When Dan Quinn interviewed for Atlanta's head coach vacancy, he presented a clear idea of what kind of roster, system and mindset he wanted to establish. His thoughts immediately resonated with general manager Thomas Dimitroff, and from there, they've developed a strong partnership.
On Thursday, the two spoke about their bond and explained why they believe working together is paying major dividends.
"I think last year, I felt that Dan and I were really in stride with where we were as far as what we were needing for this team. I feel like it's exponentially better now as far as our understanding of where we're going and the gaps we may have," Dimitroff said. "We feel we did some good things in free agency, and we think we can continue to be creative given what we did do in free agency with how we're going to approach the draft."
Quinn, unsurprisingly, views his relationship with the rest of Atlanta's football operations as a way to encourage competition.
"Thomas and I as well, we're competing along with the staff," said Quinn. "I think (Dimitroff) and his staff have done a remarkable job this offseason. They've added some guys into the mix who have totally made a huge impact from the scouting side of things. So all of us together are competing to find the guys who are the absolute right fit for us."
More than 14 months have passed since Quinn's first visit to Flowery Branch, and that time has allowed every area of football operations—front office members, coaches, scouts, etc.—collectively revamp the Falcons' approach to building a championship-caliber organization.
That time has been used to integrate new additions, too, including national scouts Phil Emery and Ruston Webster, both of whom have been GMs in the past.
"To have Scott Pioli, to have Phil Emery and Ruston Webster at the lead of our personnel staff, being able to communicate within our meetings with the rest of our staff I think is really solid and focused," said Dimitroff.
"We're dialed in on crossing the T's and dotting the I's, which we always have been, but with more experience on this staff across the board, I think that's going to be beneficial for us."
