Falcons hire Boudreau to helm OL

The Falcons today announced the hiring of another assistant coach, this time adding Paul Boudreau as the new offensive line coach. Boudreau will work with Paul Dunn, who was hired yesterday to help improve the Falcons line.

Boudreau was dismissed by the St. Louis Rams this past month, having served two seasons as offensive line coach. He joined the Rams after a three-year stint in Jacksonville, where he worked with new head coach Mike Smith. Prior to working with the Jaguars, he headed the offensive line for the Carolina Panthers (2001-02), Miami Dolphins (1999-00), New England Patriots (1997-98), Detroit Lions (1994-96), New Orleans Saints (1987-93), and Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL (1983-86). Prior to that he worked nine year as an assistant on the collegiate level, coaching at Boston College (1974-75), Maine (1976-78), Dartmouth (1979-81), and Navy (1983).

During his 21 years as an NFL assistant, he has helped guide six different blockers to a total of 9 Pro Bowl seasons, including Lomas Brown and Kevin Glover with the Lions, Brad Edelman and Joel Hilgenberg with the Saints, Bruce Armstrong with the Patriots, and Tim Ruddy with the Dolphins. Three times during that span, quarterbacks playing behind his lines have been the least sacked quarterbacks in the league: Dan Marino (1999), Bobby Hebert (1992), and Steve Walsh (1991).

Two more assistants added to coaching staff

The team announced the hiring of Chris Scelfo and Paul Dunn today. Scelfo will coach tight ends while Dunn will be the assistant offensive line coach. For both men, this will be their first ventures in the NFL as coaches. The team has yet to name the offensive line coach who will be working with Dunn. That along with who will be in charge of linebackers represent the two major vacancies still remaining on head coach Mike Smith's staff. The team may also seek to hire an additional secondary coach, since it has to be determined if assistant head coach Emmitt Thomas will retain those duties.

Scelfo most recently was head coach at Tulane, where he led the Green Wave for eight seasons, where they compiled a 37-57 record. He led them to victories in both their bowl appearances. Prior to his time at Tulane, he was the assistant head coach and offensive line coach at George from 1996 to 1998. Before that he was an assistant at Marshall (1990-95). He originally served as offensive line coach at Marshall, but added offensive coordinator duties in 1993. He was a graduate assistant at Oklahoma for two years (1988-89) working with wide receivers and the offensive line. His first coaching gig came in 1986 at Northeastern Louisiana as a graduate assistant. He worked with the offensive line and tight ends for two seasons.

Dunn this past January was fired after three season as the offensive line coach at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to that, he worked as run game coordinator and offensive line coach at Kentucky for two years (2003-04). He also served in those same duties at Kansas State (1998-02). Before that he worked as an offensive line coach at several programs, including Vanderbilt (1996-97), Cincinnati (1994-95), Maine (1990-93), Rutgers (1989), and Edinboro University (1986-88). Before that he served as a graduate assistant at Penn State (1984-85) and Pittsburgh (1983).

Falcons add more assistants

The Falcons added a few more names to their coaching staff, announcing today the hiring of three more assistant coaches. Joining new head coach Mike Smith's staff will be special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong, strength and conditioning coach Jeff Fish, and his assistant will be Bill Hughan. The team also announced that Tom McMahon would stay on staff as assistant special teams coach and formally announced that Bill Musgrave has been retained as quarterbacks coach.

Armstrong rejoins the Falcons, having served as safeties (1994-95) and secondary coach (1996) before. He left the Falcons to become special teams coach of the Bears in 1997. He joined the Dolphins coaching staff in the same capacity in 2001 and has been there ever since, where he gained experience working with new offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey the past two seasons. Prior to his stint in Atlanta, Armstrong worked at six different collegiate schools over a seven-year period, including Notre Dame (1993) as linebackers coach, Oklahoma State (1990-92) as secondary coach, Akron (1989) as receivers coach, University of Miami (FL) (1988) as defensive backs and special teams coach, and at Temple (1987) his alma mater as a graduate assistant.

Fish is the fourth strength and conditioning coach for the Falcons in four years. He joins the team from the Oakland Raiders where spent the past four seasons in charge of their strength and conditioning department. Prior to that, he spent two seasons (2001-02) working at the University of Missouri in the same capacity. His previous NFL experience came working with the Kansas Chiefs for three years, first as an intern in 1998, and then becoming their assistant strength and conditioning coach in 1999. In 1997, he was an intern in the strength and conditioning department of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prior to that he was strength and conditioning coach at Tulsa (1995-96) and Kent State (1993-94), and the assistant at Clemson (1991-92) and Western Michigan (1989). Fish played wide receiver at Western Carolina where he graduated in 1988.

