Report: Dan Quinn likely to become Atlanta Falcons head coach

The head coaching search for the Atlanta Falcons continues, as a number of names have been interviewed while others have moved on for other jobs. Rex Ryan and Todd Bowles are off the market, and in recent hours and days, it has seemed like a two-man race between Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

On Thursday evening, a “lead” broke that would indicate that Quinn has vaulted to the top of the list as the “likely” choice for the position. Jeanna Thomas of The Falcoholic had this to say:

"A league source has confirmed to me that Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who has been identified in recent days as one of the Falcons’ top targets to fill their head coach vacancy, is likely to be the Falcons’ new coach whenever the Seattle Seahawks’ playoff run ends."

The timeline does make some sense, especially when realizing that the Falcons have been quiet while Quinn is “off-limits” during Seattle’s preparation for the NFC Championship Game. The Seahawks are favored to move on the Super Bowl, but because of the two-week break, there is no requirement that Arthur Blank and company stay away from Quinn and a choice could be finalized at that point.

Personally, Teryl Austin would be my choice, especially if an established offensive coordinator can be hired in tandem. Austin is a fast-rising name that isn’t blanketed by incumbent scheme (i.e. Pete Carroll) or uber-elite personnel at all levels like Quinn has been with the Seahawks, but in fairness, Dan Quinn has been a well-respected name and there are no real qualms with the choice if this report proves accurate.

The Atlanta Falcons need a head coach in order to proceed to the remainder of their off-season, and it appears that Dan Quinn could be the choice.