Arthur Blank, in the wake of the Falcons' recent transition in leadership, emphasized a crucial lesson: patience. As the team navigates the process of appointing a new head coach, Blank recalled invaluable advice from the late Pittsburgh Steelers owner, Dan Rooney. This pivotal counsel about taking time and doing things correctly resonates profoundly with Blank, now steering the Falcons into a new era.

Following the late-night departure meeting with former head coach Arthur Smith, Blank and Rich McKay found themselves standing amidst a pivotal moment. Amidst the gravity of their decision and the immense work ahead, Blank reminded McKay, "Everyone needs to breathe." This sage advice echoed Rooney's words from 17 years ago, urging Blank to take a measured approach in the coaching search.

"Take your time. Do this correctly," Rooney had advised Blank. "You're going to hear that you can't hire coordinators, you can't hire position coaches. Hire the head coach immediately."

Reflecting on past experiences, Blank recollected how the Steelers took their time during their coaching search, a strategic move that eventually led to the appointment of Mike Tomlin, setting a path of success. In contrast, the Falcons, six days after parting ways with Jim Mora, swiftly hired Bobby Petrino, a move that didn't yield positive outcomes.

Addressing the press in a recent conference, Blank emphasized the significance of executing this hiring process meticulously and without a strict timeline. "There is no timetable," Blank asserted. "The only timetable is to do this correctly."

Highlighting the importance of each head coach hire, Blank emphasized the gravity of making the right decision. For the Falcons, this decision holds exceptional weight, given their confidence in the team's current standing. With a healthy franchise, a favorable salary cap, star players in key positions, and resources to bolster various aspects of gameplay, the Falcons are poised for success. McKay underscored the team's determination to compete at the highest levels in 2024.

The team's readiness for immediate success, coupled with General Manager Terry Fontenot's adeptness in acquiring quality free agents, positions the Falcons a head coach and quarterback away from becoming serious contenders. This strategic approach might potentially mark a significant shift for the Falcons, potentially leading them to consider hiring an individual with prior NFL head-coaching experience for the first time in the Blank era.

McKay emphasized the evolution of the hiring process, stating that it's no longer a hurried race but a comprehensive evaluation of various candidates. The focus now is to provide each potential candidate, whether a former head coach or a current coordinator, an opportunity to share their vision for the team.

Blank's primary directive for this process is clear: prioritize correctness over swiftness. The entire Falcons organization remains fully committed to elevating the team to championship levels, investing all available resources to fulfill their commitment to fans. As the Falcons embark on this crucial hiring journey, their unwavering dedication to excellence remains resolute.

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