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Now that we know Adrian Peterson will not serve jail time and have pled to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault, will the NFL welcome back with open arms, and more importantly, which teams will get in line to try and woo the former Minnesota Vikings running back?

A report on NFL.com starts the debate by asking whether a trip back to his former NFC North team is a good idea.

Peterson pleaded no contest to reckless assault Tuesday, avoiding jail time. But only NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can reinstate Peterson from the exempt list, and league spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the league would review the court documents before making a decision. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman would not comment on the process during his midseason news conference Tuesday.

While the Minnesota Vikings front office is mum on a potential return, it appears players in the Vikings locker room would welcome him back to the franchise.

As Ben Goessling wrote, “A handful of prominent Vikings players said Tuesday they'd be excited to have Peterson back on the roster, adding that the running back wouldn't have to do anything to regain trust in the locker room after his Sept. 12 arrest for child abuse charges led to an eight-game absence.

Peterson has stayed in contact with numerous players and coaches throughout his absence, texting a motivational speech for coach Mike Zimmer to read to the team before the Vikings' win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 28 and passing along advice to rookie running back Jerick McKinnon, who has run for 445 yards in Peterson's absence.

Those types of things, players said Tuesday, went a long way toward maintaining Peterson's status as one of the team's leaders.

He was drafted by the Vikings seventh overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma. Peterson set the NCAA freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards as a true freshman during the 2004 season. As a unanimous first-team All-American, he became the first freshman to finish as the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy balloting. Peterson finished his college football career as the Sooners' third all-time leading rusher.

Following his first pro season, in which he set an NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game (296), Peterson was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was then awarded the MVP award for his performance in the Pro Bowl and became only the fifth player in NFL history to have more than 3,000 yards through his first two seasons. In 2010, he became the fifth fastest player to run for 5,000 yards, doing so in his 51st game.

Should the Vikings pass on a reunion with Peterson, here are four other teams that can use his services immediately.

NEW YORK JETS

It would certainly create more news and controversy in The Big Apple for head coach Rex Ryan. The Jets running game is just as dismal as the passing attack. Peterson gives Ryan more versatility on offense and creates a buzz – taking the focus off the head coach and more on the player. The New York media would eat this up.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Colts are a passing team – only. The Trent Richardson experiment has come and gone. The arm of Andrew Luck and a surprisingly good defense has made the Colts a prominent Super Bowl-potential team. Adding Peterson makes this team the favorite in the AFC immediately and he gives the franchise back it has lacked for years.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Somewhere in a think tank, Thomas Dimitroff and Rich McKay are trying to figure out how to land Peterson. The Falcons traded for Mike Vick in 2001 by trading draft picks with the San Diego Chargers, who took LaDanian Tomlinson. Falcons fans I’m sure would have rather had the footwork of Tomlinson. Peterson would flourish in the Falcons offense and take pressure off Matt Ryan to make it all happen through the air.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Peterson gets a Super Bowl ring and Tom Brady goes down as the greatest quarterback of all time. This makes the most logical sense if Minnesota does not bring him back. The Patriots are used to bringing in veterans who help make the team better. This may be the best move Bill Belichick has ever made.

Now that we know Adrian Peterson will not serve jail time and have pled to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault, will the NFL welcome back with open arms, and more importantly, which teams will get in line to try and woo the former Minnesota Vikings running back?

A report on NFL.com starts the debate by asking whether a trip back to his former NFC North team is a good idea.

Peterson pleaded no contest to reckless assault Tuesday, avoiding jail time. But only NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can reinstate Peterson from the exempt list, and league spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the league would review the court documents before making a decision. Vikings general manager Rick Spielman would not comment on the process during his midseason news conference Tuesday.

While the Minnesota Vikings front office is mum on a potential return, it appears players in the Vikings locker room would welcome him back to the franchise.

As Ben Goessling wrote, “A handful of prominent Vikings players said Tuesday they'd be excited to have Peterson back on the roster, adding that the running back wouldn't have to do anything to regain trust in the locker room after his Sept. 12 arrest for child abuse charges led to an eight-game absence.

Peterson has stayed in contact with numerous players and coaches throughout his absence, texting a motivational speech for coach Mike Zimmer to read to the team before the Vikings' win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 28 and passing along advice to rookie running back Jerick McKinnon, who has run for 445 yards in Peterson's absence.

Those types of things, players said Tuesday, went a long way toward maintaining Peterson's status as one of the team's leaders.

He was drafted by the Vikings seventh overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma. Peterson set the NCAA freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards as a true freshman during the 2004 season. As a unanimous first-team All-American, he became the first freshman to finish as the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy balloting. Peterson finished his college football career as the Sooners' third all-time leading rusher.

Following his first pro season, in which he set an NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game (296), Peterson was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was then awarded the MVP award for his performance in the Pro Bowl and became only the fifth player in NFL history to have more than 3,000 yards through his first two seasons. In 2010, he became the fifth fastest player to run for 5,000 yards, doing so in his 51st game.

