Editor’s note: This is a developing story; Please check back for more updates.
The Atlanta Falcons search report for head coach is expanding.
On Friday, the team confirmed that it had interviewed interim coach Rahim Morris for a full-time position. On Sunday morning, three more names emerged as possible targets for the Falcons.
According to a report on NFL.com, Todd Bowles, the Tampa Bay Bookers’ defensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator, and Brandon Staley, the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, are researching Atlanta among the candidates.
Prior to joining the Buccaneers coaching staff in 2019, Bowles was head coach of the New York Jets in 2015-18, where he set an overall record of 24-40 in four seasons. Under the Bowls this season, the Books have come up against one of the best units in the defense league. Tampa has a plus-seven in turnover differential (No. 6 in the league), has a total of 23 takeovers (No. 4), has surrendered 323.3 yards per game (No. 6), and is giving up 21.9 points per game (No. 7). Tampa has the first-ranked defense in two leagues, giving up only .577.5 yards per game.
Smith has been with the Titans since 2011 and has held a number of positions, including tight end coach, offensive line assistant, offensive quality control coach and defensive quality control coach. Under Smith in 2020, the Titans’ offense ranks 5th in the league in total yards per game (390.1) and No. 2 overall (160.1) in rushing yards per game. The Titans are also third in the league in scoring, with 30.0 points per game.
Staley took over as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Under Staley in 2020, the Rams Defense League ranks first in total yards allowed per game (286.5), No. 1 in allowed yards per game (192.3), No. 3 in racing yards (94.1) and allowed per game, respectively. Third overall in points (19.3). The Rams have pushed 21 turnovers this season, coming in fifth in the league.
Morris took over as interim coach on October 12, a day after the Falcons decided to part ways with general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn. At the time, the Falcons were 0-5 and the Carolina Panthers lost 23-16. Since then, the Falcons have gone 4-6 under Morris and five of those losses were by five points or less.
It is worth noting that NFL teams are allowed to request interviews for head coaching vacancies with candidates currently employed by other clubs. Any team with a potential candidate can refuse a request for a virtual interview. The coach can only be interviewed if his current club allows him to take a place. To explain in detail about the interview guide, click here.
