More names emerge as reported candidates

Editor’s word: This story was final up to date at 1:38 p.m. ET with the report about San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

The Atlanta Falcons’ seek for a head coach is reportedly increasing.

On Friday, the group confirmed that it interviewed interim coach Raheem Morris for the full-time place. On Sunday morning, 4 extra names emerged as doable targets for the Falcons.

In response to a report on NFL.com, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley are “among the many candidates Atlanta has been researching.”

Moreover, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports activities reported Sunday morning that San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh could possibly be interviewed by the Falcons as early as Monday.

Previous to becoming a member of the Buccaneers teaching workers in 2019, Bowles was the top coach of the New York Jets from 2015-18 the place he compiled a 24-40 general file in 4 seasons. Underneath Bowles this season, the Bucs protection has emerged as one of many league’s finest items. Tampa is plus-seven in turnover differential (No. 6 within the league), has a complete of 23 takeaways (No. 4), has surrendered 323.3 yards per recreation (No. 6), and is giving 21.9 factors per recreation (No. 7). Tampa Bay has the No. 1 speeding protection within the league, surrendering simply 77.5 yards per recreation.

Smith has been with the Titans since 2011 and has held a lot of positions, together with tight ends coach, offensive line assistant, offensive high quality management coach and defensive high quality management coach. Underneath Smith in 2020, the Titans offense ranks No. 5 within the league in complete yards per recreation (390.1) and No. 2 general in speeding yards per recreation (160.1). The Titans are additionally third within the league in scoring, placing up 30.0 factors per recreation.

Staley took over because the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020. Underneath Staley in 2020, the Rams protection is ranked No. 1 within the league in complete yards allowed per recreation (286.5), No. 1 in passing yards allowed per recreation (192.3), No. 3 in speeding yards allowed (94.1) and third general in factors allowed per recreation (19.3). The Rams have compelled 21 turnovers this season, which is tied for the fifth-most within the league.

Saleh is ending his fourth season because the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator. Underneath Saleh, San Francisco’s protection ranks No. 5 within the league in complete yards of offense allowed per recreation (316.7), fourth in common passing yards allowed (211.2), is tied for sixth in complete speeding yards allowed per recreation (105.5) and is permitting 24.3 factors per recreation. The 49ers even have 20 takeaways this season. 

Morris took over as interim coach on Oct. 12, a day after the Falcons determined to half methods with common supervisor Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn. On the time, the Falcons had been 0-5 and coming off a 23-16 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Since then, the Falcons have gone 4-6 beneath Morris and 5 of these losses had been by 5 factors or much less.

It is value noting that NFL groups are actually allowed to request interviews for a head teaching emptiness with candidates who’re nonetheless at present employed by different golf equipment. Any group with a possible candidate can deny the request for a digital interview. Interviews can solely be performed with a coach if his present membership permits for one to happen. For an in depth rationalization on interview tips, click here.