Should the Vikings pass on a reunion with Peterson, here are four other teams that can use his services immediately.

NEW YORK JETS

It would certainly create more news and controversy in The Big Apple for head coach Rex Ryan. The Jets running game is just as dismal as the passing attack. Peterson gives Ryan more versatility on offense and creates a buzz – taking the focus off the head coach and more on the player. The New York media would eat this up.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Colts are a passing team – only. The Trent Richardson experiment has come and gone. The arm of Andrew Luck and a surprisingly good defense has made the Colts a prominent Super Bowl-potential team. Adding Peterson makes this team the favorite in the AFC immediately and he gives the franchise back it has lacked for years.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Somewhere in a think tank, Thomas Dimitroff and Rich McKay are trying to figure out how to land Peterson. The Falcons traded for Mike Vick in 2001 by trading draft picks with the San Diego Chargers, who took LaDanian Tomlinson. Falcons fans I’m sure would have rather had the footwork of Tomlinson. Peterson would flourish in the Falcons offense and take pressure off Matt Ryan to make it all happen through the air.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Peterson gets a Super Bowl ring and Tom Brady goes down as the greatest quarterback of all time. This makes the most logical sense if Minnesota does not bring him back. The Patriots are used to bringing in veterans who help make the team better. This may be the best move Bill Belichick has ever made.

The weather in Atlanta is getting cooler. The leaves are changing, chimneys are burning wood and the smell of the seasons are changing. For the Falcons, especially had coach Mike Smith, the days may be getting warmer as his team cannot find the reverse button and change five losses in a row to at least one victory. The 22-21 loss in London was the icing on the cake as the offense came out firing at Wembley Stadium, only to be shut out in the second half.

After a dreadful season last year (four wins) and six in the last 24 games, could this be the make or break season for the defensive-minded leader?

Smith was asked Monday, according to ESPN.com, if he has any concerns about job security, with his team on a five-game losing streak.

"No," Smith said. "None whatsoever. We're going to do what we've done for the last six-plus years and prepare each and every week like we know how to do it. And I'm going to continue to do that until Mr. Blank tells me otherwise.''

Team owner Arthur Blank recently told ESPN.com he had confidence in both Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff to guide a turnaround and said he would wait to see how the season plays out before evaluating changes. But Blank was noticeably frustrated after Sunday's loss in London, telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "There's no way you lose that game -- just no way. There's nothing else I can say."

Smith is the team’s most successful head coach and the only one to take the team to consecutive playoff berths.

"I talk to Mr. Blank after every game and I think that those conversations do stay private,'' Smith said.”And I do agree with him. When you're up 21-0 at halftime, you should not lose that football game.''

If the Falcons do make a move, here are a few names the organization should consider.

JACK DEL RIO

The Falcons know about Del Rio from his time in Jacksonville. He has turned the Denver defense into a force this season. In 2003, he was named head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a position he held until 2011. In that capacity he set the NFL record for the longest tenure of any coach without winning a division championship—over eight years.

KEVIN SUMLIN

He is currently head coach at Texas A&M University. Previously, Sumlin was the head football coach at the University of Houston from 2007 to 2011.

Sumlin has been named a potential NFL coach before. He has been the brains behind the machine that helped Johnny Manziel win a Heisman Trophy.

ART BRILES

I will take the suggestion of fellow FN writer Chris Alderson and run with it. I can see Briles gaining some attention from the Falcons.

In 2013, Briles led Baylor to arguably the best season in school history. The Bears started the season 9-0, propelling them as high as third in the nation at one point. They ultimately finished with a school-record 11 wins and only the second top-ten finish in school history. A 30-10 win over Texas in the final game of the season garnered them the Big 12 title—their first outright conference title since 1980—and earning the school's first-ever BCS bowl appearance with a trip to the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.

TERYL AUSTIN

A long shot for the young coach, but Austin is the reason the Detroit Lions defense is so good this season. Austin’s resume is short, but it does not mean it was not successful. Austin spent time in John Harbaugh’s system in Baltimore, helping the Ravens to the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. 

Cleveland made some big moves in the 2014 NFL Draft, one of which was trading up with their second first round selection to acquire phenom quarterback Johnny Manziel out of Texas A&M University.  Manziel was a beast on the field during his tenure at Texas A&M, and entering the draft, he was the most discussed pick in the first round.  The discussion was over which team would draft him, and which teams would be the perfect fit for his abilities on the field, ranging from the Dallas Cowboys to the New York Jets.

Brian Hoyer was injured early on last season, so the Browns needed to add a high quality backup to their roster, in the event that Hoyer should go down again this season, or if his performance failed to meet the Browns expectations from their starting quarterback.  Manziel was the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense out of the quarterbacks available with said pick.

