Ranking the Top 5 Coaching Candidates (The Athletic)

[Libid21 208]

Tracking the Falcons: Ranking the top 5 coaching candidates

Tori McElhaney

The Falcons are well on their way to ushering in and naming a general manager. It originally was thought the Falcons would name someone this week, two weeks after the season came to a close, but with a few more secondary GM interviews this week and more head coaching interviews still on the docket, perhaps next week is more likely to be the week an announcement is made and things become official.

So, with the window of this GM and coaching search closing, we’ll take a look at the top candidates for both jobs, ranking them on who we think could be the best fit for the Falcons in this new era. On Monday, we took a look at the candidates for GM, seeing as filling the GM opening is a bit more time-sensitive than the coach position. Filling the coaching vacancy is a bit more fluid than the GM spot as Jeff Schultz pointed out on Monday. But the time has come to get into the ranking of the coaches. Let’s dive in.

5. Raheem Morris, Atlanta interim

I like Morris. And he will land on his feet somewhere with a good job offer, but it will not be with the Falcons. Morris’ narrative probably follows too closely with what I wrote Monday regarding Anthony Robinson’s chances of getting the GM job. Both are very liked in the Falcons’ facilities, as they should be because they are likable and experienced individuals. But the time has come to turn over a new leaf in Atlanta. Morris and Jeff Ulbrich probably did enough with the defense to ensure they can find good jobs elsewhere. The abysmal 0-5 start and how poorly the defense played during that time did not match how much better the defense looked under Morris as the interim and Ulbrich as the defensive coordinator. If the Falcons had won more games, perhaps this would be a different conversation. But by only seeing the defense play with more aggression later in the season and with no wins extra to stand on isn’t enough to gamble on.

4. Robert Saleh, San Francisco defensive coordinator

Saleh was one of the first coordinators to interview with the Falcons after 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed it on the final day of the regular season. Saleh was a good jumping-off point for the early days of this coaching search, but he since has gotten a lot more interest from other teams, the New York Jets most notably. In recent weeks, I have leaned more into thinking the Falcons need an offensive-minded coach, which is probably why the offensive coordinators who have interviewed for this job are higher on this list. The Falcons have too many questions in front of them with regards to where the offense goes from here. There are questions about the defense, of course, but the future of the offense is a much more complicated endeavor at this point in time.

3. Joe Brady, Carolina offensive coordinator

There are a lot of reports coming in that the duo of Terry Fontenot and Brady is steadily gaining momentum. And while it’s an interesting notion, it may not be the most stable foundation to build on. Nothing against Brady, but his background is exceptionally different than all the others on this list. In fewer than five years, Brady went from a graduate assistant at Penn State to winning a national championship with LSU as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach to being named the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. It’s an impressive résumé, but I need to see more of Brady as a coordinator before being completely willing to hand over a complicated situation like this to him. Plus, the Panthers’ offense wasn’t much better than the Falcons’ offense in 2020. It would be one thing if we were looking at a Carolina offense that blazed the trails of success in the league, but that wasn’t the case. Do I think Brady will be a coach? Yes. Do I think he will be the best choice for the Falcons right now? No.

2. Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City offensive coordinator

Speaking of reports, there has been talked that Bieniemy botched his interview with the Falcons. Schultz said it best when he wrote that if you do this long enough you know that everyone has an agenda: from owners to GMs to agents. The truth really does lay somewhere in the middle. With that in mind, throw out those reports because Bieniemy (regardless of how that interview did or did not go) is one of the most sought after coaches of this offseason. I have said this before and I will say it again, Bieniemy has his choice as to where he wants to go to be the coach. It would be interesting to see what Bieniemy could do with the Falcons’ offensive makeup coming from Kansas City. Would he want to follow a similar path that Kansas City forged to become the hottest offenses in the league? Is that even something that can be done in Atlanta? It would be interesting to see what Bieniemy could do with the roster both as it stands, and where it could go with big changes if big changes are indeed ahead and with the No. 4 pick in the draft.

