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Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 1:38 p.m. ET with the report on San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
The Atlanta Falcons’ search for a head coach is said to be expanding.
On Friday, the team confirmed that they had interviewed interim coach Raheem Morris for the full-time job. On Sunday morning, four more names emerged as possible targets for the Falcons.
According to a report on NFL.com, 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 sought.”
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.
Prior to joining the Buccaneers coaching staff in 2019, Bowles was the head coach of the New York Jets from 2015 to 2018, where he compiled an overall record of 24-40 in four seasons. Under Bowles this season, the Bucs’ defense has grown into one of the best units in the league. Tampa has a plus-seven turnover differential (No.6 in the league), has a total of 23 points to take (No.4), has surrendered 323.3 yards per game (No.6) and gives 21.9 points per game (no. seven). Tampa Bay has the league’s leading running defense, giving up just 77.5 yards per game.
Smith has been with the Titans since 2011 and has held a number of positions including tight ends coach, offensive line assistant, offensive quality control coach and defensive quality control coach. Under Smith in 2020, the Titan offense ranks No.5 in the league in total yards per game (390.1) and No.2 in total rushing yards per game (160.1). The Titans are also third in the league in scores, registering 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 per game (192.3), No. 3 in rushing yards allowed (94.1) and third overall in points against per game (19.3). The Rams have forced 21 turnovers this season, which is tied for fifth in the league.
Saleh is finishing his fourth season as defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Under Saleh, the San Francisco defense ranks No.5 in the league in total offensive yards allowed per game (316.7), fourth in average passing yards allowed (211.2), is tied sixth in total rushing yards allowed per game (105.5) and allows 24.3 points per game. The 49ers also have 20 takeaways this season.
Morris took over as interim coach on October 12, a day after the Falcons decided to part ways with general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn. At the time, the Falcons were 0-5 and a 23-16 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Since then, the Falcons have gone 4-6 under Morris and five of those losses were five points or less.
It should be noted that NFL teams are now allowed to apply for interviews for a head coach position from applicants who are still currently employed by other clubs. Any team with a potential candidate can decline the virtual interview request. Interviews can only be conducted with a coach if his current club allows it. For a detailed explanation of interview guidelines, click here.
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