Falcons to introduce new head coach today

The Atlanta Falcons will introduce their new head coach this afternoon in a news conference.

He's Mike Smith, who comes from the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he served as their defensive coordinator since 2003. The 48-year-old Smith is a 26-year coaching veteran. He replaces Bobby Petrino, who quit the Falcons in mid-December, only 13 games into his first season as the team's head coach.

Falcons' brass vent over Petrino resignation

One day after their head coach abruptly quit the team after only 13 games, top officials with the Atlanta Falcons vented their anger over the situation.

Team owner Arthur Blank used the words "betrayed", "let-down", and "abused" to describe how he felt in the wake of Bobby Petrino’s sudden departure late Tuesday afternoon. By late last night, Petrino had been introduced as head coach at the University of Arkansas.

Over the weekend, Petrino gave Blank some issues of concern with the team. On Monday afternoon, the two were joined by general manager Rich McKay to hash-out the issues. Blank said it appeared there was resolution of Petrino's concerns. At the end of the meeting, Petrino shook Blank’s hand and said "I’m your coach". Monday night the Falcons lost at home to New Orleans to fall to a record of 3-10 on the season.

Petrino quit 24 hours later.

Blank today spoke of broken commitments.

"My issue is not that he elected to go back to coaching in college. That is not my issue. My issue is timing, my issue is responsibility, my issue is commitment that was made to this organization, and made to everyone connected to this organization. That is my issue".

The Falcons’ season has been marred by star quarterback Michael Vick’s conviction and resulting prison sentence for dogfighting.

The team’s defensive backs coach, Emmitt Thomas, will serve as interim head coach the final three games.

Petrino quits Falcons, takes new job same night

In the midst of a difficult season for the Atlanta Falcons, another sudden twist has hit the team. Its head coach quit late Tuesday afternoon, then six hours later was introduced for a new head coaching job.

Bobby Petrino called Falcons officials yesterday afternoon to say he was resigning his post, with still three games to go in the season. By late last night, he had flown to the Midwest and was introduced as the new coach for the University of Arkansas.

Petrino goes back to the college ranks, from where he came previously--leaving Louisville to join the Falcons last January. Petrino in his comments to the media in Arkansas last night.

"It was very difficult to leave Atlanta and what we had started there. Difficult to leave the staff, the players and the fans. The timing of it was probably the thing that made it the most difficult. Certainly would have liked to have stayed and finish the season and have it all work out".

But those comments didn't sit well with at least one Falcon player when he heard of the sudden news on Tuesday--defensive back DeAngelo Hall.

"I don't have any respect for him. To just turn his back on the organization like that, it just doesn't make any tpye of sense". Coach comes in after every tough game, every tough loss and tells us to keep fighting, that he's not going to quit....for him to jump ship like that, it's very disheartening".

The Falcons are only 3-10 this season. The spectre of the team's star quarterback, Michael Vick, has hung over the franchise all season. Vick on Monday was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his role in a dogfighting operation.

The Falcons are holding an afternoon news conference to address their coaching situation.

Petrino quits as Falcons' head coach

In a season of unprecedented adversity for the Atlanta Falcons, the team sustained another blow early Tuesday evening--its rookie head coach quit after 13 games. The team has confirmed Bobby Petrino resigned his post. Reports indicate that he will return to the college gridiron to coach the University of Arkansas.

The abrupt move by Petrino comes only a day after the team's once-star quarterback, Michael Vick, was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for his involvement in a dogfighting operation. Monday night, the Falcons lost for the 10th time in 13 games this season--a 34-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Petrino in January signed a 5-year, 24.5 million dollar contract to leave his college job at Louisville and coach the Falcons. Soon after, troubles out of his control began--mainly revolving around Vick. On January 17th airport officials in Miami seized a water bottle from Vick with a hidden compartment. Later tests revealed there was no illegal substance, with Vick cleared of wrongdoing. But in April an investigation of Vick's Virginia residence turned-up evidence of a dogfighting operation. Vick's major legal troubles grew from there, resulting in his prison sentence Monday. The absence of Vick and dark cloud over the team from off-the-field distractions has been a factor in the Falcons' dismal on-field performance.

Some Falcon players at different times this season have had vocal issues with how Petrino has handled the team.

Before Monday night's game, Petrino reportedly was asked by team owner Arthur Blank whether he intended to be with the Falcons in 2008. Petrino told Blank he definitely would return as coach. That changed late Tuesday afternoon.

The Falcons have called a 2pm Wednesday news conference to address their coaching situation.

Georgia sports for Tuesday, October 9th

The sniping has begun, and a quarterback controversy has been stirred within the Atlanta Falcons' camp. A 1-4 start to the season has prompted some veterans to speak-out. Tight end Alge Crumpler has questioned new head coach Bobby Petrino's play-calling. He's also accused the coaching staff of favoring younger players over veterans. Coach Petrino annonced Monday that Joey Harrington will remain as starting quarterback, despite the entrance of Byron Leftwich early in the 4th quarter Sunday, in the Falcons' loss at Tennesee.

From pro basketball, the preseason opener for the Atlanta Hawks was a success, as they beat the Magic in Orlando 94-93. Josh Smith scored 22 points to go along with 11 rebounds.