Johnny Manziel was impressive during the pre-season, and talks began swirling around the nation that Cleveland had just created yet another controversy at the position.  Brian Hoyer was etched in as the starter for the Browns, primarily due to his success during the three games he started last season.

Cleveland has been very competitive in the AFC North this season, where they are currently only a half game out of first place, despite being ranked fourth in the division.  Johnny Manziel has been keeping himself primed and ready to go at moments notice, whether he's needed as a starter, or to be utilized on gimmick plays.

The problem for Manziel has been the successful play from starting quarterback Brian Hoyer, who has already thrown for 1,714 yards this season.  Hoyer has also been efficent at the helm, completeing 57% of his passes, while throwing 8 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions.  His current rating score is 91.0, a rating the Browns haven't witnessed since Derek Anderson's 82.5 rated performance in 2007.  In fact, the last Browns quarterback to finish closest to Hoyer's current rating was Vinny Tesaverde, who had an 87.8 rating in 1995.

Right now this is Brian Hoyer's team, and the starting quarterback job is Brian Hoyer's to lose.  Manziel is a very competitive player and leader on the field, so it's understandable why his impatience continues to grow each week.  That being said, Manziel needs to realize he's in a very good situation right now in Cleveland.

Manziel can benefit by learning from Hoyer, who spent three seasons learning from future Hall of Famer Tom Brady, and head ciach Bill Belichick, while serving as a back up quarterback for the New England Patriots.  The best thing Manziel can do now is learn to display some patience.  His time will come, but he needs to realize that time isn't right now.

As the National Football League heads into the second half of the 2014 season there is a growing divide between those who are contenders and those teams that are pretenders that may be looking for head coaches next season. Oakland has already fired Dennis Allen and its safe to say that they probably won't keep interim head coach Tony Sparano. Atlanta and the New York Jets are two other prime candidates to be looking for head coaches in 2015 as Mike Smith has not been able to turn things around in Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Jets under Rex Ryan continue their freefall as they are paying the price for Geno Smith not panning out and their front office not being aggressive enough in the offseason to upgrade their offense. With that being said here is a look at five assistant coaches who could become head coaches in the National Football League as soon as this offseason.

Sorry Gator Nation, it is not going to happen. The one thing Gator fans hope for more than anything will not be a wish granted for this holiday season.

Steve Spurrier is not coming home to save the day.

There have been rumors over the past few weeks regarding the Gators coaching position and potential candidates (even before Will Muschamp has been fired), which has led to speculation that Spurrier, the most famous and decorated head coach ever to walk the sideline at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, would return to his familiar post.

An October 18 story on CBSsports.com by Dennis Dodd began the speculation of a potential reunion between Spurrier and his alma mater. The “Ol’ Ball Coach” has been the leader if the South Carolina program since 2005. The Gamecocks have stumbled a bit this season after being picked by many in the media to win the SEC East division in 2014.

As Dodd wrote in his story…

“Is Florida AD Jeremy Foley going to drag this out or give Will Muschamp the Big Haircut immediately? Will Muschamp is gone. That much was assured after the embarrassing 42-13 loss to Missouri. Hell, Brady Hoke thinks Will Muschamp is gone.

Kidding, but you get the message. Foley's exit strategy regarding Florida's embattled coach is now the story. Not if, but when.

Listen to Gators fans chant 'Fire Muschamp'

Let the speculation begin regarding Muschamp's replacement and let it begin with Steve Spurrier. How cool would it be if Spur Dog ends his career as sort of a "bridge" to the next guy at Florida? Who knows, the way he's going Spurrier might last another 10 years. He's 69, looks 49 and all he wants to do is win.”

Nope, it is not going to happen.

The Florida Gators play the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville this weekend where the news off the field appears to be more important than the news on the field. Muschamp is still under fire with the athletic department. Treon Harris will replace Jeff Driskel as the starter at quarterback. Todd Gurley of Georgia is still dealing with his suspension by the NCAA.

At some point, the two teams and the media will have to focus on the game.

But any talk about Spurrier and his future plans have moved from speculation to just pure hogwash.

Kenley Young of Fox Sports reiterated the point in his Oct. 21 story.

“It appears Muschamp will retain his job for at least one more game, but if the Gators suffer another blowout when they meet the Georgia Bulldogs on Nov. 1, it's not at all clear what will happen next.

One thing that does seem clear, however, is that former Florida coach Steve Spurrier will not be riding into Gainesville to save the day should Muschamp get the ax.

The legendary Ol' Ball Coach spent the entire 1990s-plus coaching the Gators, leading them to six SEC championships and, of course, a national title in 1996. As such, Spurrier's name has been among those linked to any potential Florida coaching vacancy that might arise.

But Spurrier -- who's been coaching the South Carolina Gamecocks for 10 years now and has elevated that moribund program to unprecedented levels of success during his tenure -- doesn't seem interested in a return engagement at The Swamp ... although a return to the state of Florida does seem likely”

The list of potential hires to the Gator program has included names like Rich Rodriguez, Chip Kelly, Jim Harbaugh, Hugh Freeze, Dan Mullen and Kerwin Bell. Once Spurrier’s name came up and gained some steam, he quickly stated what his position was and became part of the Young article.