Hughan has worked with Fish on each of his last two coaching stops, as an assistant with both the Raiders (2004-07) and at Missouri (2001-03). Prior to that he was a graduate assistant at Columbia (1999-00) and Yale (1997-98).

McMahon will enter his second year with the Falcons in his current capacity, having joined the team a year ago from Louisville.

Musgrave enters his third year with the team in his current capacity. Musgrave worked with Smith in 2003 and 2004 when he coordinated the Jacksonville Jaguars offense.

Falcons add three more assistants

On Saturday, the Falcons named three more assistants to new head coach Mike Smith's coaching staff. The team added Ray Hamilton as defensive line coach, Gerald Brown as running backs coach, and Glenn Thomas in offensive quality control.

Hamilton has extensive experience coaching some of the best and brightest defensive lineman over the years. He most recently finished his fifth season as the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line coach. He finished a nine-year playing career with the New England Patriots in 1981. During his career, he started 117 games at nose tackle and finished his career with 54 sacks. He got into coaching as an assistant defensive line coach with the Patriots in 1985. He also coached defensive lines for Tampa Bay (1991), University of Tennessee (1992), Los Angeles Raiders (1993-94), New York Jets (1995-96, 2000), New England (1997-99), and Cleveland (2001-02). Under him, he has produced a total of six Pro Bowl seasons between three different players: John Henderson, Marcus Stroud, and Chester McGlockton. He has also had a hand in the development of top linemen such as current Falcon John Abraham, Hugh Douglas, Shaun Ellis, Willie McGinest, and Eric Swann. And has coached some of the greats including Howie Long, Greg Townsend, and Dexter Manley.

Brown comes to the Falcons from Indiana Univesity, where this past season he was promoted to assistant head coach, adding to his duties as running backs coach and special teams coordinator. He has been at Indiana since 2002. His sole foray into professional coaching came in 2001, where he was the running backs coach for the Memphis Maniax of the XFL. Prior to that he worked ten years at Tennessee Tech (1989-98) and six years at Tennessee (1983-88). While at Tennessee Tech, he worked with new Falcons head coach Mike Smith, and was in charge of quarterbacks, wide receivers, and special teams at various times during that stint.

Thomas got his start in coaching in 2001 as the receivers coach for Midwestern State, a Division II school. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2004. In 2006, Midwestern State had the top-ranked offense in Division II, compiling 470 yards per game and placing second with 40 points per game.

Senior Bowl interest heats up

During their annual Senior Bowl coverage, Scout.com also tracks which NFL teams show particular interest in certain players during the course of the week. Teams conduct formal and informal interviews with players during the day. Here are the players that Scout.com has reported that the Falcons have shown interest in, and the date of the report:

Jan. 21: QB Joe Flacco, Delaware
Jan. 22: QB Erik Ainge, Tennessee; QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii; RB Tashard Choice, Georgia Tech; TE Fred Davis, USC; RB Matt Forte, Tulane; DT DeMario Pressley, N.C. State; RB Dantrell Savage, Oklahoma State; OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt
Jan. 23: DE Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech; RB Justin Forsett, California; QB Chad Henne, Michigan; OT Barry Richardson, Clemson; TE Martin Rucker, Missouri
Jan. 24: K Brandon Coutu, Georgia; CB Terrell Thomas, USC; RB Chauncey Washington, USC; LB Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky

NFL Draft Countdown also lists several players the Falcons spoke to or were looking at during the week:

Jan. 22: WR Harry Douglas, Louisville; RB Rafael Little, Kentucky; C John Sullivan, Notre Dame
Jan. 23: S Thomas DeCoud, California; DE Bryan Mattison, Iowa; OT Chad Rinehart, Northern Iowa; TE Jacob Tamme, Kentucky

Falcons hire Robiskie

On the cuffs of naming Mike Mularkey their offensive coordinator, the Falcons have made one more addition to the coaching staff in hiring Terry Robiskie as wide receivers coach. Robiskie has over twenty years of experience as an NFL coach, and served as an interim head coach twice in his career, coaching a total of eight games with the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns. He has compiled a 2-6 record in an interim role.

Robiskie's most recent work came as a receivers coach with the Miami Dolphins this past year, where he worked with Mularkey. Prior to that he was with the Cleveland Browns. He worked as the Browns receivers coach from 2001-03 and 2005-06. He also was their offensive coordinator in 2004, and finished the final five games of that season as interim head coach, taking over for Butch Davis. Prior to his stint in Cleveland, he was the passing game coordinator for the Washington Redskins for 2 years, during which he worked three game as their interim head coach, taking over for Norv Turner in 2000. Prior to that he worked 16 years as an assistant with the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders. He began in 1982 as an assistant special teams coach, before moving on to assistant running backs in 1985, followed by tight ends coach in 1988, offensive coordinator in 1989, and finally wide receivers coach in 1994.

