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Lots of updates from the head coach and general manager roles after a busy weekend of news. Read on in today’s Falcoholinks.
Eric Bienemy and conflicting reports
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy is one of the hottest names on the head coaching market, so of course the Atlanta Falcons brought him in for an interview. How that interview went, however, has been the subject of a flurry of conflicting reports.
The Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, a veteran NFL reporter, said on a Houston-area radio show that Bienemy’s interview with Atlanta did not impress the Falcons brass, tossing some cold water on the prospect that the offensive coordinator may be brought in to helm the team.
That report was rebuffed by Steve Wyche and Jim Trotter of the NFL Network, as well as the AJC’s D. Orlando Ledbetter, who pushed back on Wilson’s reporting that Eric Bienemy’s interview didn’t go very well.
We’ll see if there are more developments on this story line as the week progresses.
The HC search heats up
Aside from Eric Bienemy, the Falcons have interviewed a handful of candidates for the vacant head coaching job. One name that’s generating a lot of buzz is Carolina offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who is reportedly a strong candidate for the job.
Our Eric Robinson detailed Brady’s resume right here.
GM developments
The general manager search rumors continue to swirl, and over the weekend we learned that Saints VP and assistant general manager of pro personnel as one of the “two or three” finalists for Atlanta’s GM gig.
Roster review: running backs
Our 2020 roster review rolls on, and this week we focused on the running back position. The Falcons brought in Todd Gurley to be their lead back, and that acquisition was largely a failure. Ito Smith would be deemed the starter in the final few games of the season, and while Atlanta received valuable contributions from Brian Hill, it’s clear that the spot needs to be addressed in the offseason.
The Talented Mr. Ridley
Calvin Ridley put together a spectacular season, one where he was largely without his partner in the wide receiving corps Julio Jones. He was named a 2nd team All-Pro for his 2020 performance, and he’s one season away from statistically being one of the best Atlanta Falcons wide receivers ever.