12 wins. However, a fourth quarter collapse against the Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs abruptly ended the season. While another losing record followed in 1981, the team lost its final three games, dashing hopes of a playoff return. However, the strike-shortened 1982 NFL season saw Bennett's team finish 5–4, reaching the postseason in the expanded playoffs, losing the first-round game to the Minnesota Vikings. A late season slump, coupled with the playoff losses and overall inconsistency, resulted in Bennett being fired on January 14, 1983. He was the first coach in Falcons history to depart with a winning record, going 47–44 (including a 1–3 record in the playoffs). The next coach to finish with a winning record was Jim Mora in 2006 (26–22). For the next two years, Bennett sold recreational vehicles before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired him on January 23, 1985, replacing the retiring John McKay. However, Bennett's previous success did not come with him to Tampa Bay, with consecutive 2–14 finishes. On December 29, 1986, he was fired by team owner Hugh Culverhouse. Life after football Bennett then returned to Atlanta, where he purchased a car dealership and was named chairman of the selection committee for the Peach Bowl. In 1991, Bennett sold the dealership and was hired as director of development for the Greater Atlanta Christian School, where his two sons had attended. Eight years later, he co-founded the First National Bank of John's Creek in Alpharetta, Georgia, later serving as its director. Bennett also contributed to Falcons radio shows. He would be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. While still handling his bowl game duties, Bennett is mostly retired, spending much of his free time golfing and hunting. He also spends his time with his family. Head coaching record References 1938 births Living people American football quarterbacks American members of the Churches of Christ Atlanta Falcons head coaches Cincinnati Bearcats football coaches Detroit Lions coaches Kentucky Wildcats football coaches Kentucky Wildcats football players Los Angeles Rams coaches Pittsburgh Panthers football coaches Players of American football from Kentucky St. Louis Cardinals (football) coaches Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaches Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coaches