1. Arthur Smith, Tennessee offensive coordinator

What Smith has done with the Titans’ offense in a short period of time is impressive. While this is only his second full season as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator, the offense’s numbers during that time cannot be overlooked and are very much linked to Smith. And unlike Brady, Smith has more concrete examples of a turnaround on his résumé. Take what Smith was able to do in the running game with Derrick Henry, the star of one of the best rushing attacks in the league. The Falcons need help in that area, that’s for sure. Owner Arthur Blank and president and CEO Rich McKay were both adamant that they felt as though seeing a turnaround as quickly as the 2021 season was possible. If Smith’s success with the Titans is an indication of how quickly he could work, that would bode well if he were to land in Atlanta. The problem with Smith is that, like a few others on this list, he is a top target to fill many different openings. The competition to land Smith would be stiff, and with the Falcons’ job not looking like a prominent one, would Smith even want to come to Atlanta?

(Photo of Arthur Smith: George Walker pool via USA Today)

[Jesus 25,661]

Where de Hackett?

 

[Libid21 208]

4 minutes ago, Jesus said:

Where de Hackett?

 

I'm surprised he didn't make it to their list also. Personally, my Top 5 would be:

1. Arthur Smith

2. Joe Brady

3. Eric Bieniemy

4. Brandon Staley

5. Nathaniel Hackett

[Atl Falcon 3,929]

12 minutes ago, Jesus said:

Where de Hackett?

 

Sounds like the handle broke🤷‍♂️

[Atl Falcon 3,929]

#1A Brady  

#1B Brady 

#1C Brady

#2 A Smith

#3 Hackett

#4 call in the dogs and piss on the fire

[celtiksage 1,895]

This is coming from someone who has absolutely no idea what went on or was said or how anyone did behind closed doors. I'll bet he's 90% wrong.

I don't know either, but I'd say Bowles has a better chance of being our HC than Morris does, unless the incoming GM selects him specifically.

[GATXBOI 1,997]

Brady or Hackett is my clear choices. We will surprise the league with our offense. Everyone else is already schemed. 

Carolina is more Matt Rhule offense than Brady.

Green Bay is more Lafluer offense than Hackett.

Jacksonville was more Doug Marrone than Hackett.

[Draftnut57 4,149]

20 minutes ago, Libid21 said:

 

1. Arthur Smith

2. Eric Bieniem

 

Here's the two I like in this order... 

1. Arthur Smith 

2. Eric Bieniemy 

 

[Hard Case 211]

49 minutes ago, Jesus said:

Where de Hackett?

 

Ditto !   Is this an old article ?  Hackett has been in the picture lately. Lots of talk about him. He is my choice.

[ROMERO 3,814]

Dont want Hackett or Brady. Arthur Smith or Eric B is who I want. 

[JDaveG 42,506]

Of those, I'd rank them thusly:

1.  Smith

2.  Bieniemy

3.  Selah

4.  Morris

5.  Brady

 

Brady honestly just scares the crap out of me.  It could be 5 years of futility easy.  And I'm not sure his upside is Shanahan or Sean Payton or Sean McVay.  If I thought it was I might be more willing to take the risk, but all of them were solid NFL coordinators before they got the HC gig.

[FalconofShadows 1,244]

Funny how about a week ago everyone hated Hackett now he's a fan favorite

[falcons007 22,282]

3 hours ago, Draftnut57 said:

Here's the two I like in this order... 

1. Arthur Smith 

2. Eric Bieniemy 

 

Yep Brady is fools gold at this point. Need to see more.

[GATXBOI 1,997]

8 minutes ago, FalconofShadows said:

Funny how about a week ago everyone hated Hackett now he's a fan favorite

Research is free brother. That's why it's called an opinion

[FalconsIn2012 35,683]

Daboll being disrespected

[FalconofShadows 1,244]

4 minutes ago, falcons007 said:

Yep Brady is fools gold at this point. Need to see more.

I dont think that makes him fools gold. More like a high risk

[FalconofShadows 1,244]

1 minute ago, GATXBOI said:

Research is free brother. That's why it's called an opinion

Just saying opinions changed really quick

[XXVIII-III 1,219]

Serious question: What is Arthur Smith without D. Henry?

[papachaz 18,810]

4 minutes ago, XXVIII-III said:

Serious question: What is Arthur Smith without D. Henry?

