The Atlanta Falcons are one of six NFL teams with a subject coach, and one of seven franchises that need a new general manager. As the Hawks continue to interview various candidates – Joe Brady, Eric Bieniemy, Brad Holmes, Morocco Brown and Robert Saleh – analysts continue to rank the various positions.
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports, ranked the vacancies for head coach according to the ranking from least to least desirable. Atlanta is listed as the league’s least popular coaching destination.
His reasoning is mainly due to fullback Matt Ryan’s age and cap for 2021. Pair it with the Hawks now $ 31 million above the expected salary cap for 2021, and any incoming candidate will be behind the eight-ball from the jump. Rich McKay said candidates do not express open concern, but it is hard to imagine that it will not be a factor in accepting a position.
McKay also said he does not want to jeopardize the future of the team in any attempt to win now. That probably means Atlanta will try to attach Ryan if possible. The amount of dead money would keep the team in check during any rebuilding process.
The Hawks have some big decisions to make during the off-season, including who to choose with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 draft.