Robiskie began coaching after a five year playing career at running back. He spent three years with the Oakland Raiders (1977-79) and two with the Miami Dolphins (1980-81), where he also played fullback. He finished his career with 553 rushing yards on 159 carries (3.5 avg) and 5 touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes for 147 yards (6.4 avg). He was originally an 8th round pick by the Raiders in 1977 out of LSU.

During Robiskie's career, he has worked with a number of quality young receivers including Tim Brown, Michael Westbrook, Braylon Edwards, and Ted Ginn. And now will be tasked with getting even more contributions out of Michael Jenkins, Roddy White, and Laurent Robinson. Both Jenkins and White are coming off years where they had career highs in both receptions and receiving yards. Robinson is also coming off a season where he had the highest number of receptions and receiving yards for a rookie since Bert Emanuel in 1994.

Mularkey expected to take Falcons job

By reason of deduction due to the expectation that former St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Greg Olson will take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach position, it is reasonable to expect that former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Mike Mularkey will accept the Falcons offensive coordinator spot. It was previously reported that Mularkey was opting between taking that position with the Buccaneers or the one in Atlanta. An announcement could be made today. The Falcons met with Mularkey yesterday.

Thomas and Musgrave remain; Mularkey targeted

During his introductory press conference, new Falcons head coach Mike Smith announced that former interim head man Emmitt Thomas would remain on the Falcons staff as assistant head coach. Thomas was recently blocked from interviewing with the Dallas Cowboys, and is one of a few assistants expected to be retained by Smith. According to the AJC, quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave will also remain in that same capacity. Musgrave worked with Smith in Jacksonville in 2003 and 2004 where he served as offensive coordinator.

Updating previous reports, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports that the Falcons were scheduled to meet with Mike Mularkey today, and announcement could come as early as tomorrow on whether he has accepted their offer to become the team's next offensive coordinator. Ledbetter cited a person within the organization as the source of this information, and that Mularkey is the team's first choice. Mularkey is also being wooed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to accept a quarterbacks coach position there.

VanGorder to return to Falcons

Steve Wyche of the AJC reports that the Falcons are in negotiations for former Falcons linebacker coach Brian VanGorder to return to the team in the role of defensive coordinator. VanGorder had decided to join South Carolina as their defensive coordinator a month ago, shortly after the retirement of head coach Bobby Petrino. But due to the hiring of Mike Smith as Petrino's replacement, VanGorder has opted to return to the NFL.

VanGorder and Smith worked together for two seasons in Jacksonville (2004-05), where VanGorder served under Smith as linebackers coach. VanGorder then moved on to become head coach at Georgia Southern in 2006, before accepting the spot with the Falcons this past year. Prior to his stint in Jacksonville, VanGorder was the defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia for four years.

Mularkey to choose between Falcons and Bucs

Stephen F. Holder of the St. Petersburg Times reports that former Buffalo Bills head coach and Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is considering taking a position with the Atlanta Falcons as offensive coordinator. It was reported earlier by ESPN on Wednesday that Mularkey would likely be a candidate in Atlanta. According to Holder, Mularkey is expected to choose between the Falcons job or taking the quarterback coach position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Mularkey's most recent coaching experience came as the Dolphins tight ends coach this past year. In 2006, he served as the team's offensive coordinator. Prior to that he served two seasons as the Buffalo Bills head coach, compiling a 14-18 record. Before that, he was the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers for three seasons. Before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2001, he spent five years as the Steelers tight ends coach. His first gig in the NFL came in 1994 as an assistant on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff before taking over tight ends in 1995. His first coaching job was with Concordia College in 1993.

Mularkey was a 9th round pick out of Florida in 1983, selected by the San Francisco 49ers. He played six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (1983-88) and three with the Steelers (1989-91). As a tight end, he finished his career with 102 receptions, 1222 yards, and 9 touchdowns.

He is a Florida native, having been born in Fort Lauderdale and playing high school ball in the area. His roots in Florida would likely make the Buccaneers job more attractive, although he'd hold considerably more clout in Atlanta.

Falcons expected to hire Mike Smith

ESPN reports that leagues sources have indicated that the Falcons have chosen Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith as the person to become the sixteenth coach in franchise history. Previous reports indicated that the Falcons may have have been willing to wait until after the Super Bowl to make this decision. Smith was considered one of the four finalists for the position as well.

ESPN indicates that the Falcons had narrowed down their choices even further, with Smith coming out on top and Leslie Frazier being considered the second best candidate. Per ESPN, Smith "won over the Falcons with his combination of intelligence, communication and organizational skills, and strong knowledge of personnel. Most important, the team believes Smith to be the most professionally compatible with [Falcons GM Thomas] Dimitroff."

