Ultimately, Coach Petrino’s departure was for the best. His “leadership” was under serious question before he quit. But walking out on his team after 13 games was unconscionable.

Taking over the team as interim head coach is Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary coach Emmitt Thomas. I know the Atlanta Falcons will play hard for Coach Thomas because they respect him. It won’t matter as much whether the team wins or loses these next three games. But it will matter how hard they play. Coach Thomas said:

“Like I told them, play well and then I’ll really know how you feel about the situation ….. I’m honored and excited and nervous and happy to have the opportunity. It’s an opportunity for myself and the other coaches and coordinators to try to rally these guys and get them going to play competitive football the rest of the season.”

Will Coach Thomas be a viable candidate once the season is over? Let me put it this way. I think he is more than a viable candidate, but I don’t think he’ll get the job. Certainly, some consideration will be given to how things go the next three weeks, but I think it will take a minor miracle for him to beat out coaching candidate favorites like Mike Singletary or Marty Schottenheimer to name just a couple.

Check out Allison’s take over at BCS Frenzy.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Falcons Players React to Bobby Petrino’s Departure, Emmitt Thomas Takes Over Team