Atlanta Falcons fans won't be surprised by the fact that former GM Thomas Dimitroff has missed out on this year's hiring cycle. Dimitroff spent the 2008-2020 seasons as Atlanta's GM, spanning all but one year of the Matt Ryan era. A franchise quarterback who consistently elevated a cursed organization and, in return, was often let down by an inconsistent front office. This isn't to say Dimitroff didn't have his share of hits. Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, A.J. Terrell, Matt Ryan, and Chris Lindstrom are all on the GM's resume.
However, this is where it is important to point out that a front office isn't defined by its ability to find pieces. It is an extended window of contention marked by more than one playoff run. In over a decade, Dimitroff consistently failed to build teams worthy of Matt Ryan's talent. This makes it unsurprising that the former GM wasn't hired this offseason and will now step away from his current job.
Thomas Dimitroff Has a Complicated and Frustrating History With the Atlanta Falcons
While fans are quick to remember the hits of the Matt Ryan era, consider how little defensive support Ryan had in his career. Even a young and talented 2016 defense was the team's ultimate undoing in an infamous Super Bowl meltdown. Dimitroff seems like a great human off the field, who simply wasn't good at his job.
Evidence abounds when looking back at Atlanta's defensive units and misses throughout the veteran GM's tenure. It is also easy to forget how often the interior of the offensive line struggled with Ryan forced to take punishment or run for his life. Building in the trenches was a noted weak point for Dimitroff. This is a bit of an issue, considering this is where games are won and lost.
Leading to the selections of Ra’Shede Hageman, Takk McKinley, Vic Beasley, or really any interior defender selected under Dimitroff. Consider the fact that McKinley was selected over T.J. Watt and a myriad of other options in a strong draft class. If the Falcons selected a pass rusher or defensive lineman, it was a safe bet they would quickly implode or become a non-factor.
This is the defining trait of Dimitroff's tenure in Atlanta and why the former GM cannot land another job. Chris Lindstrom and Grady Jarrett are the outliers of years of drafting poorly in the trenches. It doesn't matter how many hits you add up at other positions. If you cannot win inside on either side of the ball, you're going to consistently lose.
It is the reality Dimitroff forced on Matt Ryan, and one the quarterback so often found ways to overcome, becoming the best player in the process despite the GM. No question, Dimitroff doesn't deserve another front office role, a fact Atlanta Falcons fans are painfully aware of.