Bennett had served as the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator under Chuck Knox before taking the Falcons job, where he became the only coach to lead that franchise to the playoffs. He did so three times, and was fired after their third playoff appearance, when the owners felt that a change was necessary in order for the Falcons to advance further. The Falcons finished in last place in the NFC West in both of the years following Bennett's firing. Twice named NFC Coach of the Year, Bennett was well respected as a coach, with the only knock against him being a reputation as possibly "too nice". Although Bennett was one of the candidates recommended by McKay, his easygoing style was considered to be a complete opposite to McKay. He vowed to keep the 3–4 defensive alignment with which Tampa Bay had been so successful, and said that the team would be a playoff contender in 1985. He believed that they had a good nucleus of players, although he admitted to knowing little about their personnel.