Atlanta Falcons fire Dan Reeves

ESPN Online ^ | 12/10/03

[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.

[Mpatl]

"Reeves was a loser, and they should have fired Vick at the same time."

He is not a loser, but maybe you are.

[1Old Pro]

I wish the Giants would fire Fossel and pick up Reeves.

[ThinkingMan]

Pat Bowlen is not stupid enough to get rid of Shannahan. He was however, smart enough to get rid of both Reeves and the new atlanta interim coach, Wade Phillips!

[TheBigB]

If the next one to go isn't Oakland's Bill Callahan, I'll be amazed.

[cibco]

"Here's one. Sorry to see Dan go but the losses without Michael Vick proved they were winning because of the QB not the coach, when that happens you get rid of the coach."

He pulled the same stunt in Denver with John Elway. After Dan left, the donkeys actually won a Super Bowl, instead of showing up to get humiliated.

[misterrob]

Who can't win the big one....

[discostu]

The Denver street seems to have turned against Shannahan but the team has a solid record and a good shot at making the playoffs his job is fairly secure.

[mhking]

Reeves/Blank/Phillips on ESPN/ESPNEWS now.

[discostu]

Reeves seems to have issues with big star quarterbacks.

[misterrob]

Amen, bro!!!!

[mhking]

Reeves was a loser, and they should have fired Vick at the same time.

What, for breaking his leg?

Feh.

[mhking]

If the next one to go isn't Oakland's Bill Callahan, I'll be amazed.

You and me both!

[Bloodclot]

Maybe the Dolphins will get rid of Wannstedt and pick up Reeves.

[BluH2o]

Pat Bowlen is not stupid enough to get rid of Shannahan ...

Well Bowlen did give Shannahan a recent contract extension, which is a positive ... but after Elway retired it hasn't been the same for the Broncos. Shannahan investing so much time and money in Brian Griese was a major blunder on his part ... that's why fans are questioning his long term viability as a winning coach.

[Enterprise]

Pro basketball holds no attraction for me at all. I watch college basketball only. I view the NBA as thug ball and if it someday goes belly up I say good riddance. As for pro football I am as weary as anyone else of celebration dances after routine gains. I was glad to see the 15 yard penalty rule instituted for taking off the helmet. I am still laughing at the dumbass Oakland player who took his helmet off after a good return run that cost the team 15 yards and probably cost them the game a little over a week ago. Good!!

[Enterprise]

"Oh yeah? Did Dan Reeves ever punch a fellow coach for bad play calling?!"

LOL!!! I haven't thought about Buddy Ryan lately.

[tru_degenerate]

Oh GOD i hope not. I am a Dolphan and Reeves is not needed there.

Their case is a case of underachieving players.

[Alberta's Child]

He may have. There was one season in which they exceeded all expectations and won 10 or 11 games without a lot of talent.