The Atlanta Falcons today have announced that general manager Thomas Dimitroff has signed a multi-year contract extension. Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.
Since joining the Falcons in 2008, Dimitroff has engineered key moves and drafted a solid nucleus of players to augment the Falcons roster. Dimitroff's philosophy is centered on the belief that the NFL Draft is the major building block to establish a team's foundation for the future. Using that blueprint, Dimitroff has selected franchise cornerstones such as QB Matt Ryan, LT Sam Baker, LB Curtis Lofton, S Thomas DeCoud and S William Moore. This strategy, combined with his targeting of key veteran players like RB Michael Turner, TE Tony Gonzalez, LB Mike Peterson and CB Dunta Robinson to shore up various positions, has been the catalyst for the Falcons turnaround since 2008.
"This extension of Thomas' contract ensures that he and Coach (Mike) Smith, whose contract was extended last month, will be able to continue to work together on solidifying the long-term sustainability and success of our football team," Falcons owner & CEO Arthur M. Blank said. "Thomas has proven himself to be a highly-skilled and talented general manager of our club, and I look forward to the Falcons reaping the benefits of his work for many years to come."
Following the 2010 season, Dimitroff was named NFL Executive of the Year by the Sporting News. He has won the award twice since being named the Falcons general manager in 2008. Under his leadership, the Falcons have posted three consecutive winning seasons for the first time in team history. Since 2008, Atlanta has posted a 33-15 (.688) record, which is tied for the third best in the NFL over the last three seasons. Additionally, the Falcons have earned playoff berths in two of Dimitroff's three seasons.
"First, I would like to thank Mr. Blank for the confidence and support he has shown in me and in Coach Smith over the past three seasons," Dimitroff said. "I look forward to working with Smitty and his coaching staff as we continue our journey of bringing NFL championship caliber football to Falcons fans and to the city of Atlanta."
