Editor’s note: This story was last updated at 13:38 ET with the report on San Francisco 49ers defense coordinator Robert Saleh.
The Atlanta Falcons’ search for a head coach is apparently expanding.
The team confirmed Friday that they are conducting an interview with interim coach Raheem Morris for the full-time position. On Sunday morning, four more names appeared as possible targets for the Hawks.
According to a report on NFL.com, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense coordinator Todd Bowles, Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Los Angeles Rams defense coordinator Brandon Staley are “among the candidates who investigated Atlanta.”
In addition, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports Sunday morning reported that Robert Saleh, San Francisco 49ers defense coordinator, could be questioned with the Hawks as early as Monday.
Before joining the Buccaneers coaching staff in 2019, Bowles was the head coach of the New York Jets from 2015 to 18, where he set an overall record of 24-40 in four seasons. Under Bowles this season, the Bucs defense has emerged as one of the league’s best units. Tampa is more than seven in the turnover difference (No. 6 in the league), has a total of 23 takeaways (No. 4), has conceded 323.3 yards per game (No. 6) and gives 21.9 points per game (No. 7). Tampa Bay has the No. 1 rushing defense in the league, passing just 77.5 yards per game.
Smith has been with the Titans since 2011 and has held a number of positions, including coaches, offensive line assistants, offensive quality control coaches and quality control coaches. Under Smith in 2020, the Titans attack ranks No. 5 in the league in total hits per game (390.1) and No. 2 overall in rushing per game (160.1). The Titans are also third in the league to score points and score 30.0 points per game.
Staley took over as the Los Angeles Rams defense coordinator in 2020. Under Staley in 2020, the Rams defense was allowed at No. 1 in the league in total per meter (286.5), and No. 1 in passing meters per game (192.3), no. 3 allowed in chases (94.1) and third overall in points allowed per game (19.3). The Rams have forced 21 times this season, which is equivalent to the fifth most in the league.
Saleh ends his fourth season as San Francisco 49ers’ defense coordinator. Below Saleh, San Francisco’s defense ranks No. 5 in the league in the total number of offenses per game (316.7), the fourth in the average passing yards (211.2), and is sixth in the total number of runs per game (105.5) and offers 24.3 points per game. The 49ers also have 20 takeaways this season.
Morris took over as interim coach on October 12, a day after the Falcons decided to separate general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn. At the time, the Hawks were 0-5 and they had a 23-16 defeat to the Carolina Panthers. Since then, the Hawks have trailed Morris 4-6 and five of the losses have been five points or less.
It is noteworthy that NFL teams are now allowed to request interviews for a vacancy for head coaching with candidates currently still working at other clubs. Any team with a potential candidate can reject the request for a virtual interview. Interviews can only be conducted with a coach if his current club allows it. Click here for a detailed outline of the interview guidelines.