Emmitt Thomas waited a long time to serve as head coach of an NFL team.
He never could have imagined his opportunity would come this way.
One day after Bobby Petrino's unexpected resignation, Thomas inherited an Atlanta Falcons team eager for new leadership.
Thomas, 64, was promoted Wednesday to interim head coach for the final three games of the season. Petrino resigned to become coach at Arkansas -- and left behind Atlanta players who feel betrayed that he quit after 13 games, and furious he left word in a brief note placed at the players' lockers.
The Falcons were 3-10 under Petrino, and players who had nothing good to say about the departed coach were eager to embrace Thomas, who has worked with the team's defensive backs for three head coaches since 2002.
"I respect Emmitt the utmost," said center Todd McClure. "He's been a player. He has a ton of experience. I know he's going to lead us in the right direction. I think everybody in this locker room is looking forward to playing for him."
Thomas said he challenged the players who offered congratulations.
"Like I told them, play well and then I'll really know how you feel about the situation," Thomas said.
The Falcons visit Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Thomas is the first black head coach in the team's history.
The only assistant coach who was not with the team Wednesday was Petrino's brother, wide receivers coach Paul Petrino, who also resigned.
Etc.
With the Dolphins down to three chances for a win, Cleo Lemon will get another chance at quarterback. Lemon, 0-4 as a starter this season before losing his job to rookie John Beck, will be back in the lineup Sunday against the Ravens. . . . Cowboys WR Terry Glenn went through some drills at practice for the first time all season Wednesday, a good indication the already dominant Dallas offense could have another weapon by the playoffs. Glenn, out because of two knee operations, is not expected to play Sunday against the Eagles. . . . Rams QB Marc Bulger took all the repetitions in practice and is on track to return after missing two games with a concussion. . . . The Ravens placed CB Chris McAlister on injured reserve, ending a disappointing season in which the three-time Pro Bowler missed most of the second half with a sore knee. . . . Broncos P Todd Sauerbrun proclaimed his innocence and expressed frustration over an assault charge stemming from an altercation with a taxi driver outside a restaurant last weekend. . . . The Jaguars placed three-time Pro Bowl DT Marcus Stroud on injured reserve, three days after he reinjured his surgically repaired right ankle. . . . The 49ers put QB Alex Smith on injured reserve and signed Chris Weinke to provide depth at the injury-depleted position. . . . The Bears signed DT Matt Toeaina to a three-year contract. . . . The Saints signed PK Martin Gramatica and placed Olindo Mare (hip) on injured reserve. . . . With the Saints still in the running for an NFC wild-card playoff berth, RB Reggie Bush said his injured left knee might be healthy enough for him to play again before season's end.
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He never could have imagined his opportunity would come this way.
One day after Bobby Petrino's unexpected resignation, Thomas inherited an Atlanta Falcons team eager for new leadership.
Thomas, 64, was promoted Wednesday to interim head coach for the final three games of the season. Petrino resigned to become coach at Arkansas -- and left behind Atlanta players who feel betrayed that he quit after 13 games, and furious he left word in a brief note placed at the players' lockers.
The Falcons were 3-10 under Petrino, and players who had nothing good to say about the departed coach were eager to embrace Thomas, who has worked with the team's defensive backs for three head coaches since 2002.
"I respect Emmitt the utmost," said center Todd McClure. "He's been a player. He has a ton of experience. I know he's going to lead us in the right direction. I think everybody in this locker room is looking forward to playing for him."
Thomas said he challenged the players who offered congratulations.
"Like I told them, play well and then I'll really know how you feel about the situation," Thomas said.
The Falcons visit Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Thomas is the first black head coach in the team's history.
The only assistant coach who was not with the team Wednesday was Petrino's brother, wide receivers coach Paul Petrino, who also resigned.
Etc.
With the Dolphins down to three chances for a win, Cleo Lemon will get another chance at quarterback. Lemon, 0-4 as a starter this season before losing his job to rookie John Beck, will be back in the lineup Sunday against the Ravens. . . . Cowboys WR Terry Glenn went through some drills at practice for the first time all season Wednesday, a good indication the already dominant Dallas offense could have another weapon by the playoffs. Glenn, out because of two knee operations, is not expected to play Sunday against the Eagles. . . . Rams QB Marc Bulger took all the repetitions in practice and is on track to return after missing two games with a concussion. . . . The Ravens placed CB Chris McAlister on injured reserve, ending a disappointing season in which the three-time Pro Bowler missed most of the second half with a sore knee. . . . Broncos P Todd Sauerbrun proclaimed his innocence and expressed frustration over an assault charge stemming from an altercation with a taxi driver outside a restaurant last weekend. . . . The Jaguars placed three-time Pro Bowl DT Marcus Stroud on injured reserve, three days after he reinjured his surgically repaired right ankle. . . . The 49ers put QB Alex Smith on injured reserve and signed Chris Weinke to provide depth at the injury-depleted position. . . . The Bears signed DT Matt Toeaina to a three-year contract. . . . The Saints signed PK Martin Gramatica and placed Olindo Mare (hip) on injured reserve. . . . With the Saints still in the running for an NFC wild-card playoff berth, RB Reggie Bush said his injured left knee might be healthy enough for him to play again before season's end.
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