4 General Manager candidates for the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons parted ways with GM Thomas Dimitroff after 13 years at the helm

Atlanta Falcons team president and CEO Rich McKay will take over football operations in the immediate future. McKay previously held the role of GM from 2003 until 2008 but there’s no indication that he’s either considering or being considered for the role permanently and should return to his usual duties once a replacement is found.

Dimitroff had a largely successful spell in Atlanta but, in the end, was unable to bring the franchise the Super Bowl that Arthur Blank was hoping for. The team compiled a 109-88 regular season during Dimitroff’s time while going 4-6 in the postseason.

He was afforded an opportunity that few general managers are when he was allowed to continue in his role following the dismissal of Mike Smith in 2015 and Blank’s decision looked justified after the 2016 season but ultimately the Falcons need change.

The next general manager will have his work cut out for him. The roster looks in need of changes and the Atlanta Falcons currently sit way above the salary cap. That said, the team is likely to have a high draft pick and Blank has said that he won’t stand in the way of any personnel decisions that are made, opening the door to a potential rebuild.

He’ll also likely be influential in the Falcons’ search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Dan Quinn.