Falcons remain winless after falling to Panther, Coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff released of duties

Photo Thomson200, Coach Dan Quinn in 2016, 30 July 2016, 12:29:37

The Atlanta Falcons loss to the Carolina Panthers 23-16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.

Final from @MBStadium.

📝STORY: https://t.co/fOq8igOHpj pic.twitter.com/BQZrFwW5l9

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 11, 2020

The Falcons are now 0-5 for the first time since 1997.

In a post game presser Quinn the game spoke on his job security and Blank possibly going in a different direction. “Honestly, it’s the furthest thing from my mind,” Quinn said.

Dan Quinn spoke to the media following the loss to the Panthers. pic.twitter.com/2aq922MA7e

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 11, 2020

Hours later the team announced that Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff, had been relieved of their duties.

BREAKING NEWS: General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and Head Coach Dan Quinn have been relieved of their duties, effective immediately.

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 12, 2020

Quinn, 50, started with the Falcons in 2015 and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance after the 2016 season. Atlanta led 21–3 at halftime and 28–3 in the third quarter, the Falcons blew the largest lead in Super Bowl history and lost to the New England Patriots  34-28 in overtime.

“Decisions like these are very difficult, but the previous two seasons and start to this one have been especially hard for me because of the deep love, admiration and respect I and my family have for Dan, Thomas and their families. For many years, they have represented me, our team, organization and Atlanta with class, commitment and all the passion you would want in the leaders of the team.

Arthur Blank speaks on the departure of Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn. pic.twitter.com/UHCq95qBe9

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 12, 2020

But as everyone knows, this is a results business and I owe it to our fans to put the best product we can on the field. We have poured every resource possible into winning and will continue to do so, but the results of late do not meet our standard or what I’ve promised our fans. Therefore, we will install new coaching and personnel leadership of the Atlanta Falcons at the appropriate time.” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “Our finish in 2019 earned an opportunity to show that momentum could be continued and built upon, but that has clearly not happened. And overall, the last 3-plus seasons have fallen short of my commitment to Atlanta and to our fans everywhere. I want them all to know that my commitment to winning has not wavered and I will continue to provide every resource possible to that end.”

President and CEO Rich McKay will be in charge of the football operations. An interim head coach is expected to be announced Monday.