Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
FLOWERY BRANCH – The Falcons have lost the second interviewee during the coaching search as the Jets hired Todd Bowles as their new head coach Tuesday, his agent Tony Agnone confirmed.
Rex Ryan jumped at the Buffalo job offer when the Falcons weren’t moving fast enough for his liking. Bowles was offered the Jets job on Monday night and reportedly told the Falcons before traveling to New York. The Falcons elected not to intercede.
Bowles, formerly Arizona’s defensive coordinator, met with the New York Jets Tuesday. He was scheduled to meet with the Falcons on Wednesday. That meeting has been canceled.
Earlier in the day on Tuesday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPNNew York, Bowles bid was "gaining momentum" as he was set to meet with new Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan.
Former NFL general managers Charlie Casserly and Ron Wolf assisted Jets owner Woody Johnson during their search.
The Falcons are using a corporate search firm in Korn Ferry. Mike Smith, the winningest coach in franchise history, was fired on Dec. 29 and the team is known to have interviewed eight candidates.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
With John Fox being fired in Denver, Quinn is now considered one of Broncos’ top candidates which may have triggered the Jets to shift to Bowles, who’s from Elizabeth, N.J.
Also, Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin was scheduled to have his second interview with the Falcons on Thursday. That has been moved up to Wednesday, now.
It is puzzling why Bowles accepted an offer from the Jets because they have an unstable quarterback situation, while the Falcons have two-time Pro Bowler Matt Ryan.
Bowles interviewed with the Falcons on Saturday and was considered the leading candidates to replace Smith after Rex Ryan went to Buffalo.
Bowles has been on the Falcons' radar from the outset of the coaching search, but couldn’t interview until the Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs.
Bowles was believed to have a major supporter in the Falcons hierarchy in assistant general manager Scott Pioli, who’s father-in-law is Bill Parcells. Bowles worked for Parcells in Dallas and Miami.
Bowles was also considered a contender in Chicago and San Francisco.
Bowles may take Arizona quarterback coach Freddie Kitchens or former Dallas Cowboys and Georgia Tech head coach Chan Gailey as his offensive coordinator.
Bowles was hired as the Cardinals defensive coordinator on Jan. 21, 2013 after spending the 2012 season with Philadelphia Eagles.
He’s a 14-year NFL assistant who has also coached with the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins during his career. AFter playing eight seasons in the NFL, he started his coaching career at Morehouse College in 1997.
In addition to Quinn and Austin, the Falcons have also interviewed special team coordinator Keith Armstrong, New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Denver offensive coordinator Andrew Gase and former Buffalo coach Doug Marrone.
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