Mike Mularky/Dirk koetter without Michael Turner

 

 

[Atlantafan21 10,901]

It looks like they’re listing guys that Falcons have actually interviewed or set to interview. Might explain why some names aren’t on there. Personally it’s Daboll and Smith, but we ain’t even gonna interview Daboll apparently. 

[booty-mane 96]

1 minute ago, Atlantafan21 said:

It looks like they’re listing guys that Falcons have actually interviewed or set to interview. Might explain why some names aren’t on there. Personally it’s Daboll and Smith, but we ain’t even gonna interview Daboll apparently. 

Where'd you learn that? Do you know why?

[FalconFanSince1970 24,484]

6 hours ago, Libid21 said:

 

Tracking the Falcons: Ranking the top 5 coaching candidates

Tori McElhaney

The Falcons are well on their way to ushering in and naming a general manager. It originally was thought the Falcons would name someone this week, two weeks after the season came to a close, but with a few more secondary GM interviews this week and more head coaching interviews still on the docket, perhaps next week is more likely to be the week an announcement is made and things become official.

So, with the window of this GM and coaching search closing, we’ll take a look at the top candidates for both jobs, ranking them on who we think could be the best fit for the Falcons in this new era. On Monday, we took a look at the candidates for GM, seeing as filling the GM opening is a bit more time-sensitive than the coach position. Filling the coaching vacancy is a bit more fluid than the GM spot as Jeff Schultz pointed out on Monday. But the time has come to get into the ranking of the coaches. Let’s dive in.

5. Raheem Morris, Atlanta interim

I like Morris. And he will land on his feet somewhere with a good job offer, but it will not be with the Falcons. Morris’ narrative probably follows too closely with what I wrote Monday regarding Anthony Robinson’s chances of getting the GM job. Both are very liked in the Falcons’ facilities, as they should be because they are likable and experienced individuals. But the time has come to turn over a new leaf in Atlanta. Morris and Jeff Ulbrich probably did enough with the defense to ensure they can find good jobs elsewhere. The abysmal 0-5 start and how poorly the defense played during that time did not match how much better the defense looked under Morris as the interim and Ulbrich as the defensive coordinator. If the Falcons had won more games, perhaps this would be a different conversation. But by only seeing the defense play with more aggression later in the season and with no wins extra to stand on isn’t enough to gamble on.

4. Robert Saleh, San Francisco defensive coordinator

Saleh was one of the first coordinators to interview with the Falcons after 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed it on the final day of the regular season. Saleh was a good jumping-off point for the early days of this coaching search, but he since has gotten a lot more interest from other teams, the New York Jets most notably. In recent weeks, I have leaned more into thinking the Falcons need an offensive-minded coach, which is probably why the offensive coordinators who have interviewed for this job are higher on this list. The Falcons have too many questions in front of them with regards to where the offense goes from here. There are questions about the defense, of course, but the future of the offense is a much more complicated endeavor at this point in time.

3. Joe Brady, Carolina offensive coordinator

There are a lot of reports coming in that the duo of Terry Fontenot and Brady is steadily gaining momentum. And while it’s an interesting notion, it may not be the most stable foundation to build on. Nothing against Brady, but his background is exceptionally different than all the others on this list. In fewer than five years, Brady went from a graduate assistant at Penn State to winning a national championship with LSU as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach to being named the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. It’s an impressive résumé, but I need to see more of Brady as a coordinator before being completely willing to hand over a complicated situation like this to him. Plus, the Panthers’ offense wasn’t much better than the Falcons’ offense in 2020. It would be one thing if we were looking at a Carolina offense that blazed the trails of success in the league, but that wasn’t the case. Do I think Brady will be a coach? Yes. Do I think he will be the best choice for the Falcons right now? No.

2. Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City offensive coordinator

Speaking of reports, there has been talked that Bieniemy botched his interview with the Falcons. Schultz said it best when he wrote that if you do this long enough you know that everyone has an agenda: from owners to GMs to agents. The truth really does lay somewhere in the middle. With that in mind, throw out those reports because Bieniemy (regardless of how that interview did or did not go) is one of the most sought after coaches of this offseason. I have said this before and I will say it again, Bieniemy has his choice as to where he wants to go to be the coach. It would be interesting to see what Bieniemy could do with the Falcons’ offensive makeup coming from Kansas City. Would he want to follow a similar path that Kansas City forged to become the hottest offenses in the league? Is that even something that can be done in Atlanta? It would be interesting to see what Bieniemy could do with the roster both as it stands, and where it could go with big changes if big changes are indeed ahead and with the No. 4 pick in the draft.

1. Arthur Smith, Tennessee offensive coordinator

What Smith has done with the Titans’ offense in a short period of time is impressive. While this is only his second full season as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator, the offense’s numbers during that time cannot be overlooked and are very much linked to Smith. And unlike Brady, Smith has more concrete examples of a turnaround on his résumé. Take what Smith was able to do in the running game with Derrick Henry, the star of one of the best rushing attacks in the league. The Falcons need help in that area, that’s for sure. Owner Arthur Blank and president and CEO Rich McKay were both adamant that they felt as though seeing a turnaround as quickly as the 2021 season was possible. If Smith’s success with the Titans is an indication of how quickly he could work, that would bode well if he were to land in Atlanta. The problem with Smith is that, like a few others on this list, he is a top target to fill many different openings. The competition to land Smith would be stiff, and with the Falcons’ job not looking like a prominent one, would Smith even want to come to Atlanta?

(Photo of Arthur Smith: George Walker pool via USA Today)

The author failed to mention we're looking for an HC right now. Not an OC or DC. Of her top 5 give me Raheem or Bieniemy. Probably somebody like Heem with HC experience. We don't need to train anymore HCs like Mora, Quitrino, Smitty or Quinn.

[Draftnut57 4,149]

5 hours ago, Libid21 said:

 

Tracking the Falcons: Ranking the top 5 coaching candidates

Tori McElhaney

The Falcons are well on their way to ushering in and naming a general manager. It originally was thought the Falcons would name someone this week, two weeks after the season came to a close, but with a few more secondary GM interviews this week and more head coaching interviews still on the docket, perhaps next week is more likely to be the week an announcement is made and things become official.

So, with the window of this GM and coaching search closing, we’ll take a look at the top candidates for both jobs, ranking them on who we think could be the best fit for the Falcons in this new era. On Monday, we took a look at the candidates for GM, seeing as filling the GM opening is a bit more time-sensitive than the coach position. Filling the coaching vacancy is a bit more fluid than the GM spot as Jeff Schultz pointed out on Monday. But the time has come to get into the ranking of the coaches. Let’s dive in.

5. Raheem Morris, Atlanta interim

I like Morris. And he will land on his feet somewhere with a good job offer, but it will not be with the Falcons. Morris’ narrative probably follows too closely with what I wrote Monday regarding Anthony Robinson’s chances of getting the GM job. Both are very liked in the Falcons’ facilities, as they should be because they are likable and experienced individuals. But the time has come to turn over a new leaf in Atlanta. Morris and Jeff Ulbrich probably did enough with the defense to ensure they can find good jobs elsewhere. The abysmal 0-5 start and how poorly the defense played during that time did not match how much better the defense looked under Morris as the interim and Ulbrich as the defensive coordinator. If the Falcons had won more games, perhaps this would be a different conversation. But by only seeing the defense play with more aggression later in the season and with no wins extra to stand on isn’t enough to gamble on.

4. Robert Saleh, San Francisco defensive coordinator

Saleh was one of the first coordinators to interview with the Falcons after 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed it on the final day of the regular season. Saleh was a good jumping-off point for the early days of this coaching search, but he since has gotten a lot more interest from other teams, the New York Jets most notably. In recent weeks, I have leaned more into thinking the Falcons need an offensive-minded coach, which is probably why the offensive coordinators who have interviewed for this job are higher on this list. The Falcons have too many questions in front of them with regards to where the offense goes from here. There are questions about the defense, of course, but the future of the offense is a much more complicated endeavor at this point in time.

