Arthur Blank to Hire CEO to Oversee Falcons, Other for-Profit Businesses

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank looks to be lightening his very heavy workload by hiring a CEO to oversee his NFL team along with his other for-profit businesses, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.

Blank spoke of his decision to take a step back:

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I have a strong desire to spend more quality time with my family, which now includes four-going-on-five grandchildren, as well as to concentrate more of my time on our philanthropic endeavors. And while I will always be heavily involved in our business strategies, I now feel that the best role I can play in our businesses is one of founder, chairman and most senior cheerleader, spending less time on the day-to-day management oversight.

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In addition to owning the Falcons, the 72-year-old Blank co-founded Home Depot and "has a list of businesses" such as future Major League Soccer team Atlanta United FC, the PGA Tour Superstore and the AMB Group. According to Forbes.com, this has helped him build his net worth to around $2.5 billion.

McClure also mentions that it remains unclear where Falcons CEO Rich McKay will be when Blank hires a new man for the position. He was suspended after the NFL discovered that the Falcons were pumping crowd noise into the Georgia Dome, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

McKay, who recently signed a four-year extension through 2019, played a big role in the construction of the Falcons' new $1.4 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium that will open up for the 2017 season.

Blank purchased the Falcons in 2002 for roughly $545 million, four years after they went 14-2 and lost Super Bowl XXXIII to the Denver Broncos. Since Blank took over, the Falcons have won just two playoff games in 12 seasons but are now worth $1.125 billion, according to Forbes.com.

Blank's the kind of owner who is constantly standing on the sidelines during games, interacting with the players and coaches. It will be interesting to see the new CEO's approach on Sundays upon his hiring.

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.