Atlanta Falcons Have No Shortage of Coaching Options, Should Have Pick of Litter

Mike Smith dropped the ball as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, but the organization should bounce back quickly under new leadership.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank is now tasked with replacing the most successful head coach in the franchise's history. Coaches will be lining up for the opportunity to replace Smith.

The primary reason behind the high level of interest in this particular vacancy lands at the feet of one player, quarterback Matt Ryan. Of the five current openings, Ryan is the only quarterback considered to be a franchise-caliber player. This gives Atlanta an edge with the top candidates. But it's not the only enticing aspect of the Falcons' opening. 

The organization is young and talented in all the right places.

Ryan is 29 years old and entering his prime years. Wide receiver Julio Jones, 25, developed into an elite target as the season progressed. Last year's first-round pick, Desmond Trufant, 24, is already one of the NFL's top cover corners. Linebacker Paul Worrilow, 24, finished fifth in the NFL with 143 total tackles. And left tackle Jake Matthews, 22, will enter his second season after a baptism by fire on the blind side during his rookie campaign. 

There is legitimate talent at three of the four core building blocks (quarterback, left tackle, cornerback and pass-rusher) of a franchise plus young leaders at middle linebacker and wide receiver. The Falcons will continue to build around these players.

A quick turnaround with a new coaching staff in the weak NFC South isn't a stretch of the imagination even after a 6-10 season. 

Existing talent on the roster isn't the only enticing aspect of the Falcons' vacancy. 

Blank is an owner willing to commit to a coach long-term. Smith was given seven years even after missing the playoffs in his second season. Smith was also given a second chance after finishing 4-12 last year. The owner won't pull the trigger as long as he sees improvement and competitive football on the field. 

Second, the Falcons are positioned well as the organization enters the offseason. According to Over the Cap, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff is projected to have over $25 million in cap space available during free agency. Also, the Falcons own the eighth overall selection in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. That pick should turn into yet another impact player for Atlanta. 

Finally, whatever coach takes over the team should get the opportunity to enjoy the team's new stadium that is currently set to open in 2017. Improved facilities are an important factor when it comes to luring talent away from other teams. 

All of these factors will allow the Falcons organization to attract one of the premier coaching candidates available. 

There are three primary categories from which Blank and the search firm, Korn Ferry, can choose. Multiple candidates have already been identified and fit certain qualities the owner values. 

High profile

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Nearly two months ago, the idea of firing Smith entered Blank's mind. After a 2-6 start, the owner was disappointed in the direction of his team and already started to consider his options. 

On Nov. 2, CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora reported Blank would pursue an "A-list" candidate to replace Smith. 

In order to fulfill Blank's wishes, the team could pursue a pair of avenues. 

First, the Falcons could once again hire a high-profile collegiate coach. Blank once hired Louisville's Bobby Petrino to bring his exciting offense to the NFL. That didn't work out in the Falcons' favor—which is a massive understatement—but it won't prevent Blank from at least considering talented college coaches. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, via the Houston Chronicle's Nick Mathews, that the Falcons could be interested in two of the biggest coaching names in the state of Texas: 

Sumlin's dynamic spread offense gave us the enigma known as "Johnny Football." But the loss of the former Heisman Trophy winner didn't slow the Texas A&M Aggies. Sumlin's offense finished 12th nationally with 306.4 passing yards per game in 2014. Also, the coach's reputation was built years earlier when he led Houston's offense and quarterback Case Keenum shattered multiple NCAA passing records. 

The NFL is certainly interested in Sumlin. It's only a matter of time before the coach entertains the idea of finally making the leap to the professional ranks. 

Strong, on the other hand, is a disciplinarian and a defensive-minded coach. He took over the Texas Longhorns this past season and adequately filled the shoes of Mack Brown, who was an institution in Texas after 16 seasons in Austin. 

The Longhorns finished 6-6 overall in Strong's first regular season, but he was lauded for establishing new standards off the field and a more physical style of play on it. 

While Blank may consider a couple collegiate coaches, there is at least one recently fired head coach who would steal more than a few headlines. 

Rex Ryan could be an ideal fit in Atlanta. 

The gregarious coach is an overwhelming personality and an even better defensive coach. Atlanta would be wise to show interest in this experienced head coach, despite his recent history with the New York Jets. 

Atlanta finished 32nd overall in total defense this season and struggled to manufacture pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Pressure is exactly what Rex Ryan knows how to apply. His defenses have consistently been one of the NFL's best over his career as a head coach and defensive coordinator. 

Rex Ryan will have options too. But Atlanta may be the most enticing for defensive mastermind, according to USA Today's Nate Davis: 

Top assistants

Scott Eklund/Associated Press

The Falcons were quick in their attempt to set up interviews with successful assistant coaches currently on playoff teams. A swift sign of interest is important for these assistants because they are given a small window during the first week of the playoff schedule to actually interview with interested teams. 

Two names immediately jumped to the forefront. 

According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the organization already requested an interview with Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase. 

Gase is Peyton Manning's partner-in-crime and helped orchestrate the greatest offense in NFL history last season. While the Broncos weren't quite as explosive this season, Gase's unit still finished fourth overall in total offense. 

It will be up to interested teams to differentiate between Gase and Manning and how much each affected the other. 

Blank isn't looking for a certain type of coach, though. A defensive mind like Rex Ryan or an offensive guru like Gase are both viable options. The owner wants a leader and said so in Monday's press conference, via NFL Network's Albert Breer: 

Dan Quinn is yet another example of a respected defensive mind the Falcons have shown some interest toward. La Canfora reported that the team already requested an interview with Seattle's defensive coordinator. 

Quinn took what Gus Bradley originally built in Seattle, harnessed the Seahawks' talent and helped propel the team's defense to greatness. After an absolutely dominant effort in Super Bowl XLVIII, the Seahawks have once against shut down opposing offenses in 2014. This year's defense is actually slightly better than last season's by an average of 6.5 yards per game. 

The Seahawks defense is considered one of the greatest of all time. It's only a matter of time before Quinn is recognized for his efforts by being named an NFL head coach. 

Dynamic duo

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According to Breer, Dimitroff is expected to remain the general manager of the Falcons. His flexibility to work with numerous personalities is a benefit moving forward as the franchise searches for a new coach. However, Blank understands the importance of building a strong dynamic between his general manager and head coach. As such, the team could pursue a candidate with an already established relationship with Dimitroff. 

Dimitroff came to the Falcons after six years in the New England Patriots organization. One of the prime candidates who understands "The Patriot Way" as well as anyone is New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels was with New England during Dimitroff's entire tenure. 

McDaniels already received an opportunity to be an NFL head coach with an 11-17 record in two years with the Denver Broncos. It was clear at the time that the then-33-year-old coach wasn't ready. He's since reclaimed his reputation after three seasons alongside Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. 

At 38 years old, McDaniels will continue to draw interest around the league to become a head coach for a second time.


Nearly everything is in place

Whatever coach is eventually hired and walks into the offices at Flowery Branch, Georgia, will do so knowing the Falcons aren't rebuilding. 

Blank made himself quite clear that the results from the past two seasons are unacceptable, and he places higher standards on his organization. 

Whoever is lucky enough to land this particular job will be in position to win immediately, and it doesn't matter what his name is. What matters is that Blank hires the right person for the job.

Brent Sobleski covers the NFC South for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.