Posted on Atlanta Falcons.com
The Atlanta Falcons have signed General Manager Thomas Dimitroff to a three-year contract extension (2017-19). The extension will run congruent with Head Coach Dan Quinn’s contract.
“I’ve always believed continuity in leadership is important to achieving the highest levels of success, be it with our football team or our businesses,” said Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons Chairman and Owner. “I’ve seen the relationship between Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff grow over the last two years and we’re seeing the fruits of their shared vision and plan coming together in our recent draft classes and free agent acquisitions. My expectations remain very high. By extending Thomas, we expect to see their partnership continue to grow and deliver results for our team and our fans, on and off the field.”
Dimitroff has drafted, signed or re-signed, 12 players that have made a combined 22 Pro Bowl appearances. One of those players is franchise quarterback Matt Ryan, who Dimitroff took with the first pick in his first NFL Draft as a GM. He selected the quarterback from Boston College with the third overall pick (2008), and that decision continues to look better each year. Ryan has blossomed into one of the top passers in the NFL, making three trips to the Pro Bowl and recording five straight seasons of 4,000 passing yards. Ryan currently ranks first in passing yards (2,980) and touchdowns (23) while ranking second in passer rating (119.0) and third in completion percentage (69.6%). His performance this season has him in the national conversation as the NFL’s MVP and has the Falcons a-top the NFC South through Week 9.
In 2011, Dimitroff traded away five draft picks in order to obtain – now three-time Pro Bowler – Julio Jones with the sixth pick. Dimitroff’s calculated decision has paid off, as Jones has proven himself to be one of the best wide outs in the NFL. Jones has quickly moved up the franchise receiving yardage list with 7,060 yards, which is third on the club’s all-time list. Last year, Jones recorded 136 receptions for 1,871 yards, which both ranked second on the NFL’s all-time single season list. Jones continues to wreak havoc on NFL defenses this season tallying 51 receptions for a league-high 970 yards with five touchdowns.
“I want to thank Arthur for demonstrating the confidence in what we are building here,” Dimitroff said. “I have always believed it is about a head coach and general manager sharing a common vision on the type of players they are looking for and how to build a roster. The partnership with Dan has formed quickly and I know we are building a team here that everyone can be proud of. I understand that we still have work to do, but I know we have the people in place to reach the ultimate goal here in Atlanta.”
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