The Falcons had a busy offseason, replacing head coach Mike Smith (the winningest coach in franchise history) with Dan Quinn, the former Seahawks defensive coordinator.
On the field, the team will be hoping that the additions of Brooks Reed and Justin Durant can elevate the defense. On offense, they’ll be eyeing a new group of running backs, as the organization moved on from veterans Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers.
Regardless, it was a very busy offseason in Atlanta. Owner Arthur Blank discussed his team’s moves with D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and we’ve compiled some of the notable quotes below…
On the Falcons 2015 offseason:
Well, I think it’s been a great offseason. I think we started with hiring (of Quinn) who I think is going to be an outstanding coach for us. I love what Dan has brought to the team in terms of leadership and energy and positive thinking. I couldn’t be happier with the coach and the coaching staff.
I couldn’t be happier as I look at the changes. It’s not easy in this league to make changes, both defensively and offensively in the same year. I think you’ve seen a little more success of one side of the ball than the other, not quite the (same) consistency. But I’m very happy with where we are.
I think you have to take advantage of the situation. We have a lot of great players, but this is a quarterback-driven league. We have one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. There is no question about that. We want to make sure that we get all the pieces around him, the best coaches and the best coaching staff on both sides of the ball and on special teams, to put us in the best position to win.
On how the team’s new front office has been operating:
That’s working beautifully. That’s working great. Thomas and “Q” have built a great relationship this offseason together. They listen to each other, speak to each other, hear each other, respect each other and it’s everything you want in the relationship. I think that (assistant general manager) Scott (Pioli) has been wonderful working with Thomas as well as working with Dan. I think that was a wise decision — a difficult decision — but, in retrospect, a wise decision (to restructure the front office). I think it has worked well and will work out well in the future.
On whether the team is focused on the now or the future:
I’ve said this to Dan. I’ve said this to (general manager) Thomas (Dimitroff) as late as tonight. We’re not about tomorrow. We’re not about rebuilding and building. We’re about winning and we’re about winning now.