interviewing multiple coaching candidates this past week, the Atlanta Falcons will apparently be holding additi..."/> interviewing multiple coaching candidates this past week, the Atlanta Falcons will apparently be holding additi..."/>

Atlanta Falcons to bring in head coaching finalists for additional interviews

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After interviewing multiple coaching candidates this past week, the Atlanta Falcons will apparently be holding additional interviews with head coaching finalists according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapaport. Rapaport also indicates that everyone’s favorite former Jets head coach will be still be around as well:

It’s not surprising at all to me that Ryan has made it into the pool of finalists with Atlanta–he’s a big name, he’s been around for a while and he is rightfully known as being a great defensive mind. This comes after Ryan and the Falcons had a five-hour interview:

"The length of the interview is proof of mutual interest, even if both parties are moving on to their next round of interviews.The Falcons still have an interview scheduled with Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles on Thursday, per Rapoport.Now that Ryan has left Atlanta without a deal, the Buffalo Billswould like to speak with him as well, a source tells Rapoport."

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Throughout the search, it’s seemed that Arthur Blank and Co. preferred a veteran coach than promoting someone to the head position for the first time in their career. The Falcons have a core of players that should be capable of winning quickly, but much of that will have to come after improving the defensive unit that was among the worst in the NFL.

Speaking of which, CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora reports that the New York Giants are interested in Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan:

Nolan certainly doesn’t have the track record over the last few years with Atlanta to boast about much, but at the same time the defensive personnel wasn’t much to boast about either. Regardless of where Nolan winds up, I’d be shocked if he was still around after the team finds its new  head coach.

Next: John Smoltz elected to Hall of Fame on first ballot (obviously)