3. Joe Brady, Carolina offensive coordinator

There are a lot of reports coming in that the duo of Terry Fontenot and Brady is steadily gaining momentum. And while it’s an interesting notion, it may not be the most stable foundation to build on. Nothing against Brady, but his background is exceptionally different than all the others on this list. In fewer than five years, Brady went from a graduate assistant at Penn State to winning a national championship with LSU as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach to being named the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. It’s an impressive résumé, but I need to see more of Brady as a coordinator before being completely willing to hand over a complicated situation like this to him. Plus, the Panthers’ offense wasn’t much better than the Falcons’ offense in 2020. It would be one thing if we were looking at a Carolina offense that blazed the trails of success in the league, but that wasn’t the case. Do I think Brady will be a coach? Yes. Do I think he will be the best choice for the Falcons right now? No.

2. Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City offensive coordinator

Speaking of reports, there has been talked that Bieniemy botched his interview with the Falcons. Schultz said it best when he wrote that if you do this long enough you know that everyone has an agenda: from owners to GMs to agents. The truth really does lay somewhere in the middle. With that in mind, throw out those reports because Bieniemy (regardless of how that interview did or did not go) is one of the most sought after coaches of this offseason. I have said this before and I will say it again, Bieniemy has his choice as to where he wants to go to be the coach. It would be interesting to see what Bieniemy could do with the Falcons’ offensive makeup coming from Kansas City. Would he want to follow a similar path that Kansas City forged to become the hottest offenses in the league? Is that even something that can be done in Atlanta? It would be interesting to see what Bieniemy could do with the roster both as it stands, and where it could go with big changes if big changes are indeed ahead and with the No. 4 pick in the draft.

1. Arthur Smith, Tennessee offensive coordinator

What Smith has done with the Titans’ offense in a short period of time is impressive. While this is only his second full season as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator, the offense’s numbers during that time cannot be overlooked and are very much linked to Smith. And unlike Brady, Smith has more concrete examples of a turnaround on his résumé. Take what Smith was able to do in the running game with Derrick Henry, the star of one of the best rushing attacks in the league. The Falcons need help in that area, that’s for sure. Owner Arthur Blank and president and CEO Rich McKay were both adamant that they felt as though seeing a turnaround as quickly as the 2021 season was possible. If Smith’s success with the Titans is an indication of how quickly he could work, that would bode well if he were to land in Atlanta. The problem with Smith is that, like a few others on this list, he is a top target to fill many different openings. The competition to land Smith would be stiff, and with the Falcons’ job not looking like a prominent one, would Smith even want to come to Atlanta?

(Photo of Arthur Smith: George Walker pool via USA Today)

Give me #2 or #1  and I'll be a happy fan.

[Atlantafan21 10,901]

21 minutes ago, booty-mane said:

Where'd you learn that? Do you know why?

Well, all the guys they have listed are guys that we’ve actually interviewed. Although apparently Hackett did already interview with the Falcons so I guess my theory is wrong. 

[Cameron00c 3]

Hey First post! This would be my rankings of the 5 listed here

1.Joe Brady - I know alot of people are iffy on him due to his inexperience which is valid. I have watched all of the panthers games this year and aside from the Vikings game he was fantastic with his play calling. Vikings game was some of the worst clock management I have ever seen. Dont know how much of that is on JB or Rhule. But I see him as a future HOF coach and we dont need to pass up the chance. 

2. Arthur Smith - Only Titans game I watched this year was the game Sunday. Playcalling didnt seem to be the issue just the o-line couldnt win the LOS at all. I do think they should have a better record then the talent they have which concerns me. OFC He did help develop that talent but how much is that him or Vrabel? 

3. Eric Bieniemy - Simply put I think Andy Reid is the reason the Chiefs are as incredible as they are and not EB. Its AR's Playbook that he is calling. Now plus side would be he brings that playbook to ATL which could give this O a much needed boost. How is he as a leader? Only time will tell. 

4. Robert Saleh - If we went the route of a Defensive minded HC then he would be #1. The job he has done in San Fran is amazing. But I think the Falcons need a O guy desperately. Not to mention the NFL is turning into a Offensive league. 

5. Raheem Morris - Same as above on the O>D. Also, You dont fire the HC and GM and promote from within. You need Culture Change. Someone from the outside to change the culture in the franchise.