three wins, in a row or other wise, do NOT determine whether a guy gets the permanent coaching job or the starting QB job or any other job...permanently. Such dumb logic..or better yet, lack of logic in that post.
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