According to ESPN, the Falcons opted not to wait another week for fear that Steve Spagnuolo would spurn their advances and the new coach's ability to assemble a staff would be diminished.

The AP reports that the team is currently engaged in contract talks with Smith and that a press conference is possibly set for tomorrow.

UPDATE: The hiring of Smith is now official. The AJC is reporting that Smith is believed to have agreed to a four-year deal worth between $8 and $10 million.

Falcons block Thomas from going to Dallas

Despite several other assistants that have interviewed or already accepted jobs elsewhere, including the most recent ones in Ollie Wilson and Evan Marcus, the Falcons seem poised to keep one assistant coach in Atlanta. Rick Herrin of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Falcons have denied the Dallas Cowboys permission to former interim head coach and defensive backs coach Emmitt Thomas from interviewing there. Thomas was named interim head coach following the retirement of Bobby Petrino for the final three games this past season. Thomas first came to Atlanta in 2002, when the team also hired then defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, now the head coach in Dallas. Thomas would likely to be targeted to replace Todd Bowles, who recently joined the Miami Dolphins, as the Cowboys defensive backs coach. It would seem the Falcons are prepared to keep Thomas in Atlanta on new head coach Mike Smith's staff.

Ollie Wilson could join Chargers

SI.com's Jim Trotter reports that the San Diego Chargers are on the verge of hiring Falcons running back coach Ollie Wilson. Wilson has previous ties to the Chargers organization, working as an assistant from 1997 to 2001. He joined the Falcons in 2002, his second stint with the team after serving in the same capacity from 1991 to 1996.

Dimitroff narrows search to four

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the AJC reports that Falcons new general manager Thomas Dimitroff has narrowed down the coaching search to four candidates. Among them is New York Giants defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo who has yet to interview with the team. Any interview involving Spagnuolo will have to wait until after the Giants season concludes after the Super Bowl on February 3. Filling out of the list are three defensive coordinators that interviewed last week: Rex Ryan, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, Mike Smith of the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings. Both Ryan and Smith have interviewed twice for the job, while Frazier sat for his first interview this past Saturday.

Ryan remains hopeful that he receives the Falcons position per the AJC, but in the mean time is considered to be candidates to remain in Baltimore as the defensive coordinator under new coach Jim Harbaugh, and also as a potential candidate to hold the same position in Washington with the Redskins according to NFL.com's Adam Schefter.

In other coaching-related news, the Miami Dolphins announced Tuesday that Falcons strength and conditioning coach Evan Marcus will be joining their staff in the same capacity. Marcus only served one season with the Falcons in the capacity. He is one of several assistants under former head coach Bobby Petrino to successfully find jobs elsewhere.

Frazier with Falcons at Senior Bowl?

Jay Adams of the Macon Telegraph writing on his Pro Schmo Blog reports on rumors that the Falcons have brought Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier with them to Mobile, AL for Senior Bowl practices. Frazier interviewed with the Falcons on Saturday for their head coach position. So far, this seems to be only a rumor since there has apparently been no actual sight of Frazier with Falcons officials, just unconfirmed rumors from various sources.

Falcons will wait for Spagnuolo

ESPN reports that the Falcons are not expected to make a decision about their head coaching position until they get a chance to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Unfortunately, league rules prohibit the Falcons from interviewing Spagnuolo until after the Super Bowl, which the Giants will face off against the New England Patriots on February 3.

The Falcons requested permission from the Giants to interview Spagnuolo two weeks ago, but were denied by the Giants. League rules permit teams to interview coaching candidates during the bye week before the Super Bowl only if it is the second instance of one. If the Falcons have focused completely on Spagnuolo or will interview other candidates in the mean time is unknown. Also unknown, is how much interest Spagnuolo has in the Atlanta Falcons.

Coaching Carousel

The Falcons have been in the process of acquiring a new head coach ever since Bobby Petrino resigned on December 11. They have interviewed and shown interest in a plethora of candidates. Here, we'll detail who the Falcons have looked at in their desire to find a new head coach.

