ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ coach search will enter a new phase on Wednesday when they have their second interview with Arizona defensive co-ordinator Todd Bowles.
Bowles’ agent, Tony Agnone, on Tuesday confirmed plans for the second meeting with the Falcons. Bowles was scheduled to interview with the New York Jets on Tuesday.
The Falcons are expected to have a second interview with Detroit defensive co-ordinator Teryl Austin later this week.
The team is seeking to replace Mike Smith, who was fired following a 6-10 finish in 2014.
The talks with Bowles and Austin could determine if the Falcons wait for a second meeting with Seattle defensive co-ordinator Dan Quinn, who is unavailable this week as the Seahawks prepare for Sunday’s NFC championship game.
If the Seahawks beat Green Bay on Sunday, Quinn may not be open for more talks with Atlanta until after the Feb. 1 Super Bowl.
Bowles, 51, was Philadelphia’s defensive co-ordinator in 2012 before building one of the league’s top defences in Arizona. The Cardinals ranked fifth in the league, allowing 18.7 points per game.
He previously was a defensive assistant with the Jets, Cleveland, Dallas and Miami. He was 2-1 as the Dolphins’ interim head coach in 2011.
Austin, 49, was Baltimore’s secondary coach for three years before becoming Detroit’s defensive co-ordinator for the 2014 season.
The Falcons’ search has focused on top defensive co-ordinators after former Jets coach Rex Ryan, also known for defence, was hired as Buffalo’s new coach. It’s not a new strategy. Smith was the defensive co-ordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-07 before being hired by Atlanta.
Atlanta has struggled on defence while finishing a combined 10-22 the past two seasons. The Falcons allowed the most total yards and yards passing in the league this season.
The two straight losing seasons followed five straight winning seasons under Smith.
The Falcons also have interviewed New England offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels, Broncos offensive co-ordinator Adam Gase, former Bills coach Doug Marrone and Atlanta special teams coach Keith Armstrong.
It is unclear if the team will seek to interview former Denver coach John Fox, who suddenly became available on Monday. Fox coached in the NFC South with Carolina from 2002-10.