"I tell everybody my next move is going to be to Crescent Beach, Fla.," Spurrier told 247 Sports on Tuesday. "That's where my next move is going to be to."

Sorry, Gator fans. It would have bene nice. But that kind of magic and dream only happens once in a lifetime. Spurrier already came home once. It is not happening again.

The weather in Atlanta is getting cooler. The leaves are changing, chimneys are burning wood and the smell of the seasons are changing. For the Falcons, especially had coach Mike Smith, the days may be getting warmer as his team cannot find the reverse button and change five losses in a row to at least one victory. The 22-21 loss in London was the icing on the cake as the offense came out firing at Wembley Stadium, only to be shut out in the second half.

After a dreadful season last year (four wins) and six in the last 24 games, could this be the make or break season for the defensive-minded leader?

Smith was asked Monday, according to ESPN.com, if he has any concerns about job security, with his team on a five-game losing streak.

"No," Smith said. "None whatsoever. We're going to do what we've done for the last six-plus years and prepare each and every week like we know how to do it. And I'm going to continue to do that until Mr. Blank tells me otherwise.''

Team owner Arthur Blank recently told ESPN.com he had confidence in both Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff to guide a turnaround and said he would wait to see how the season plays out before evaluating changes. But Blank was noticeably frustrated after Sunday's loss in London, telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "There's no way you lose that game -- just no way. There's nothing else I can say."

Smith is the team’s most successful head coach and the only one to take the team to consecutive playoff berths.

"I talk to Mr. Blank after every game and I think that those conversations do stay private,'' Smith said.”And I do agree with him. When you're up 21-0 at halftime, you should not lose that football game.''

If the Falcons do make a move, here are a few names the organization should consider.

JACK DEL RIO

The Falcons know about Del Rio from his time in Jacksonville. He has turned the Denver defense into a force this season. In 2003, he was named head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a position he held until 2011. In that capacity he set the NFL record for the longest tenure of any coach without winning a division championship—over eight years.

KEVIN SUMLIN

He is currently head coach at Texas A&M University. Previously, Sumlin was the head football coach at the University of Houston from 2007 to 2011.

Sumlin has been named a potential NFL coach before. He has been the brains behind the machine that helped Johnny Manziel win a Heisman Trophy.

ART BRILES

I will take the suggestion of fellow FN writer Chris Alderson and run with it. I can see Briles gaining some attention from the Falcons.

In 2013, Briles led Baylor to arguably the best season in school history. The Bears started the season 9-0, propelling them as high as third in the nation at one point. They ultimately finished with a school-record 11 wins and only the second top-ten finish in school history. A 30-10 win over Texas in the final game of the season garnered them the Big 12 title—their first outright conference title since 1980—and earning the school's first-ever BCS bowl appearance with a trip to the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.

TERYL AUSTIN

A long shot for the young coach, but Austin is the reason the Detroit Lions defense is so good this season. Austin’s resume is short, but it does not mean it was not successful. Austin spent time in John Harbaugh’s system in Baltimore, helping the Ravens to the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. 

Cleveland made some big moves in the 2014 NFL Draft, one of which was trading up with their second first round selection to acquire phenom quarterback Johnny Manziel out of Texas A&M University.  Manziel was a beast on the field during his tenure at Texas A&M, and entering the draft, he was the most discussed pick in the first round.  The discussion was over which team would draft him, and which teams would be the perfect fit for his abilities on the field, ranging from the Dallas Cowboys to the New York Jets.

Brian Hoyer was injured early on last season, so the Browns needed to add a high quality backup to their roster, in the event that Hoyer should go down again this season, or if his performance failed to meet the Browns expectations from their starting quarterback.  Manziel was the perfect fit for Kyle Shanahan's offense out of the quarterbacks available with said pick.

Johnny Manziel was impressive during the pre-season, and talks began swirling around the nation that Cleveland had just created yet another controversy at the position.  Brian Hoyer was etched in as the starter for the Browns, primarily due to his success during the three games he started last season.

Cleveland has been very competitive in the AFC North this season, where they are currently only a half game out of first place, despite being ranked fourth in the division.  Johnny Manziel has been keeping himself primed and ready to go at moments notice, whether he's needed as a starter, or to be utilized on gimmick plays.

The problem for Manziel has been the successful play from starting quarterback Brian Hoyer, who has already thrown for 1,714 yards this season.  Hoyer has also been efficent at the helm, completeing 57% of his passes, while throwing 8 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions.  His current rating score is 91.0, a rating the Browns haven't witnessed since Derek Anderson's 82.5 rated performance in 2007.  In fact, the last Browns quarterback to finish closest to Hoyer's current rating was Vinny Tesaverde, who had an 87.8 rating in 1995.

