Dan Quinn has been fired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons according to an email to season ticket holders Sunday evening.
Team owner Arthur Blank also let general manager Thomas Dimitroff go as well.
"Our recent results on the field have not met our high expectations and after careful consideration I have made the decision that a change in leadership of the club is needed," Blank wrote. "Very soon we will announce that General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Dan Quinn have been relieved of their duties. I wanted you to hear this news first, and from me directly with important context for making this decision. We owe each of you a better product on the field and I have determined this decision is necessary to that end."
Quinn failed to right the ship as promised after last season's 7-9 record, beginning the 2020 campaign 0-5. They fell to Carolina on Sunday, 23-16. Blank said in the letter the organization will name an interim head coach on Monday.
Team President Rich McKay will assume day-to-day oversight of football operations and assist me in leading our search for a new general manager and head coach.
"I have tremendous professional respect for Thomas and Dan, as well as deep personal affection for both, as well as their families," Blank wrote. "They have poured their hearts into our team. Beyond the on-field accomplishments, they have represented us with professionalism, class and in a manner reflective of our core values during their tenures here. I'm grateful for their contributions to the franchise, and with my deep admiration I wish them great success in their future endeavors."
Quinn finishes his career with the Falcons with a 43-43 record in five seasons, but is most known for blowing a 28-3 third quarter lead in Super Bowl LI. The Falcons lost that game in overtime, 34-28.
In 2020, the Falcons became the first team in NFL history to blow back-to-back 15-point leads.
"Our business is about winning football games and that is what all of us will work earnestly to do the rest of this season," Blank said in the letter. "Our immediate focus will be supporting the team and trying to win as many games as possible with an eye to filling these critical roles at the appropriate time with leaders who will be charged with achieving a timely return to the winning standard you all expect from us.
"I remain committed to providing every resource I can toward our success, now and in the future. I'm confident new leadership in 2021 in these key roles, combined with the core talent on our team, will deliver an on-field product you all can celebrate and be proud of very soon. Thank you for your continued support of the Atlanta Falcons. It is something I do not take for granted."
