The Atlanta Falcons have fired the winningest coach in franchise history. Think about that.
Ok, done thinking about Mike Smith, let’s move on to his successor might be.
Todd Bowles, Defensive Coordinator, Arizona Cardinals
Really wants a head coaching opportunity, even though he just signed an extension, with a raise in November. So he’ll have to be bought out. He’s done such a great job with the Cardinals defense that Arizona somehow reached the playoffs, despite being on their fourth quarterback.
Quoting Wally the Defensive Coordinator in “Necessary Roughness” (Robert Loggia’s character) “if you’re going to build an offense around a guy who throws like Edward Scissorhands, then you’re going to have to play a helluva lot of defense.
Bowles’ being a very good personnel guy, makes him this offseason’s hottest thing.
Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator, Detroit Lions
You know what a mess the LOLions have been on defense in recent years. Well since Austin brought some semblance of order to the Motor City, the Lions are now laughing at their opponents. Not the other way around.
Pep Hamilton, Offensive Coordinator, Indianapolis Colts
Has lost some of his luster given how badly the OL has degenerated, but everyone with Stanford ties is like Hansel in the comedy Zoolander, “he’s so hot right now.” The Atlanta Falcons sleeper candidate
Darrell Bevell, Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
Look what he did with Russell Wilson- nobody expected. that. One of many reasons he’s become a hot coaching commodity. Remember back when the Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders were AFC West rivals, on par with each other as franchises? Seems like ancient history now.
Dan Quinn, Defensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
Last year, he could have landed a job, if he wanted. However, he declined to even interview for the Cleveland Browns job. His predecessor, Gus Bradley was given a head coaching gig in Jacksonville. This year, people are in his ear saying it’s time. Got to sell when your stock price is still high, right? Has interviewed with the Niners and New York Jets; Atlanta Falcons interview is scheduled.
Chicago Bears Head Coaching Candidates
New York Jets Head Coaching Candidates
Oakland Raiders Head Coaching Candidates
San Francisco 49ers Head Coaching Candidates
Atlanta Falcons Head Coaching Candidates
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his feature stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on KOZN 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2