Anyone remember Emmitt Thomas? It was less than two years ago that he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his 13 year career as a defensive back for the Kansas City Chiefs.
He's been working as an assistant coach since then, namely as the Falcons assistant head coach/secondary coach. Today, the Falcons announced he would not be returning.
"Everyone here in the Falcons organization has the utmost respect for Emmitt, and we deeply appreciate his contributions to our team over the years," coach Mike Smith said Tuesday night. "We wish Emmitt the best in his future endeavors."
Clancy Pendergast worked with the Chiefs defensive backs, and if the reports out there are accurate that he will not be retained, then they'll need someone to fill that role.
Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star makes the case for Thomas.
Thomas may be 66, but he has a wonderful rapport with his players and helped keep the Falcons together as interim head coach in 2007 after Bobby Petrino walked out on the team after 13 games.
I remember Darrell Green giving Thomas considerable credit for developing him as a cornerback when both were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. And Thomas also helped another Hall of Famer, Art Monk as a young player when Thomas spent a year coaching Washington's wide receivers.
Like Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, he has a Super Bowl ring...but with the Chiefs.
Strangely enough, ESPN's Adam Schefter suggest Atlanta as a possible landing spot for Pendergast. A swap, perhaps?
(H/T stagdsp)