Right now this is Brian Hoyer's team, and the starting quarterback job is Brian Hoyer's to lose.  Manziel is a very competitive player and leader on the field, so it's understandable why his impatience continues to grow each week.  That being said, Manziel needs to realize he's in a very good situation right now in Cleveland.

Manziel can benefit by learning from Hoyer, who spent three seasons learning from future Hall of Famer Tom Brady, and head ciach Bill Belichick, while serving as a back up quarterback for the New England Patriots.  The best thing Manziel can do now is learn to display some patience.  His time will come, but he needs to realize that time isn't right now.

As the National Football League heads into the second half of the 2014 season there is a growing divide between those who are contenders and those teams that are pretenders that may be looking for head coaches next season. Oakland has already fired Dennis Allen and its safe to say that they probably won't keep interim head coach Tony Sparano. Atlanta and the New York Jets are two other prime candidates to be looking for head coaches in 2015 as Mike Smith has not been able to turn things around in Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Jets under Rex Ryan continue their freefall as they are paying the price for Geno Smith not panning out and their front office not being aggressive enough in the offseason to upgrade their offense. With that being said here is a look at five assistant coaches who could become head coaches in the National Football League as soon as this offseason.

Sorry Gator Nation, it is not going to happen. The one thing Gator fans hope for more than anything will not be a wish granted for this holiday season.

Steve Spurrier is not coming home to save the day.

There have been rumors over the past few weeks regarding the Gators coaching position and potential candidates (even before Will Muschamp has been fired), which has led to speculation that Spurrier, the most famous and decorated head coach ever to walk the sideline at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, would return to his familiar post.

An October 18 story on CBSsports.com by Dennis Dodd began the speculation of a potential reunion between Spurrier and his alma mater. The “Ol’ Ball Coach” has been the leader if the South Carolina program since 2005. The Gamecocks have stumbled a bit this season after being picked by many in the media to win the SEC East division in 2014.

As Dodd wrote in his story…

“Is Florida AD Jeremy Foley going to drag this out or give Will Muschamp the Big Haircut immediately? Will Muschamp is gone. That much was assured after the embarrassing 42-13 loss to Missouri. Hell, Brady Hoke thinks Will Muschamp is gone.

Kidding, but you get the message. Foley's exit strategy regarding Florida's embattled coach is now the story. Not if, but when.

Listen to Gators fans chant 'Fire Muschamp'

Let the speculation begin regarding Muschamp's replacement and let it begin with Steve Spurrier. How cool would it be if Spur Dog ends his career as sort of a "bridge" to the next guy at Florida? Who knows, the way he's going Spurrier might last another 10 years. He's 69, looks 49 and all he wants to do is win.”

Nope, it is not going to happen.

The Florida Gators play the Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville this weekend where the news off the field appears to be more important than the news on the field. Muschamp is still under fire with the athletic department. Treon Harris will replace Jeff Driskel as the starter at quarterback. Todd Gurley of Georgia is still dealing with his suspension by the NCAA.

At some point, the two teams and the media will have to focus on the game.

But any talk about Spurrier and his future plans have moved from speculation to just pure hogwash.

Kenley Young of Fox Sports reiterated the point in his Oct. 21 story.

“It appears Muschamp will retain his job for at least one more game, but if the Gators suffer another blowout when they meet the Georgia Bulldogs on Nov. 1, it's not at all clear what will happen next.

One thing that does seem clear, however, is that former Florida coach Steve Spurrier will not be riding into Gainesville to save the day should Muschamp get the ax.

The legendary Ol' Ball Coach spent the entire 1990s-plus coaching the Gators, leading them to six SEC championships and, of course, a national title in 1996. As such, Spurrier's name has been among those linked to any potential Florida coaching vacancy that might arise.

But Spurrier -- who's been coaching the South Carolina Gamecocks for 10 years now and has elevated that moribund program to unprecedented levels of success during his tenure -- doesn't seem interested in a return engagement at The Swamp ... although a return to the state of Florida does seem likely”

The list of potential hires to the Gator program has included names like Rich Rodriguez, Chip Kelly, Jim Harbaugh, Hugh Freeze, Dan Mullen and Kerwin Bell. Once Spurrier’s name came up and gained some steam, he quickly stated what his position was and became part of the Young article.

"I tell everybody my next move is going to be to Crescent Beach, Fla.," Spurrier told 247 Sports on Tuesday. "That's where my next move is going to be to."

Sorry, Gator fans. It would have bene nice. But that kind of magic and dream only happens once in a lifetime. Spurrier already came home once. It is not happening again.

The weather in Atlanta is getting cooler. The leaves are changing, chimneys are burning wood and the smell of the seasons are changing. For the Falcons, especially had coach Mike Smith, the days may be getting warmer as his team cannot find the reverse button and change five losses in a row to at least one victory. The 22-21 loss in London was the icing on the cake as the offense came out firing at Wembley Stadium, only to be shut out in the second half.