Interviewed:

Jan. 3: Jim Caldwell, Colts Asst. Head Coach/Quarterbacks (bio) (story)
Jan. 4: Jason Garrett, Cowboys Off. Coordinator (bio) (story)
Jan. 4: Tony Sparano, Cowboys Asst. Head Coach/Off. Line (bio) (story)
Jan. 7: Rex Ryan, Ravens Def. Coordinator (bio) (story)
Jan. 9: *Pete Carroll, USC Head Coach (bio) (story)
Jan. 10: Mike Smith, Jaguars Def. Coordinator (bio) (story)
Jan. 11: Jim Schwartz, Titans Def. Coordinator (bio) (story)
Jan. 14: Rex Ryan (story)
Jan. 16: Jason Garrett (story)
Jan. 18: Mike Smith (story)
Jan. 19: Leslie Frazier (bio) (story)

* - Interview reportedly consisted of a cordial phone conversation with Falcons owner Arthur Blank

Interest (confirmed):

Steve Spagnuolo, Giants Def. Coordinator (bio) (story)

Interest (rumored):

Jim Haslett, Rams Def. Coordinator (bio) (story)
Winston Moss, Packers Asst. Head Coach (bio) (story)
Dante Scarnecchia, Patriots Asst. Head Cach/Off. Line (bio) (story)
Marty Schottenheimer, ex-Chargers Head Coach (bio) (story)
Mike Shanahan, Broncos Head Coach (bio) (story)

Withdrawn:

Jim Caldwell (story)
Bill Cowher, ex-Steelers Head Coach (bio) (story)
Jason Garrett (story)
Josh McDaniels, Patriots Off. Coordinator (bio) (story)
Mike Singletary, 49ers Asst. Head Coach/Defense (bio) (story)

Falcons to interview Frazier

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that the Falcons will interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier on Saturday. Reportedly Frazier wowed Bill Parcells in his January 7 interview for the Dolphins head coaching position.

Frazier is coming off his first year as the Vikings defensive coordinator, following two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts as a special assistant to head coach Tony Dungy. He also worked with the team's defensive backs. Prior to that he worked as defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals (2003-04) and defensive backs coach of the Philadelphia Eagles (1999-02). He served as head coach at Trinity College (now known as Trinity International University), NAIA program, for 9 seasons. That was his first coaching job in 1988. He also worked as defensive backs coach at Illinois for two years as well (1997-98) following his days at Trinity. Frazier played six years in the NFL for the Chicago Bears, earning a Super Bowl ring in 1985. In 65 career games, he had 20 interceptions and scored twice on punt returns.

Mortensen also reported that Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith interviewed with the Falcons for a second time on Friday.

Jackson interviews in St. Louis

ESPN reports that Falcons offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has interviewed for the same position with the St. Louis Rams. Jackson is one of two candidates to formally meet with Rams head coach Scott Linehan about the open position. Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese has also interviewed. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Rams are expected to interview more potential candidates next week.

Jackson was in his first and potentially only year with the Falcons as offensive coordinator. When head coach Bobby Petrino resigned unexpectedly in December, Jackson took over play-calling duties under interim head coach Emmitt Thomas. Earlier this month, the Falcons informed all of their assistants, currently under contract, that they are welcome to seek other positions around the league as they try and resolve their own coaching situation. Earlier this week, Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer took the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals.

In December, Jackson interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at Duke University, but did not get the job.

Garrett to stay with Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett returned to Dallas on Wednesday to mull over his decision whether to accept head coaching positions in Atlanta or Baltimore, and has ultimately chosen to stay in Dallas according to the AJC. Garrett had interviewed for a second time with the Falcons on Wednesday a day after doing the same with the Baltimore Ravens.

According to a Baltimore Sun report which reiterate previous reports, the Falcons look like they will opt to re-open the coaching search instead of settling on candidate Rex Ryan. Ryan is the only other candidate to interview a second time in Atlanta, and along with Garrett and Indianapolis Colts assistant Jim Caldwell was widely considered to be among the Falcons final three choices. But Caldwell removed his name from contention yesterday and will remain in Indianapolis.

There have been no candidates named as likely to interview with the Falcons now. However, the team has previously tried to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, but were denied due to the Giants still remaining active in the playoffs. If the Giants would lose to the Green Bay Packers this weekend, Spagnuolo would become available.

Caldwell pulls name from contention

John Clayton of ESPN reports that Indianapolis Colts assistant coach Jim Caldwell has pulled his name from consideration for the Falcons head coaching position. Earlier today, an internet report on ProFootballTalk.com, indicated that Colts head coach Tony Dungy was prepared to step down and retire, which was prompting Caldwell to succeed him there. Dungy has since denied this report, but Caldwell remains the ideal successor whether Dungy decides to return in 2008 or not.

It has been previously reported that the Falcons had narrowed down their coaching list to three potential candidates: Jason Garrett, Rex Ryan, and Caldwell. Garrett is currently mulling over a decision whether to accept the Falcons or Baltimore Ravens head coaching positions, or to remain in Dallas for at least another year as their offensive coordinator, and is slated to return to Dallas this evening to convene with owner Jerry Jones before making a decision. Garrett interviewed with the Falcons for the second time this morning.

