In this age of instant information, it seems players and coaches need to get used to finding out about big moves via the media, rather than in house with their teams. This appears to be the case for Atlanta Falcons coaches, who are learning through the media, rather than their own team, that Steve Sarkisian is being hired to replace new San Francisco 49ers head coach, Kyle Shanahan.
There are coaches on the #Falcons staff learning about Steve Sarkisian via the media.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 7, 2017
It’s becoming almost impossible to keep these types of moves quiet these days. Leaks are prevalent, and this isn’t the first time recently that this type of thing has happened, nor is it the most egregious instance. For instance, former San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano found out through the media that he was being fired, and Jacksonville Jaguars players found out about Gus Bradley being fired in the same way.
That said, it isn’t completely impossible to keep things quiet. The 49ers managed to shock us all by keeping the John Lynch hire as general manager a complete secret until the team made the announcement.
Given the popularity of Shanahan within the Falcons organization, and the way people are learning about he Sarkisian hire, one wonders if there will be some fallout over this move. Sarkisian isn’t far removed from a very disconcerting exit at USC, where he was dismissed amid alcohol-related incidents and serious depression.
One thing we can say for sure is that, after losing Super Bowl LI in the most brutal possible way, the transition into 2017 isn’t getting off to a good start.