The Atlanta Falcons have already parted ways with six-year head coach Mike Smith. Could general manager Thomas Dimitroff be next?
The Falcons are interviewing New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels this weekend for their vacancy at head coach. It's possible that the fates of Dimitroff and assistant GM Scott Pioli could be directly linked to the head coaching search.
"According to multiple league sources, McDaniels' candidacy has been championed by general manager Thomas Dimitroff and his top assistant, Scott Pioli, both of whom worked with McDaniels in New England," noted CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. "Owner Arthur Blank ... did not entirely rule out making other changes, and sources said the fate of Dimitroff and Pioli could be directly linked to how this coaching search proceeds."
However, it appears as if McDaniels is unsure if Atlanta is the right place to return as head coach. After flaming out with the Denver Broncos, it's understandable if McDaniels would want to wait until a comfortable situation.
"McDaniels has long told confidants that it would take a perfect set of circumstances to get him to leave quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick after a difficult initial head coaching stint in Denver," La Canfora wrote. "While the presence of Matt Ryan in Atlanta makes that job attractive to candidates, some close to McDaniels believe there is enough behind the scenes with the Falcons to give him trepidation."
Other names that have been mentioned in relation to the Falcons head coaching gig include former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers have also been linked to several of those names as well.
Stay tuned to see how the situation in Atlanta unfolds and who it ultimately affects.