After a dreadful season last year (four wins) and six in the last 24 games, could this be the make or break season for the defensive-minded leader?

Smith was asked Monday, according to ESPN.com, if he has any concerns about job security, with his team on a five-game losing streak.

"No," Smith said. "None whatsoever. We're going to do what we've done for the last six-plus years and prepare each and every week like we know how to do it. And I'm going to continue to do that until Mr. Blank tells me otherwise.''

Team owner Arthur Blank recently told ESPN.com he had confidence in both Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff to guide a turnaround and said he would wait to see how the season plays out before evaluating changes. But Blank was noticeably frustrated after Sunday's loss in London, telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "There's no way you lose that game -- just no way. There's nothing else I can say."

Smith is the team’s most successful head coach and the only one to take the team to consecutive playoff berths.

"I talk to Mr. Blank after every game and I think that those conversations do stay private,'' Smith said.”And I do agree with him. When you're up 21-0 at halftime, you should not lose that football game.''

If the Falcons do make a move, here are a few names the organization should consider.

JACK DEL RIO

The Falcons know about Del Rio from his time in Jacksonville. He has turned the Denver defense into a force this season. In 2003, he was named head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a position he held until 2011. In that capacity he set the NFL record for the longest tenure of any coach without winning a division championship—over eight years.

KEVIN SUMLIN

He is currently head coach at Texas A&M University. Previously, Sumlin was the head football coach at the University of Houston from 2007 to 2011.

Sumlin has been named a potential NFL coach before. He has been the brains behind the machine that helped Johnny Manziel win a Heisman Trophy.

ART BRILES

I will take the suggestion of fellow FN writer Chris Alderson and run with it. I can see Briles gaining some attention from the Falcons.

In 2013, Briles led Baylor to arguably the best season in school history. The Bears started the season 9-0, propelling them as high as third in the nation at one point. They ultimately finished with a school-record 11 wins and only the second top-ten finish in school history. A 30-10 win over Texas in the final game of the season garnered them the Big 12 title—their first outright conference title since 1980—and earning the school's first-ever BCS bowl appearance with a trip to the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.

TERYL AUSTIN

A long shot for the young coach, but Austin is the reason the Detroit Lions defense is so good this season. Austin’s resume is short, but it does not mean it was not successful. Austin spent time in John Harbaugh’s system in Baltimore, helping the Ravens to the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. 

The weather in Atlanta is getting cooler. The leaves are changing, chimneys are burning wood and the smell of the seasons are changing. For the Falcons, especially had coach Mike Smith, the days may be getting warmer as his team cannot find the reverse button and change five losses in a row to at least one victory. The 22-21 loss in London was the icing on the cake as the offense came out firing at Wembley Stadium, only to be shut out in the second half.

After a dreadful season last year (four wins) and six in the last 24 games, could this be the make or break season for the defensive-minded leader?

Smith was asked Monday, according to ESPN.com, if he has any concerns about job security, with his team on a five-game losing streak.

"No," Smith said. "None whatsoever. We're going to do what we've done for the last six-plus years and prepare each and every week like we know how to do it. And I'm going to continue to do that until Mr. Blank tells me otherwise.''

Team owner Arthur Blank recently told ESPN.com he had confidence in both Smith and general manager Thomas Dimitroff to guide a turnaround and said he would wait to see how the season plays out before evaluating changes. But Blank was noticeably frustrated after Sunday's loss in London, telling the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "There's no way you lose that game -- just no way. There's nothing else I can say."

Smith is the team’s most successful head coach and the only one to take the team to consecutive playoff berths.

"I talk to Mr. Blank after every game and I think that those conversations do stay private,'' Smith said.”And I do agree with him. When you're up 21-0 at halftime, you should not lose that football game.''

If the Falcons do make a move, here are a few names the organization should consider.

JACK DEL RIO

The Falcons know about Del Rio from his time in Jacksonville. He has turned the Denver defense into a force this season. In 2003, he was named head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a position he held until 2011. In that capacity he set the NFL record for the longest tenure of any coach without winning a division championship—over eight years.

KEVIN SUMLIN

He is currently head coach at Texas A&M University. Previously, Sumlin was the head football coach at the University of Houston from 2007 to 2011.

Sumlin has been named a potential NFL coach before. He has been the brains behind the machine that helped Johnny Manziel win a Heisman Trophy.

ART BRILES

I will take the suggestion of fellow FN writer Chris Alderson and run with it. I can see Briles gaining some attention from the Falcons.

In 2013, Briles led Baylor to arguably the best season in school history. The Bears started the season 9-0, propelling them as high as third in the nation at one point. They ultimately finished with a school-record 11 wins and only the second top-ten finish in school history. A 30-10 win over Texas in the final game of the season garnered them the Big 12 title—their first outright conference title since 1980—and earning the school's first-ever BCS bowl appearance with a trip to the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.

