FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons today named Emmitt Thomas Assistant Head Coach.
Thomas, a 28-year NFL coaching veteran, served as the Falcons Interim Head Coach for the final three games of the 2007 season. He guided Atlanta to a 44-41 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the season finale, which earned him his first NFL victory. Atlanta’s 44 points were the most in a game for the Falcons since 1998.
Thomas will enter his seventh season on the Falcons coaching staff at the start of the 2008 campaign. He was named Atlanta’s Secondary Coach in his first year with the Falcons (2002) and served as the Senior Defensive Assistant and Secondary Coach for the Falcons from 2004-2006. Thomas has had three stints as a Defensive Coordinator in the NFL. His first came with the Philadelphia Eagles (1995-98) followed by the Green Bay Packers in 1999 and Minnesota from 2000-01.
“Emmitt is one of the most highly-respected coaches in our League,” Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith said. “I am thrilled that he has agreed to remain a significant part of our coaching staff.”
Thomas was a standout defensive back for 13 years with the Kansas City Chiefs (1966-78). He played in 181 NFL games, including Super Bowls I and IV, and was selected to play in five Pro Bowls. He owns two Super Bowl rings as an assistant coach (Washington Redskins, Super Bowl XXII and XXVI) and one as a player (Kansas Chiefs IV). Thomas finished his career with 58 interceptions, including one in Super Bowl IV against Minnesota, which is the ninth-most ever in NFL history and he led the League in interceptions twice in a single-season. He is a member of the Chiefs Hall of Fame and his name is etched on the walls at Arrowhead Stadium. Thomas is a finalist of the Veteran’s Committee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
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