Editor’s note: This story was last updated at 1:38 pm (Brasília time) with the report about the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, Robert Saleh.
The Atlanta Falcons’ search for a technician is expanding.
On Friday, the team confirmed that it interviewed interim coach Raheem Morris for the full-time position. On Sunday morning, four more names emerged as possible targets for the Falcons.
According to an NFL.com report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley are “among the candidates that Atlanta has been researching “.
Additionally, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported Sunday morning that San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh could be interviewed by the Falcons as early as Monday.
Before joining the Buccaneers’ technical team in 2019, Bowles was the head coach of the 2015-18 New York Jets, where he compiled an overall record of 24-40 over four seasons. Under Bowles this season, defense Bucs has emerged as one of the league’s best units. Tampa has seven more in the billing differential (No. 6 in the league), has a total of 23 takeaways (No. 4), has earned 323.3 yards per game (No. 6) and is giving 21.9 points per game ( No. 7). Tampa Bay has the fastest defense in the league, yielding just 77.5 yards per game.
Smith has been with the Titans since 2011 and has held several positions, including tight end coach, offensive line assistant, offensive quality control coach and defensive quality control coach. Under Smith in 2020, the Titans’ attack ranked 5th in the league in total yards per game (390.1) and 2nd in run yards per game (160.1). The Titans are also in third place in the championship, adding 30.0 points per game.
Staley took over as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Under Staley in 2020, the Rams defense is ranked No. 1 in the league in total yards allowed per game (286.5), No. 1 in passing yards allowed by game (192.3), No. 3 in allowed running yards (94.1) and third overall in points allowed per game (19.3). The Rams have forced 21 turns this season, which is the fifth largest in the league.
Saleh is finishing his fourth season as a defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Under Saleh, the San Francisco defense ranks 5th in the league in total attack yards allowed per game (316.7), fourth in average passing yards allowed (211.2), is tied for sixth in total yards runs allowed per game (105.5) and is allowing 24.3 points per game. The 49ers also have 20 items to take this season.
Morris took over as acting coach on October 12, the day after the Falcons decided to part ways with general manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn. At the time, the Falcons were 0-5 and came from a 23-16 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Since then, the Falcons have been 4-6 under Morris and five of those losses have been five points or less.
It is important to note that NFL teams are now able to request interviews for a senior coaching position with candidates who are still employed by other clubs. Any team with a potential candidate can deny the request for a virtual interview. Interviews can only be conducted with a coach if your current club allows one to be conducted. For a detailed explanation of the interview guidelines, click here.