Reeves Comes Home to Georgia

Having made the playoffs only five times in their 31 years, the Atlanta Falcons on Monday turned to Dan Reeves, the NFL’s winningest active coach.

Reeves, who was fired by the New York Giants after the season, signed a five-year deal as coach and head of football operations in Atlanta, where he succeeds June Jones.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said Reeves’ contract is worth $7.5 million to $8 million--almost double that of any previous Falcon coach.

“It’s exciting, knowing he’s going to be here for the next five years,” said Robbie Tobeck, a guard who was in the weight room at the Falcon training complex in Suwanee, Ga., when the announcement was made.

Reeves, 53, returns to the state where he was born and takes over a club coming off another dismal season. Atlanta, which has had only seven winning seasons in its history, slumped to 3-13 this season.

Reeves was fired by the Giants after a 31-33 record and one playoff appearance in four seasons. His lifetime mark is 149-113-1.

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Former Michigan coach Gary Moeller was among three assistants hired by new Detroit Lion Coach Bobby Ross.

Ross named Moeller running backs coach, Joe Pascale linebackers coach and Richard Selcer secondary coach. Frank Falks, who joined the Lions last week as running backs coach, was reassigned to tight ends.