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Tracking the latest interview rumors for Falcons head coaching vacancy

The Atlanta Falcons fired Dan Quinn and have begun the search process for their next head coach. Here we’ll keep you up to date on the latest news and rumors.

By Jovan C. Alford, Chet Gresham, Ameer Tyree, and kate.magdziuk Updated
Head coach Dan Quinn of the Atlanta Falcons walks the sidelines prior to an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

UPDATE: The Falcons announced Smith is their new head coach.

UPDATE: The Falcons have offered the job to Arthur Smith, per Dianna Russini.

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off yet another disappointing season and decided to part ways with their head coach and general manager during the 2020 season. Dan Quinn was booted in his sixth year as the Falcons’ head coach while Dimitroff’s 13th season with the Falcons was cut short.

Quinn got off to a strong start in Atlanta and was at least .500 in his first three seasons. He’s been on the decline since blowing a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots in 2016. Atlanta was 10-6 in 2017 before going 7-9 the next two seasons. Quinn’s 0-5 start in 2020 convinced management that it was time to move on. The Falcons actually improved following his departure but they will do their due diligence to make sure a quality each coach leads them into 2021.

Interview

Falcons complete interview with Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, per D. Orlando Ledbetter.

Interim head coach Raheem Morris won four games following Quinn’s departure and did the best he could with what he was given. Atlanta won three of the five games that followed Quinn’s firing. The Falcons couldn’t keep up that pace and blew some games late like always but showed growth. He interviewed for a full-time head coaching gig on Friday but will face competition.

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will interview for the head coaching job, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will interview for the head coaching job, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Interview request

Atlanta is said to be researching Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and Los Angeles Rams DC Brandon Staley. Requests to these candidates and others should be sent out soon if they haven’t already.

John Lynch announced Monday that the Falcons have requested to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. He’s one of the more promising candidates in the league, with additional interview requests from the Lions and Jaguars.

Rumored interest

N/A

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