TERYL AUSTIN

A long shot for the young coach, but Austin is the reason the Detroit Lions defense is so good this season. Austin’s resume is short, but it does not mean it was not successful. Austin spent time in John Harbaugh’s system in Baltimore, helping the Ravens to the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. 

A story of lore involving myself and Mack Brown goes a little something like this – and yes, it’s real because my parents were there to witness it.

I was a beat writer in Jacksonville covering high school sports and helping out with the college football preview. I was asked to write about North Carolina (this was 1996) and to get a quote or two from the SID on campus about the upcoming season.

As a young reporter, I took it a step further, and asked to speak to Mack Brown personally, that I was on a deadline and left my home number for him to reach me.

About 7:30 that night the phone rang and my brother picked it up. The man on the other end identified himself as Mack Brown. My brother laughed and said, “Sure you are.” He hung up on Coach Brown, who immediately called me back and I spent the next five minutes apologizing.

A lot has gone on since then. Brown has won a national title at Texas and I have continued on my quest to write football. Now, Brown is a studio analyst and well, I am still writing.

Brown is still one of the better college football minds out there and while he left his post at Texas, the 63-year old could still be a topic of conversation, should he want to dip his toe in the pigskin deep end next season. The question is which program could use his services?

Basically any program that is in need of a change, a rebirth and a possible invitation to a bowl game.  For now, that is purely speculation – but if there was a team or two or three to come along, these might be the ones who take a shot at getting Brown out of the television booth.

KANSAS

The Jayhawks program had enough of Charlie Weis and the pitiful job he did with the program. Kansas is not a world beater. Brown knows a thing or two about coaching in the Big 12. Brown could put the program back on the map.

ARIZONA

This pick is predicated on the idea that I think Rich Rodriguez will not be in Arizona in 2015. The Pac 12 is the second best conference in college football. The league has some of the best coaches in the country. Brown just adds to the pedigree.

FLORIDA

Every name in the book has been thrown at the Gator Nation. Will Muschamp has not been fired yet! Brown is a solid choice to get the once-proud Gators off the carpet. If anything, the hiring of Brown would give the Florida program a comfort it has not felt since Steve Spurrier was coach.

HAWAII

There was a time when June Jones and the Hawaii program could light up a scoreboard. Then Jones left to come back to the confines of Houston. The program hired Norm Chow, the supposed offensive guru from USC. That has been a disaster. Brown would be a huge improvement.

There are two states that currently have three NFL teams: California (San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers) and Florida (Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). They really don’t need another team. But if the NFL is considering adding another team or two, or relocating an existing one, which state should have one? Factoring in revenue, popilation and stadium location, the choice city would have to be ideal. There are over 10 states without an NFL teams, forcing their own citizens to cheer for other state teams and no real loyalty. 

There are a few states that could hold a team, new or used.

A story of lore involving myself and Mack Brown goes a little something like this – and yes, it’s real because my parents were there to witness it.

I was a beat writer in Jacksonville covering high school sports and helping out with the college football preview. I was asked to write about North Carolina (this was 1996) and to get a quote or two from the SID on campus about the upcoming season.

As a young reporter, I took it a step further, and asked to speak to Mack Brown personally, that I was on a deadline and left my home number for him to reach me.

About 7:30 that night the phone rang and my brother picked it up. The man on the other end identified himself as Mack Brown. My brother laughed and said, “Sure you are.” He hung up on Coach Brown, who immediately called me back and I spent the next five minutes apologizing.

A lot has gone on since then. Brown has won a national title at Texas and I have continued on my quest to write football. Now, Brown is a studio analyst and well, I am still writing.

Brown is still one of the better college football minds out there and while he left his post at Texas, the 63-year old could still be a topic of conversation, should he want to dip his toe in the pigskin deep end next season. The question is which program could use his services?

Basically any program that is in need of a change, a rebirth and a possible invitation to a bowl game.  For now, that is purely speculation – but if there was a team or two or three to come along, these might be the ones who take a shot at getting Brown out of the television booth.

KANSAS

The Jayhawks program had enough of Charlie Weis and the pitiful job he did with the program. Kansas is not a world beater. Brown knows a thing or two about coaching in the Big 12. Brown could put the program back on the map.

ARIZONA

This pick is predicated on the idea that I think Rich Rodriguez will not be in Arizona in 2015. The Pac 12 is the second best conference in college football. The league has some of the best coaches in the country. Brown just adds to the pedigree.

FLORIDA

Every name in the book has been thrown at the Gator Nation. Will Muschamp has not been fired yet! Brown is a solid choice to get the once-proud Gators off the carpet. If anything, the hiring of Brown would give the Florida program a comfort it has not felt since Steve Spurrier was coach.

HAWAII

There was a time when June Jones and the Hawaii program could light up a scoreboard. Then Jones left to come back to the confines of Houston. The program hired Norm Chow, the supposed offensive guru from USC. That has been a disaster. Brown would be a huge improvement.

