Falcons Could Name Rex Ryan as Head Coach

Now that the Atlanta Falcons have interviewed Rex Ryan, do not be shocked if an announcement is made shortly that the former New York Jets head coach assumes the same position in the Peach State.

The Falcons interviewed Keith Armstrong, the team’s special teams coach, but it does not appear he is in the team’s plans of filling the open position.

Under the “Rooney Rule,” NFL teams must make an effort to interview minority candidates as part of the selection process. Now, the Falcons are ready to pursue anyone they want – according to profootballtalk.com.

Ryan was set to interview in Atlanta on Tuesday, but sources close to the organization say it may be largely a formality as the team could name Ryan the head coach within days, or possibly less.

As long as Ryan’s interview goes smoothly — or even not disastrously wrong — the former Jets coach is expected to take over the job vacated by the hiring of Mike Smith.

As ProFootballTalk notes, Ryan would be a very attractive candidate to the Falcons.

A story on inquisitr.com, there have actually been rumors circulating for weeks that Rex Ryan is headed to the Atlanta Falcons, even before he was fired by the Jets at the end of the team’s disappointing season. Ryan had actually interviewed with the team in 2008, before he took the job with the Jets.

Jason Cole has also reported on the Falcons interest in the defensive specialist, who would also bring a different style to the team that has had two losing seasons since it was the first seed in the NFC layoffs in 2012.

Former head coach Mike Smith was released from the team the day after the team lost 34-3 to the Carolina Panthers at home. A win would have put Atlanta in the playoffs.

The hire could have larger implications across the league. With Rex Ryan likely to go to the Atlanta Falcons, experts believe it could set off a chain reaction as other teams snatch up coaching candidates for fear of losing out.

None of the open coaching vacancies have been filled yet, but the six teams are currently interviewing candidates.