FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons’ search for a replacement for Arthur Smith is underway. After being in meetings for the past two days, they have made their initial moves.
The team has requested permission to interview San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Baltimore associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, according to league-owned NFL Media.
While owner Arthur Blank said there was no timetable for the search, the team has to move swiftly with seven other teams – Chargers, Panthers, Raiders, Commanders, Titans, Seahawks and Patriots – looking for coaches.
“It doesn’t take long to get going, so we’re moving,” Blank said. “But I also want to be clear on this is that there is no timetable. The only timetable is to do this correctly, take our time, be thoughtful, do all of the interviews, be respectful, make sure we have a full diverse set of candidates that we’re considering in every way.”
The Falcons also are set to interview Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, according to his representation. He also has three other interviews. The team also requested an interview with Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, according to Bleacher Report. Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald was requested for an interview, according to ESPN.
Wilks, 54, is the only candidate of the group with head coaching experience. He made his name as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator under Ron Rivera. He started his coaching career at Johnson C. Smith (1995-96) and Savannah State (1997-99) after playing at Appalachian State.
Wilks was the head coach at Savannah State in 1999. He was the Cardinals’ head coach in 2018 and was the Panthers’ interim head coach in 2023 after Matt Rhule was fired.
Weaver, 43, played at Notre Dame and in the NFL with the Ravens (2002-05) and Texans (2006-08).
Johnson, 37, was a walk-on quarterback at North Carolina. He’s been Detroit’s offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. The Lions were ranked third in total offense 394.8, second in passing (258.9) and fifth in rushing (135.9 per game) and fifth in points scored (27.1)
Glenn, 51, played in the NFL from 1994-2008 and was a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback. He is a member of the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame. His defense was ranked 19th in yards allowed (336.1), second against the run (88.8), 27th against the pass (247.4) and 23rd in points allowed (23.2.
Macdonald, 36, attended Centennial High in Roswell and went to Georgia. While a student in Athens he was an assistant coach at Cedar Shoals High in 2008 and 2009. He was a grad assistant at Georgia in 2010 and was a defensive quality control assistant 2011-13.
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