UPDATE: The Baltimore Sun is now reporting that according to a league source, Jason Garrett has narrowed down his choices to choosing between remaining with the Dallas Cowboys or taking the head coaching position with the Baltimore Ravens. According to the report, the Falcons are no longer in the running despite reportedly offering him the job. According to the Sun's report, Garrett could make his decision as early as Thursday.

An ESPN report from Wednesday however makes no mention that the Falcons are no longer an option. However, Adam Schefter reports that the Falcons are likely the third option for Garrett. Schefter indicates that Rex Ryan would again become the favorite to land the job, but the Falcons might re-open their coaching search instead of hiring Ryan.

Garrett undecided about Ravens job

Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun reports that Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett left Baltimore Tuesday afternoon without accepting an offer to become the Ravens next head coach. He is expected next to travel to Atlanta where he will be granted a second interview. No word on whether the Falcons plan to offer Garrett the job. It is reported that Rex Ryan is now the front-runner in Atlanta, who according to Hensley interviewed with the Falcons for a second time on Monday morning.

John Clayton of ESPN reported on tonight's SportsCenter that the Falcons have narrowed down their list of head coaching candidates to three people. Ryan is at the top, with Garrett and Indianapolis Colts assistant head coach Jim Caldwell filling out the list. Per Clayton, Garrett is expected to make a decision soon on whether to accept the Ravens offer or to remain with the Cowboys. Caldwell is expected to stay in Indianapolis, where he is widely considered the heir apparent to replace head coach Tony Dungy should he choose to retire.

UPDATE: Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports that the Falcons have offered Jason Garrett their head coaching position, and indicates that the Falcons are offering more money than the Ravens in their previous offer. Per Schefter, Garrett will spend Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning meeting with Falcons officials.

Schefter also seemingly confirms reports that Garrett, Ryan, and Caldwell are the team's top three choices to take over the job.

Zimmer takes Bengals post

As expected, the Cincinnati Bengals hired Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to take over the same position on their team. Zimmer will be tasked with improving a Bengals defense that ranked 24th in the league in 2007. Under Zimmer's watch, the Falcons defense fell from 15th ranked in 2006 to 29th ranked this past year.

Garrett granted second interview

Len Pasquarelli of ESPN reports that the Falcons have scheduled a second interview with Jason Garrett for tomorrow. Garrett interviewed with the Baltimore Ravens tonight, and may accept a job offer before travelling to Atlanta tomorrow. The Falcons interviewed Garrett for the first time on January 5.

Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times as well as the ESPN report indicate that Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is also a potential finalist for the Falcons head coaching position. Rex's brother Rob, currently the Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator worked as an assistant for the New England Patriots when new Falcons GM Tom Dimitroff first arrived there. It is unknown if Ryan will be granted a second interview as well. He originally interviewed last Monday.

UPDATE: Updating the previous report, Pasquarelli writes that Rex Ryan was en route to Atlanta on Monday night to conduct a second interview with the team as well.

Dimitroff to be named new GM

The AJC's Steve Wyche reports that Falcons officials have confirmed that New England Patriots director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff will be their next general manager. The Falcons had gone through several candidates for the open position since the team decided to demote Rich McKay, but ultimately settled on Dimitroff. Now that the teams has hired a general manager, their next major move will be hiring a new head coach. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has indicated in the past that the new GM will have authority to choose the new coach, despite the team's simultaneous search for both. The Falcons have already interviewed seven candidates, but it is not known whether Dimitroff's choice will be among those names.

Dimitroff comes from a proven and successful organization. At age 40 he is one of the youngest GMs in the league. Dimitroff joined the Patriots in 2002 and was promoted to college scouting director the following year. Prior to his experience with the Patriots, he worked as a scout for the Cleveland Browns (1998-01), Detroit Lions (1994-97), and Kansas City Chiefs (1993). He also worked in the World League (1992) and Canadian Football Leagues (1990-91) as a personnel assistant. He has been considered an up and coming GM candidate for several years, and now will be given the opportunity to run his own team.

Heckert still considered favorite

Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News reports that Eagles GM Tom Heckert remains the favorite to land the Falcons GM job according to league sources. Heckert could be named the team's new GM as soon as this weekend. The Falcons are reportedly in talks with USC head coach Pete Carroll about the possibility of him joining the team in potentially both capacities as coach and GM. But even those reports suggest that something is expected to happen soon.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank has indicated that whomever the team hires as GM will have the power to choose to the team's next head coach, despite the fact that the team has conducted six separate interviews of prospective coaching candidates in the past week, including one today with Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Heckert is among five candidates that have formally interviewed for the Falcons GM position, although one in Chris Mara, withdrew his name from consideration this past week.

