Glanville Is Hired by Falcons

Jerry Glanville, who was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Falcons for three of the five winning seasons in the team’s 24-year history, became Atlanta’s head coach Sunday.

“It’s like a dream come true,” said Glanville, who first joined the Falcons in 1977. “I feel like I’m coming home.”

The 48-year-old Glanville, criticized by opposing coaches for allowing his players to use illegal tactics, got the job eight days after leaving the Houston Oilers, a team he took to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. He replaces Marion Campbell, who resigned with four games left in the 1989 season.

The Falcons were 3-13 this season, losing their last seven games. They drew a franchise-low crowd of 7,792 for their finale, a 31-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Dec. 24.