There are two states that currently have three NFL teams: California (San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers) and Florida (Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). They really don’t need another team. But if the NFL is considering adding another team or two, or relocating an existing one, which state should have one? Factoring in revenue, popilation and stadium location, the choice city would have to be ideal. There are over 10 states without an NFL teams, forcing their own citizens to cheer for other state teams and no real loyalty. 

There are a few states that could hold a team, new or used.

A story of lore involving myself and Mack Brown goes a little something like this – and yes, it’s real because my parents were there to witness it.

I was a beat writer in Jacksonville covering high school sports and helping out with the college football preview. I was asked to write about North Carolina (this was 1996) and to get a quote or two from the SID on campus about the upcoming season.

As a young reporter, I took it a step further, and asked to speak to Mack Brown personally, that I was on a deadline and left my home number for him to reach me.

About 7:30 that night the phone rang and my brother picked it up. The man on the other end identified himself as Mack Brown. My brother laughed and said, “Sure you are.” He hung up on Coach Brown, who immediately called me back and I spent the next five minutes apologizing.

A lot has gone on since then. Brown has won a national title at Texas and I have continued on my quest to write football. Now, Brown is a studio analyst and well, I am still writing.

Brown is still one of the better college football minds out there and while he left his post at Texas, the 63-year old could still be a topic of conversation, should he want to dip his toe in the pigskin deep end next season. The question is which program could use his services?

Basically any program that is in need of a change, a rebirth and a possible invitation to a bowl game.  For now, that is purely speculation – but if there was a team or two or three to come along, these might be the ones who take a shot at getting Brown out of the television booth.

KANSAS

The Jayhawks program had enough of Charlie Weis and the pitiful job he did with the program. Kansas is not a world beater. Brown knows a thing or two about coaching in the Big 12. Brown could put the program back on the map.

ARIZONA

This pick is predicated on the idea that I think Rich Rodriguez will not be in Arizona in 2015. The Pac 12 is the second best conference in college football. The league has some of the best coaches in the country. Brown just adds to the pedigree.

FLORIDA

Every name in the book has been thrown at the Gator Nation. Will Muschamp has not been fired yet! Brown is a solid choice to get the once-proud Gators off the carpet. If anything, the hiring of Brown would give the Florida program a comfort it has not felt since Steve Spurrier was coach.

HAWAII

There was a time when June Jones and the Hawaii program could light up a scoreboard. Then Jones left to come back to the confines of Houston. The program hired Norm Chow, the supposed offensive guru from USC. That has been a disaster. Brown would be a huge improvement.

The addition of Luis Suarez gives Barcelona one more attacker at the peak of his powers along with Lionel Messi and Neymar.

A story of lore involving myself and Mack Brown goes a little something like this – and yes, it’s real because my parents were there to witness it.

I was a beat writer in Jacksonville covering high school sports and helping out with the college football preview. I was asked to write about North Carolina (this was 1996) and to get a quote or two from the SID on campus about the upcoming season.

As a young reporter, I took it a step further, and asked to speak to Mack Brown personally, that I was on a deadline and left my home number for him to reach me.

About 7:30 that night the phone rang and my brother picked it up. The man on the other end identified himself as Mack Brown. My brother laughed and said, “Sure you are.” He hung up on Coach Brown, who immediately called me back and I spent the next five minutes apologizing.

A lot has gone on since then. Brown has won a national title at Texas and I have continued on my quest to write football. Now, Brown is a studio analyst and well, I am still writing.

Brown is still one of the better college football minds out there and while he left his post at Texas, the 63-year old could still be a topic of conversation, should he want to dip his toe in the pigskin deep end next season. The question is which program could use his services?

Basically any program that is in need of a change, a rebirth and a possible invitation to a bowl game.  For now, that is purely speculation – but if there was a team or two or three to come along, these might be the ones who take a shot at getting Brown out of the television booth.

KANSAS

The Jayhawks program had enough of Charlie Weis and the pitiful job he did with the program. Kansas is not a world beater. Brown knows a thing or two about coaching in the Big 12. Brown could put the program back on the map.

ARIZONA

This pick is predicated on the idea that I think Rich Rodriguez will not be in Arizona in 2015. The Pac 12 is the second best conference in college football. The league has some of the best coaches in the country. Brown just adds to the pedigree.

FLORIDA

Every name in the book has been thrown at the Gator Nation. Will Muschamp has not been fired yet! Brown is a solid choice to get the once-proud Gators off the carpet. If anything, the hiring of Brown would give the Florida program a comfort it has not felt since Steve Spurrier was coach.

HAWAII

There was a time when June Jones and the Hawaii program could light up a scoreboard. Then Jones left to come back to the confines of Houston. The program hired Norm Chow, the supposed offensive guru from USC. That has been a disaster. Brown would be a huge improvement.

The addition of Luis Suarez gives Barcelona one more attacker at the peak of his powers along with Lionel Messi and Neymar.