Five coaches the Falcons should consider for OC
The Atlanta Falcons completed their head-coaching search, naming Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to the position on Friday afternoon.
Smith spent the past two seasons calling plays for the Titans and now must find his own offensive coordinator. Despite a report that Smith will be the Falcons’ play-caller, here are five potential offensive coordinators the team should consider.
Darrell Bevell - Lions offensive coordinator
Going back to 2006, Bevell has been the play-caller for the Vikings, Seahawks and Lions. During his time in Seattle, Bevell built a very respectable offense and helped in the development of star quarterback Russell Wilson. From 2012- 2015, the Seahawks had an offense that was top 10 in scoring and made two Super Bowl appearances. In 2019 as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, he got the most out of Matthew Stafford before the QB went down with a critical back injury. With the Lions still searching for their next head coach, it's likely they will pass on Bevell after going 1-4 in relief of Matt Patricia.
Mike Kafka - Chiefs quarterbacks coach
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
With more teams likely to pass on current Chiefs offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the Falcons could be the ones to poach Kafka and give him a shot as an offensive coordinator. As the quarterbacks coach in Kansas City, Kafka played a first-hand role in developing Patrick Mahomes into the quarterback he is today. While the Falcons don't need quarterback development yet, as this will be Matt Ryan's 14th NFL season, Kafka could play a pivotal role if the Falcons were to select a quarterback with the No. 4 pick.
Bill Callahan - Browns offensive line coach
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Callahan has worked as an offensive line coach or offensive coordinator for various NFL and NCAA teams since 1987. In 2002, Callahan was the head coach for the then-Oakland Raiders and took them to Super Bowl. Since returning to the NFL in 2008 with the New York Jets, only once has Callahan allowed for his quarterback to be sacked more than 40 times in one season. Matt Ryan has been sacked 40+ times in four of the past five years. Callahan's career as a seasoned offensive line coach would do wonders in helping the development of both Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary.
Dave Ragone - Bears passing game coordinator
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One candidate that Arthur Smith is reportedly considering for the job Chicago Bears passing coordinator Dave Ragone. Prior to taking on this role, Ragone spent four seasons as the team's quarterback coach and played a hand in the development of Mitch Trubisky. Take what you will from his time with Trubisky, but it's a fair assessment to believe Ragone was given a poor hand while watching his team pass up Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson.
Doug Pederson - Former Eagles head coach
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Doug Pederson is another name that comes from the Andy Reid coaching tree. The Super Bowl LII winner was ousted by the Eagles after a 4-11-1 season. Despite having such a poor year in Philadelphia, Pederson could be beneficial for a first-time head coach like Smith. Not to mention, after allegations of "giving the game away" to Washington in Week 17, Pederson could be looking to repair his image. The former Eagles coach was criticized for how he handled the transition from Carson Wentz to Jalen Hurts. The Falcons have had a strong locker room and Pederson by hiring Pederson, they run the risk of dismantling that chemistry.
