Falcons owner Blank continues coach, GM search

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Owner Arthur Blank has to wonder if the Atlanta Falcons' run of bad news will ever end.

Bill Parcells' rejection Wednesday of Blank's offer to oversee football operations capped an embarrassing 10-day stretch for Atlanta.

It began Dec. 10, when disgraced quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for a running a Virginia dogfighting enterprise he called "Bad Newz Kennels."

Later that day, the Falcons lost by 20 points to New Orleans in a nationally televised game played in front of thousands of empty seats at the Georgia Dome. Before kickoff, Blank told ESPN the team's fortunes would change in 2008 under the leadership of "our CEO," coach Bobby Petrino.

Two days later, Petrino had abruptly resigned after just 13 games to become the coach at Arkansas, and Blank was denouncing his former "CEO" for abusing and betraying his team. In the locker room, several players used such words as "coward" and "quitter" to describe Petrino.

Last Sunday, the Falcons ruined the debut of interim coach Emmitt Thomas, losing their fifth consecutive game 37-3 at Tampa Bay. The next day, former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher told the Falcons he wasn't interested in pursuing their vacancy.

Moving quickly to negotiate with Parcells, Blank was close to bringing aboard the former coach who had helped restore dignity during successful runs with Dallas, the New York Jets, New England and the New York Giants, where he won two Super Bowls.

But in a statement released by Blank on Wednesday afternoon, Parcells thought the Miami Dolphins were offering a better deal.

"We met with him this morning to complete the contract," Blank said. "At that time, we were made aware by Parcells that he was considering a revised offer from the Miami Dolphins. He later informed us that he would not be signing a contract with us."

Blank added an overture to Atlanta fans, promising to build a championship-caliber team.

"I have stated we will leave no stone unturned in doing so, and this effort is one example of that," he said. "We gave it our best shot, and it didn't work out."

Regarding current team president and general manager Rich McKay, who was given full power of football operations in a six-year contract signed in December 2003, Blank indicated the GM won't be around much longer.

"We will continue down the same overall path, proceeding with plans to hire a general manager and a head coach," Blank said. "We will identify and consider every strongly viable candidate for these positions, with the goal of hiring the best. Rich McKay remains president of the club and will retain general manager responsibilities until a new GM is hired."