Domowitch reports that if Heckert is hired as GM, the favorite for being his choice of head coach is New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The Falcons requested permission to interview Spagnuolo, but were denied by the Giants due to their upcoming playoff game this weekend. It was reported that if the Giants were to lose, it was likely that Spagnuolo would be made available to interview.

Domowitch also reports that if Spagnuolo is hired, current Philadelphia Eagles QB coach Pat Shurmur would be a probable choice as the Falcons new offensive coordinator.

ProFootballTalk.com also reports that Patriots college scouting director Tom Dimitroff is also a front-runner as far as Falcons GM candidates go.

Carroll might still be interested?

While past sources indicated that the chances of Pete Carroll becoming the Falcons next head coach was a high unlikelihood, ESPN continues to report that the door has not completely closed on the idea. ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports that the Falcons and Carroll remain in contact despite the notion that he is leaning towards remaining at the University of Southern California.

According to Pasquarelli's report, the Falcons are wishing to meet with Carroll sometime this weekend. Carroll is currently on vacation in Hawaii, and is not expected to return to the mainland until Monday when USC begins their spring semester according to a report. Carroll spoke to Falcons owner Arthur Blank on Wednesday in what has been described as a "cordial" conversation and seems to be in the process of still mulling over whether he wants to make a return to the NFL.

A likely cause of him making such a decision will be determined by how much power Blank is willing to grant him within the organization. It's been no secret that Carroll has sought complete control over personnel within an organization as the only thing that might tempt him back to the pros. According to reports, Blank close to granting such a concession to Carroll. Such a move would presumably end the simultaneous search for a general manager and head coach.

Pasquarelli also reports that the team will interview prospective head coach Jim Schwartz today as well. Despite the team's interest in Carroll, it is not expected that their coaching and GM search will slow down.

Zimmer front-runner in Cincinnati

Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com reports that current Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is perceived as the leading candidate to take over as the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator position. Zimmer interviewed for the job last Friday. He was also informed by Falcons owner Arthur Blank last week that he would not be considered a candidate to be named the team's next head coach.

Zimmer would potentially replace Chuck Bresnahan who was fired by the Bengals. Other candidates for the job include Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and Carolina Panthers defensive backs coachTim Lewis. But both aren't considered prime candidates. Ryan is currently interviewing around the league for open head coaching positions, including interviewing with the Falcons this past Monday, but also remains under contract with the Ravens, which likely will mean they will be reluctant to allow him to a make a lateral move to a division rival. In Lewis's case, the Panthers have not granted permission to the Bengals to interview him. This leaves Zimmer is the likely front-runner since he's the only one to interview. The Bengals are also considering internal candidates to replace Bresnahan including defensive backs Kevin Coyle, and consultant Donnie Henderson who has served as the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets and Detroit Lions in the past.

Zimmer's status with the Falcons remains unclear. He is still under contract, but the Falcons granted him and their other assistants permission to seek jobs elsewhere. He may or may not be retained by the new head coach, so it makes sense for him to seek employment now with his status up in the air.

Mara withdraws name from GM pool

Prospective Falcosn general manager candidate Chris Mara withdrew his name from consideration in a statement released by the Giants earlier today:

"I have withdrawn my name from consideration for the position of general manager for the Atlanta Falcons. I want to thank (Falcons owner) Arthur Blank for his interest in me, and we had a very good discussion earlier this week in Atlanta. However, I am no longer a candidate for the position."

Mara is the second candidate to formally remove his name from consideration. Last week, Chris Polian of the Colts declined to sit for an interview. However, Mara did at least interview for the position, having sat down with the Falcons earlier this week on Tuesday.

ESPN reports that the Falcons may have found a replacement candidate in New Orleans Saints director of college scouting Rick Reiprish. Reiprish, 57, has extensive personnel experience, first joining the Saints in 2004. Prior to that he served five years as the Jacksonville Jaguars director of player personnel after four years as their director of college scouting. Prior to that he worked as a scout with the Seattle Seahawks (1984-94). He also worked with BLESTO (1979-82) and the Kansas City Chiefs (1982-84) as a scout. Prior to that he worked as an assistant coach at North Alabam (1978), Eastern Tennessee (1977), and Austin Peay (1973-76).

Carroll interested in Falcons

ESPN reports that sources told ESPN college football analyst Joe Schad that the interest between the Falcons and Pete Carroll is mutual. Carroll is expected to speak with Falcons owner Arthur Blank on Wednesday via telephone. Carroll is currently vacationing in Hawaii. Blank is expected to offer Carroll full control of personnel decisions, which could ultimately end both their searches for a new head coach and general manager.

Carroll has shown previous interest in other NFL jobs in Arizona, Houston, Miami, San Diego, and San Francisco.

