The Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Dan Reeves had only one request for his boss: If you're going to fire me, let me know first.

When Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank delivered the grim news, Reeves reacted in typical fashion.

Too proud to hang around as a lame duck, Reeves asked to be let go immediately. So, a remarkable 23-year run as an NFL head coach might have ended Wednesday with three games left in a disappointing season.

The Falcons (3-10) had high hopes after making the second round of the playoffs last season. But the team collapsed after Michael Vick broke his leg in a preseason game.

Reeves' firing came just three days after Vick made his first start of the season, leading the Falcons to a 20-14 overtime victory over division leader Carolina.

"If the decision had already been made to release me, my feelings were that I would like it to be immediately," said Reeves, the sixth-winningest coach in NFL history. "It's like calling a player in and saying, 'I'm going to release you, but I want you to play three more games until I find somebody to replace you.' "

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, a former head coach in Denver and Buffalo, will take over for the rest of the season.

Reeves, 59, has a career record of 201-174-2, including the playoffs. He had one year left on his contract and didn't rule out the possibility of coaching somewhere in 2004.

"A window's been closed, but a door is open," he said. "I'm interested in seeing what it is."

BEARS: Rex Grossman will start at quarterback for Chicago's remaining three games.

JAGUARS: Jacksonville ended receiver Matthew Hatchette's comeback Wednesday, waiving him and claiming linebacker Courtland Bullard off waivers.

BROWNS: Tim Couch will start Sunday's game at Denver and expects to start the final three games. Couch also said he would restructure his contract to stay with the Browns next season.

TEXANS: Aaron Glenn's season ended Wednesday when a lingering groin injury finally landed the Houston cornerback on the injured reserve.

RAIDERS: Defensive tackle John Parrella was placed on injured reserve, the 10th Raider lost this season.

RAMS: Middle linebacker Robert Thomas has a torn groin and will be sidelined up to a month.

JETS: Linebacker Sam Cowart will not play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers because of a bruised left thigh.

PATRIOTS: New England re-signed fullback Larry Centers and released receiver J.J. Stokes.

DOLPHINS: Quarterback Jay Fiedler (knee) expects to start against Philadelphia.

BRONCOS: Fullback Mike Anderson finished a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy for testing positive for marijuana.