The Falcons executed a franchise-altering power play Tuesday, signing Dan Quinn as the club's 16th head coach in franchise history. Quinn not only adds immediate Super Bowl experience to the team but also a passionate leader who thrives in connecting with each of his players.
Quinn signed with the Falcons weeks after Falcons owner and chairman Arthur Blank announced a restructuring within the team's personnel department, including responsibilities of Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff and assistant general manager Scott Pioli. Before Quinn was introduced Tuesday, Blank wanted to provide more context regarding job duties, reporting structure and more.
"Our approach has always been to use collaboration and partnership, and it will stay that way," Blank said. "It is an approach that was very attractive to Coach Quinn. Going forward, Thomas (Dimitroff) and Dan (Quinn), along with their staffs, will collaborate fully on evaluating our roster and working on free agency and the draft as well as other player matters related to building the roster."
Blank went on to confirm that Dimitroff will have final authority over free agents and draft picks, while Pioli will handle the responsibilities of running free agency and the draft, continuing to report directly to Dimitroff. Quinn will have final authority over the 53- and 46-man rosters and the practice squad.
New Falcons head coach Dan Quinn got a look at his new office and took a tour of Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch on Tuesday morning before his introductory press conference in the afternoon
Atlanta Falcons Owner & Chairman, Arthur Blank
Falcons Owner & Chairman, Arthur Blank, addresses the media after announcing new head coach, Dan Quinn
Atlanta Falcons General Manager, Thomas Dimitroff, Owner & Chairman, Arthur Blank, head coach, Dan Quinn and President & CEO, Rich McKay
Blank said when describing who has "final authority" on roster decisions, he used the word final only as a way to legally understand what that means as a whole.
Quinn and Dimitroff will report directly to Blank, who said he will continue to have "zero" to do with player decisions, similar to his previous 13 years with the team.
"This is about maximizing the capabilities of Thomas (Dimitroff) and Scott (Pioli), while adding Dan's unique strengths to the group," Blank said. "We feel combined with a head coach with a proven track record in talent evaluation, this trio is a strong combination and one that we will capitalize on, on behalf of the franchise. All three of these men look forward to working together, and I am confident that their collective efforts will result in a strong roster this season and in future seasons."
