By PFW staff
Jan. 21, 2008

A team in need of direction and closure to a hectic search will likely have to wait at least another two weeks before finding a new leader. The Falcons’ journey to hire their next coach began with owner Arthur Blank’s traveling, nine-person interview panel, but has since been handed over to snowboarding general manager, Thomas Dimitroff, who was hired one week ago. Atlanta has been waiting to interview Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, but his team is headed to the Feb. 3 Super Bowl and the Giants already denied granting the Falcons access to their coach earlier in the postseason. Chances are, the Giants won’t change their mind with the franchise’s title hopes in the balance.

The PFW spin

Nothing has come easy for the Falcons in the past year, and it’s fitting that things wouldn’t lighten up as Dimitroff prepares to make the most important decision of his 18-year football career as a personnel man.

Various reports have Dimitroff deciding between two finalists for head coach — Spagnuolo, even though he has yet to interview, and former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who has been interviewed twice, once by Dimitroff and once by Blank’s panel. The team recently had Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith in for a second interview and met with Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier for the first time, although no offer was extended to either of them and likely isn’t on the way.

Although two weeks is an eternity when looking to fill such a large void, the Falcons may be able to wait this out and still get the result they appear to be hoping for. Their competition for coaches right now is almost non-existent. Just one other team, the Redskins, has an opening and they appear set to either promote their defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams, or hire a mystery candidate. The Seahawks and Colts could have openings if Mike Holmgren or Tony Dungy resign, but those teams reportedly have their replacements (assistants Jim Caldwell in Indy and Jim Mora Jr. in Seattle) in place.

Barring an unforeseen firing or resignation, the Falcons will be able to take their time and still have the choice of Ryan or Spagnuolo. My guess is if they really were impressed by Ryan, they would have hired him already. Blank and Dimitroff are intrigued by Spagnuolo and unless he completely falls on his face in an interview, he should get the nod as the next coach in Atlanta.