Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter will reportedly interview for Cleveland Browns head coaching position

Jun 18, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter shown on the field during minicamp at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Just when it looked like the Atlanta Falcons had their coaching staff for 2014 set in stone, a principal member of that unit has been linked to an open head coaching job.

Alex Marvez reports that offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter will be interviewed for the vacant head coaching job with the Cleveland Browns, and while it isn’t known if he’s the front-runner or even a serious candidate, this is still worrisome for the Falcons. Koetter has come under some fire in recent weeks and months for how the Atlanta offense performed in 2013, but prior to this season, he was widely lauded for getting the most out of Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and company.

The 54-year-old Koetter has been the offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, and it does seem as if he and Matt Ryan have a solid relationship that would lend itself to future growth. Still, the way that the offense sputtered in 2013 (mostly due to offensive line woes) makes it a bit curious as to how Koetter would line for head coaching openings. However, Koetter does have extensive head coaching experience at Arizona State and Boise State in the college ranks, and seeing him interview elsewhere doesn’t always inspire confidence.

Stay tuned for more information as it breaks.