Interviews have already begun for the Atlanta Falcons as they search for a new general manager and head coach. The team fired Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff back in October following an 0-5 start. They finished the season 4-12 on Sunday and locked up the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Falcons announced Monday they had conducted interviews with both Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for the head coaching position. According to other reports, the Falcons have also asked for permission to interview Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
As far as general manager position, the Falcons announced Tuesday that they completed an interview with Los Angeles Rams’ director of college scouting Brad Holmes. They've previously interviewed former Houston Texans GM Rick Smith and Anthony Robinson, who the director of college scouting for the Falcons.
Arthur Blank said they'll continue to interview candidates until the end of the week.
Atlanta Falcons beat reporter for the AJC, Jason Butt, joined the Midday Show to discuss what the biggest questions for both the general manager and head coaching candidates.
"I can speak for me and say I would like to know a plan with Matt Ryan and Julio Jones," Butt told Andy and Randy.
"I know that Rich McKay and Arthur Blank--you know you look at, at least the history--they love those two guys, and I think that they've been hesitant in the past to want to think of an exit strategy. Of course, they've now been saying those things, hinting at an exit strategy, a transition plan."
"To me, that's the most important piece of the puzzle...those two guys tie up so much of your salary cap right now. To me, the plan of how to move on while being a formidable franchise moving forward, I think that's the plan. That doesn't mean that both or one have to go in 2021 but I think that involves some vision and some foresight that needs to be brought to the table when you're talking about the health and well-being of this franchise's future."