UPDATE: Adam Schefter of NFL.com reports that Carroll is unlikely to be interested in the Falcons head coaching job, according to a source close to him. The source indicates that Carroll looked at the position a year ago, and wasn't interested then, and it's unlikely that anything has changed in a year's time to modify his interest.

Schefter also reports that the Falcons are potentially close to hiring a general manager, and currently Tom Heckert and John Schneider are atop their wish list. The team interviewed Heckert this past Monday, and interviewed Schneider a week ago.

Falcons to interview Mike Smith

Michael C. Wright of the Florida Times-Union reports that the Falcons will interview Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith later this week.

Smith, 48, joined the Jaguars in 2003 as their defensive coordinator. Prior to that stint, he was a defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens for four seasons. His prior coaching experience all came at the collegiate level where he coached at San Diego State (1982-85), Morehead State (1986), and Tennessee Tech (1987-98). Smith played one season at linebacker with the Winnepeg Blue Bombers of the CFL in 1982.

Not to be confused, the Falcons have already interviewed a candidate for the GM job from Jacksonville, their director of college socuting Gene Smith.

Steve Wyche of the AJC also reports that the Falcons conducted an interview of Patriots director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff this past weekend via satellite. Dimitroff has been considered a top candidate for the team's vacant general manager position.

Falcons eyeing Carroll?

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli cites multiple sources indicating that the Falcons have requested permission to interview University of Southern California head coach Pete Carroll for their open head coaching position.

Since taking over the Trojans in 2001, Carroll has compiled a 76-14 record and won a national championship and lost another. He coached for four seasons in the NFL, compiling a 33-31 record. He coached the New York Jets for one season (1994), and the New England Patriots for three (1997-99). He was 1-2 in the playoffs with the Patriots. Carroll has been rumored as a potential candidate for past jobs in the NFL, but has yet to make the jump back to the NFL. Reports indicate that he is seeking complete control over football operations. It would be unknown if the potential Falcons job would offer such. The team is currently conducting a wide-ranging search for its next general manager to succeed Rich McKay, and that person is expected to have "final say" on personnel decisions and will also be extensively involved in the process to hire the next head coach as well.

Also in the ESPN report, confirms that the Falcons have received permission to interview Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. He is expected to interview for the team sometime later in the week.

'Spags' now in Falcons' crosshairs

Newsday's Bob Glauber reported that New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would interview for the Falcons head coaching position on Friday of this week, but a report by Mike Garafolo of the Star Ledger indicates that the Giants have denied the Falcons request to interview Spagnuolo. According to Garafolo's report, this denial is temporary as the Giants would grant permission to interview him upon them being eliminated in the playoffs. The Giants are set to face the favored Dallas Cowboys this weekend.

Garafolo also indicates that Spagnuolo and Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett sit atop the team's wish list as far as head coaching candidates go. Previous reports have indicated that the team prefers Jim Caldwell and Mike Singletary. Considering that either the Giants or Cowboys will advance to the conference championship game, Garafolo writes that could delay the hiring process as the team waits for that person's availability for another interview.

The Falcons interviewed Chris Mara of the Giants today for their general manager position. If Mara is hired, Spagnuolo would likely be a favored option due to his familiarity within the Giants organization. Spagnuolo also worked as an assistant for eight years with the Philadelphia Eagles, most recently as a linebackers coach. That would also make him familiar to prospective GM candidate Tom Heckert as well. Heckert interviewed for the position on Monday, but left without a contract offer, although Ashley Fox of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that there could be one by the end of the week. Fox cites a league source that indicates the Falcons GM search could be coming to a close by the end of this week.

Spagnuolo joined the Eagles in 1999 as a defensive assistant, before being promoted to defensive backs coach in 2001. He moved to coach linebackers in 2004. Prior to that, his only NFL coaching experience came in 1983 as a player personnel intern with the Washington Redskins and as a scout with the San Diego Chargers in 1993. He worked as defensive coordinator of the Frankfurt Galaxy in 1998 and as a defensive line and special teams coach with the Barcelona Dragons in 1992. Other than that, his coaching experience is all on the college ranks, working at UMass (1982-83), Lafayette (1984-86), Connecticut (1987-91), Maine (1993-94), Rutgers (1994-95), and Bowling Green (1996-97).

Along with interviewing Mara on Tuesday, the Falcons also interviewed another prospective GM candidate in Jacksonville Jaguars director of college scouting Gene Smith according to the AJC. Smith has served as the Jaguars director of college scouting since 2000. He originally joined the Jags front office in 1994 as an area scout. Prior to his work in Jacksonville, he was an assistant coach at Ohio University (1986-88) and Edinboro University (1989-94), a Division II school.

Coach and GM search continues...