Posted on 12/10/2003 7:02:56 AM PST by TheBigB
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons fired Dan Reeves on Wednesday, dismissing the sixth-winningest coach in NFL history with three games left in a disappointing season.
Dan Reeves Broncos, Giants, Falcons 201 Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will take over as head coach for the rest of the season, according to the Falcons' team Web site.
The Falcons scheduled a morning news conference to announce the stunning move. Reeves had one year left on his contract.
According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Reeves met with owner Arthur Blank on Tuesday night, and Blank informed Reeves that he intended to hire a new head coach before next season.
Reeves responded that if Blank was going to fire him, Blank should do it immediately.
Reeves' job security had been a subject of speculation as the Falcons fell from the playoffs a year ago to one of the worst teams in the league after quarterback Michael Vick was hurt in the preseason.
Still, the timing of the move was curious, coming only three days after the Falcons (3-10) defeated Carolina 20-14 in overtime in Vick's first start of the season.
Reeves began the season with his 199th career victory, the Falcons winning 27-13 in Dallas.
Atlanta then lost seven in a row before Reeves finally got his 200th win at New York against the Giants on Nov. 9. Afterward, he said, "It's great. But when you've lost seven in a row, it was all about trying to get them to win No. 2."
Vick broke his right leg in the preseason, exposing the Falcons as a one-man team. Initially expected to be out 6 to 10 weeks, the third-year quarterback's rehabilitation dragged on for 3½ months.
At one point, there appeared to be a rift between player and coach. Reeves said Vick needed to get back on the field; Vick responded that he wouldn't play until he was fully recovered.
Vick played the final two series in a Nov. 30 loss to Houston, then finally made his first start last weekend. He rushed for 141 yards -- the third-highest total by a quarterback in NFL history -- and finally brought a little hope to a dismal season.
But Reeves won't be around for the rest of it. He leaves with a career record of 201-174-2, including the playoffs.
Only Don Shula, George Halas, Tom Landry, Curly Lambeau and Chuck Noll won more NFL games.
Reeves: "I dare you!"
Blank: "Okay."
The very fact that Michael Vick single-handedly beat one of the best teams in the NFL (the Carolina Panthers) last Monday night speaks volumes on why Dan Reeves had trouble with his team--if Vick had been healthy this season the Falcons could have been seriously contending for a playoff spot.
I think he holds the number one spot for that stat too.
"The very fact that Michael Vick single-handedly beat one of the best teams in the NFL (the Carolina Panthers) last Monday night speaks volumes on why Dan Reeves had trouble with his team--if Vick had been healthy this season the Falcons could have been seriously contending for a playoff spot."
I know some people that work at the Georgia dome. Reeves lost this team during the redskins game. Blank had no choice.
I am at work so I don't have time to go into details right now, but I will explain later.
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