Former Vikings coordinator named Falcons interim head coach

Emmitt Thomas, the Vikings defensive coordinator in 2000 and 2001, has been named the Atlanta Falcons interim head coach, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Thomas replaces Bobby Petrino, who resigned Tuesday to become the head coach at the University of Arkansas. Petrino, who signed a five-year contract during the offseason, lasted only 13 games and led the Falcons to a 3-10 record.

Thomas has never been a head coach.