Will Emmitt Thomas Return to the Atlanta Falcons Next Season?

Atlanta Falcons assistant coach Emmitt Thomas has been selected to replace head coach Bobby Petrino in his move to Arkansas. Thomas has never been a head coach in the National Football League, but has spent a long tenure with the Falcons.

The Atlanta Falcons have already experienced somewhat of a lost season in 2007, without reliable quarterback play and questionable defense. The team has used three starting quarterbacks: Joey Harrington, Chris Redman, and Byron Leftwich. The lone bright spot for the Falcons on offense is the emergence of former #1 pick Roddy White as a legitimate top wide receiver.

In the three games that Thomas coaches for the Falcons, they will likely not fare any better than they would have when Petrino was there. Interim head coaches typically have not done very well stepping into a major position with games remaining to play in the season. Unless Thomas can manage to win Atlanta's remaining games - Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Seattle - don't expect for the Atlanta Falcons to give him serious consideration for head coach in 2008. It will be an uphill battle for him to win those games, mostly because the roster does not have enough talent to compete with the resurgent Buccaneers and the Seahawks, both of whom seem destined to make the playoffs.

Though the market for a head coach is declining at a rapid pace this season, there are bound to be a few candidates from the pros and college who are looking for head coaching positions. Bill Cowher, formally of the Steelers, and Rex Ryan, defensive coordinator of the Ravens seem to be top targets the Atlanta Falcons would do well in interviewing.

Don't forget that college coaches may also be looking for pro jobs, as Dennis Franchione and Chan Gailey seem likely suitors for NFL jobs. However, with Petrino leaving so early, the Falcons may feel committed to bring in someone who has experience in the pro ranks.