FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- New Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith has plenty of supporters across the league. Many of them responded in the day since his hire in Atlanta.
Paul Spicer
Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive End
“I have seen Smitty grow as a coach from day one. He learned everything he could learn from Jack (Del Rio) and the other coaches that were surrounding him who had been in the league for a long time. You have really seen him become a leader. He Is able to get along with the players of today which a lot of coaches have trouble with. I think Mike Smith can definitely relate and get along with players of today and be able to coach them. He can have fun, but he can definitely get serious. That is what it’s about. You can have that friendship and an intimate relationship with your coach where you can trust them. Mike Smith has gained a lot of players’ trust within the Jaguars organization over the years. He has definitely gained my trust. He’s a guy that I could definitely play for as well as I have for the past five years. I would tell any Falcon player that they are definitely getting a gem.”
Mike Peterson
Jacksonville Jaguars Linebacker
“It’s kind of bittersweet with him leaving the Jaguars. The sweet part about it is that he is a guy that is definitely deserving of it. He’s a perfectionist. He strives for everything to be run a certain way. He’s definitely the guy for the job and will be a good fit. On the bitter side, the entire five years we have been here with (Marcus) Stroud, (John) Henderson and all of the other guys we built up a relationship, not just a coach relationship but as friends. With me going through some injuries the last two years, he was one of the guys I could call away from football and tell him what I was going through. He’s one of the guys that understood it. When you get a hurt there are only a handful of guys that call and check up on your players. He was definitely one of them. He earned the respect from me as well as my wife. I don’t really let too many people get inside my circle, but he was one of the guys I let inside.”
Marcus Stroud
Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Tackle
“First of all, I’m very happy for Smitty. He’s definitely a deserving coach and will be a very good addition to the Falcons. He’s ready for this opportunity. He’s been a good coach for a long time. He is going to bring stability and a tough-minded approach. He’s a leader and will do a great job in Atlanta.”
Fred Taylor
Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back
“Smitty has been in the background for years, but he has been the guy calling the shots on our defense. It’s a defense that has been highly ranked in the NFL. All of the guys trusted and believed in what he was doing and I’m sure the same will be true as a head coach. As an offensive guy, I went against him every day in practice. He always came in the locker room after each and every game, just to congratulate the offensive side. He is all about team because he would definitely give the offense just as much credit as the defense.”
Jack Del Rio
Jacksonville Jaguars Head Coach
"Nobody works harder. He's got a great mind for football. He's prepared for this opportunity, and I think he'll do a nice job with it.” (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Gene Smith
Jacksonville Jaguars Executive Director, College and Pro Personnel
"He'll be a head coach that has a good feel and sense for personnel. He's very organized and smart. What he's done for our defense in Jacksonville speaks for itself." (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Chris Mortensen
ESPN Columnist
"Mike Smith is known as a football coach's coach. He's organized, he's a teacher, he's about team and he's never been a self-promoter. Players love playing for him. They respect his authority because he puts them in a position to succeed. He is personable and, moreover, he's just a good person.”
Pete Prisco
CBSSportsline.com
"Mike Smith is a heck of a football coach. The Jaguars defensive players loved the guy. He works hard. He's detailed. He's fair. And the players responded to him."
Adalius Thomas
New England Patriots Linebacker
“Mike is a hard worker. He demands the best out of you as a player, but he also gives you the best as a coach. He is an X’s and O’s coach, but he also knows how to motivate players in different ways. He has done a great job in Jacksonville and will be a great head coach.”
Kelly Gregg
Baltimore Ravens Defensive Tackle
“Mike is a players coach. I really enjoyed being around and learning from him. He is a tireless worker who makes you want to be a better player.”
Ozzie Newsome
Baltimore Ravens General Manager and Executive Vice President
"Mike Smith is very thorough, very organized, and he has an unbelievable work ethic. He knows and understands the game of football and he's very good with the players."
MORE ON HEAD COACH MIKE SMITH:
- NEWS: Falcons, Smith look toward future
- RELEASE: Falcons name Smith new head coach
- PHOTOS: Mike Smith photo gallery
- NOTEBOOK: Getting to Know Mike Smith
- QUOTABLE: What They're Saying about Mike Smith
- AUDIO: Linebacker Michael Boley on the hiring of Mike Smith
- NEWS: Smith names Thomas assistant head coach
- VIDEO: Smith Answers Fans Questions
- VIDEO: Mike Smith Introductory News Conference
- BOARDS: Talk about Smith on FalconsLIFE
