After a record-setting season in charge of the Falcons offense, coordinator Kyle Shanahan is drawing interest from several NFL teams looking for a new head coach.
The Jaguars, Rams and Broncos reportedly are seeking to interview Shanahan, who has never been a head coach. Coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Monday that teams have contacted the Falcons about Shanahan but Quinn declined to identify those teams because he said it’s not his place.
The Falcons have a bye for the opening weekend of the playoffs. Quinn said Shanahan would have time late this week for job interviews, which he said must take place in the Atlanta area by league rule.
Quinn said he isn’t concerned that the interview process could distract Shanahan from his Falcons duties.
“I’m not worried about that one bit,” Quinn said.
Quinn was in a similar situation before the Falcons hired him. He was Seahawks defensive coordinator during the 2014 playoffs when he interviewed with the Falcons.
Shanahan has interviewed for head coaching jobs before but his work this with the Falcons this season makes him an attractive candidate in this hiring cycle. The Jaguars, Rams and Broncos are all looking to Shanahan as a coach who could rejuvenate their stagnant offenses.
The Falcons set the franchise record for points in a season during the first quarter of the 14th game. Quarterback Matt Ryan broke his own team mark for passing yards and is an NFL MVP candidate. And Ryan is among four Falcons offensive players selected to the Pro Bowl along running back Devonta Freeman, wide receiver Julio Jones and center Alex Mack.
The Falcons will open postseason play on Jan. 14 at the Georgia Dome against the highest-seeded NFC team to advance from among the Seahawks, Packers and Giants.
About the Author
