ATLANTA, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Dan Reeves has been fired as coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
ESPN Radio reported that Reeves was told that a change would be made at season's end. Reeves confirmed that at a Wednesday morning news conference.
"I didn't quit," Reeves said. "When (team owner) Arthur (Blank) said he would make the decision at the end of the year, I said he should make it immediately."
"Dan asked to be released from his position immediately and we agreed to do so, even though our desire was for him to stay on through the rest of the season," Blank said. "We want to begin the process of searching for a new head coach in a thorough and honest manner. This decision is purely tied to our plans for the future success of our franchise."
While with the Falcons, Reeves, who was 52-60-1 in Atlanta, became seventh coach in NFL history to break the 200-win plateau. He also has coached Denver and the New York Giants, had 12 winning seasons, participated in 50 playoff games and nine Super Bowls as a player or coach.
The Falcons, who lost star quarterback Michael Vick for most of the season because of a broken leg, are just 3-10 with three games left to play. They will be coached for the balance of the season by defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who has had head coaching stints with Buffalo, Denver, and New Orleans.
