Jaguars interview Falcons' Dave Caldwell for GM opening

The Jacksonville Jaguars have already conducted their first interview after firing general manager Gene Smith on Monday morning. Jaguars owner Shad Khan interviewed Atlanta director of player personnel Dave Caldwell on Monday afternoon, according to a report from Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.

Caldwell, who is in his first season as director of player personnel, is expected to be one of the most sought-after general manager candidates. A report last week had Caldwell as the front-runner in both Buffalo and Jacksonville, according to NFL sources. The San Diego Chargers and New York Jets have also requested permission to interview Caldwell, according to Glazer.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff called Caldwell his "right-hand guy" and polished enough to become a general manager. In addition to his season as a director of player personnel, Caldwell also has a background in college scouting. He spent four years as Atlanta's director of college scouting. He also worked as a scout with the Indianapolis Colts prior to joining the Falcons.

If Caldwell does depart for a general manager position, it will be the second straight season Atlanta's director of player personnel has been hired away. The St. Louis Rams hired Les Snead from Atlanta last season.

This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.