Former Falcons Head Coach Dan Quinn wrote an emotional letter to Atlanta just days after he was let go. He especially shouts out the players and the Falcons organization.
To almost no surprise, Quinn was fired hours after his team’s fifth loss of the 2020 season, which dropped the Falcons to 0-5.
In the letter, which is posted on AtlantaFalcons.com, Quinn says:
“I will miss so many things, but none more than the men in the locker room. From pro bowlers to practice squad players, it was an honor to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with you and be a part of your lives on and off the field.”
The former star defensive coordinator got the job because of the staunch Super Bowl-winning defense he built in Seattle. But he was never ever to replicate their success in Atlanta.
The closest Atlanta got was a historic collapse three years ago after surrendering a 25-3 lead to the New England Patriots.
Here is Quinn’s letter in its entirety.
To the city of Atlanta,
How fortunate am I that I close this chapter the very same way I opened it – with gratitude.
Being the Head Coach of your Atlanta Falcons has been the privilege of a lifetime. I can’t express my appreciation enough to Arthur Blank for the opportunity to represent this organization for the past six seasons. It truly has been my family. My wife Stacey and I will forever be grateful for every single person in this organization who made our lives better and fuller.
I will miss so many things, but none more than the men in the locker room. From pro bowlers to practice squad players, it was an honor to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with you and be a part of your lives on and off the field.
Finally, to the people of Atlanta and Falcons fans everywhere. I can’t thank you enough for making this Jersey boy feel right at home. I know there are great things ahead for this team and I’ll continue to root like hell for them, and for you. I hope I represented your team with the grace and character you deserve.
In Brotherhood,
DQ
The Falcons have appointed former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as interim head coach for the final 11 games. if Morris can show some substantial improvements across several facets, including winning games, he has a shot at the permanent position.
The Falcons are an organization that has never had the elite talent it has now, especially at wideout in Julio Jones. Although much of their history has been subpar, the recent decade with quarterback Matt Ryan at the helm has been among their most glorious.
Increasingly, Ryan has become the subject of trade rumors as some see the quarterback more valuable to other teams at this point.
While they have never won a Super Bowl, they made two appearances at the end of the 1998 and 2016 seasons. The Falcons have won division titles the following years:
- 1980
- 1998
- 2004
- 2010
- 2012
- 2016
Will they win the division again soon? Time will only tell.