Campbell Quits as Falcon Coach; Hanifan Promoted for Interim

Marion Campbell ended a 28-year NFL coaching career Tuesday by retiring as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, in last place in the NFC West. Assistant Jim Hanifan was promoted for the remaining four games.

“I have chosen this avenue to clear the picture for the ownership to get on with the future of their franchise,” Campbell said in a prepared statement released about an hour before Hanifan became interim coach.

“Jim was kind of the obvious one,” Vice President Taylor Smith said of the selection of Hanifan, who won’t be considered for the permanent job.

“We’ll be going outside the organization for a coach,” Smith said at a news conference. “Nobody on the present coaching staff will be considered for the job. They’ve been informed. They’re all staying on. Hopefully they will be considered by the new coach whenever he’s hired.”

Hanifan, who was a head coach for six years with the St. Louis Cardinals, said his goal is to have the Falcons “competitive for the next four weeks, and it’s a tough row we have to hoe.”

Hanifan, 56, had a 39-49 record with the Cardinals.

The Falcons (3-9) will play the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions in their last four games.

Campbell, 60, was on his second tour as the head coach of the Falcons and also coached the Philadelphia Eagles for three seasons. His overall record was 34-80-1 in six full seasons and portions of three others.