*LAST UPDATED 1/14/2015*
Atlanta was quick to fire Mike Smith after missing out on the playoffs for the second straight year, making it clear that they won't settle to anything less than consistent postseason appearances. Rex Ryan was one of the favorites to be offered the job, but Atlanta will have to look in another direction after he accepted the Bills job. Let's take a look at the candidates the Falcons will look at to replace Smith on the sidelines:
*1/14 Update* At this point, we have three main contenders and three long shots on the board. The Falcons' decision will largely come down to whether or not they're willing to wait for candidates currently involved in playoff runs...let's take a look at where everyone stands:
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6) Frank Reich, San Diego Chargers Offensive Coordinator
Reich has only been an offensive coordinator for one season, but he nearly helped guide the unheralded Chargers into the playoffs. He was a quarterback for the Jets in 1996, starting seven games in his lone season for them during his 13-year playing career, and he would give the team a head coach with an offensive mindset. Reich has only been coaching since 2008 and he might not be ready for a head coaching job, but he provides a solid backup option if the Falcons can’t get some of their bigger targets.
*1/14 Update* According to NBC San Diego, Reich probably isn't going anywhere this year. He'll be a hot coaching candidate down the line, but this is just too soon, even with the thin pool of coaching candidates on the market.
5) Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator
McDaniels had a rough time in his first head coaching job, and he needed to rehabilitate his image after his unimpressive stint with the Broncos. He's done just that in three seasons with the Patriots, and Atlanta has taken notice. Blank likes the fact that McDaniels is young (38 years old) and already has head coaching experience, and Blank's desire to see offensive results has McDaniels this high on Atlanta's wishlist.
*1/11 Update* With Ryan out of the picture, McDaniels becomes a much stronger candidate for get the job. GM Thomas Dimitroff likes McDaniels from their time together in New England, but he seems to be behind a few names on their list.
*1/14 Update* At this point, it sounds very much like McDaniels will remain in New England. His team is still in the playoffs and he can't discuss the position until that run finishes, but the Atlanta Journal-Constitution thinks he isn't going anywhere even if there are teams waiting him out.
4) Doug Marrone, former Buffalo Bills HC
Marrone has quickly jumped to the top of Atlanta’s list after opting out of his contract with the Bills on Wednesday. Marrone is the favorite to land the Jets job, but the Falcons were so impressed with the job he did in Buffalo that they want to see if they can lure him to the Georgia Dome. He spent time as an assistant coach for Georgia Tech from 1996-2000, giving him a familiarity with the area.
*1/9 Update* Marrone was widely considered to be the favorite for the Jets job, but New York seems to be going in another direction after they weren't thrilled with his interview. That could cause other teams to ramp up their interest in a coach who went 9-7 last season.
*1/14 Update* Marrone is in talks with the Bears, but he'll surprisingly interview with the Jaguars as well (most likely for their vacant OC job). We've heard nothing about his candidacy in Atlanta since his interview in early January...so don't hold your breath.
3) Adam Gase, Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator
Gase is only in his second season as Denver's offensive coordinator, but he’s already been responsible for putting together the most productive offense in league history. He’s proven he can handle star players and their egos - definitely a plus in Atlanta - and Gase is already looking like he'll be the most sought-after candidate this Spring. Atlanta has the most to offer out of any of the available jobs this offseason, and if the Falcons play their cards right, they'll have their pick of the coaching talent available.
*1/9 Update* Atlanta made Gase one of their first priorities after the season ended, interviewing him the Friday after the regular season ended. Questions remain about Gase's readiness to take a head coaching job after just two seasons as offensive coordinator, but Atlanta loved his interview.
*1/11 Update* Gase is a much stronger contender for the Falcons job now that Rex Ryan has accepted the Bills' job. Atlanta won't be able to interview Gase for a second time until Denver's postseason run ends, but they appear to be happy to wait for him.
*1/14 Update* Gase looked like the leader for a while, but the 49ers have been much more active in their pursuit of the Broncos OC. Atlanta, meanwhile, has turned their attention to our top two candidates...so while Gase might not be completely out of the race, he's no longer the frontrunner.
2) Teryl Austin, Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator
Austin has had a relatively short NFL coaching career to this point, but he's been extremely successful. In his lone season as Lions defensive coordinator, he's made them one of the best units in the league while overcoming a multitude of injuries to key players and helping Detroit get back to the playoffs. Before that, he served as the defensive backs coach of Seahawks, Cardinals, and Ravens from 2003-2013 - taking a break to be Florida's defensive coordinator in 2010 - but he doesn't have any prior head coaching experience.
*1/9 Update* Austin interviewed with the team today, and is the second-to-last coach scheduled to interview. His interview was pushed back because of the Lions' playoff berth, and he isn't considered one of the leaders at the moment.
*1/14 Update* Austin's interview went so well, the Falcons are bringing him back for a second one Wednesday. The Bears and Broncos are also circling, but Austin has emerged as a very serious contender for the Atlanta job.
1) Dan Quinn, Seattle Seahawks Defensive Coordinator
Quinn is in charge of one of the league’s most dominant defensive units, and he’s reportedly looking to take the next step up. He’s helped develop Seattle’s defensive stars and his gameplans have confused the best quarterbacks in the league – a must-have when facing Drew Brees and Cam Newton twice a year.
*1/9 Update* Quinn is one of the top options for the Jets job, along with Bowles. If he misses out on that job, Atlanta's talented roster could become very appealing to him.
*1/14 Update* Quinn reportedly wants the Falcons job. If the front office is willing to wait for his postseason run to finish, he'll be the guy...but if they get antsy, keep a very close eye on Teryl Austin.
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