The Atlanta Falcons will interview two of the NFL’s hottest candidates on Monday for their head-coaching vacany. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will both hold virtual meetings with the Falcons, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Falcons will have two head coach interviews tomorrow, as they are set to zoom with #49ers DC Robert Saleh, per coach Kyle Shanahan, and #Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, per source.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2021
It was reported earlier Sunday afternoon that the Falcons would interview Saleh, but this is the first report of the team interviewing Bieniemy, who’s been a popular choice after fans watched Atlanta’s offense sputter over the past three seasons.
The Chiefs play-caller made a name for himself with former MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes carving up the league and making it look frustratingly easy. The Falcons got a first-hand look at Kansas City last week, and somehow lost a game in which they outplayed the defending Super Bowl champs.
Bieniemy has been with the Chiefs as a running backs coach since 2013, but took over as the offensive coordinator in 2018. Saleh is arguably the top defensive candidate available, helping an undermanned San Francisco defense remain competitive in 2020 and regarded as a true leader by players such as CB Richard Sherman.
According to the Falcons’ digital editor, Matt Tabeek, Bienemy is the sixth name linked to the team’s coaching vacancy. The others listed are interim coach Raheem Morris, Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, along with Saleh.
Updated list of names associated with the @AtlantaFalcons full-time HC vacancy:
• Raheem Morris
• Todd Bowles
• Arthur Smith
• Brandon Staley
• Robert Saleh
👉🏽 And a new one … Eric Bieniemy📋 HC Tracker – https://t.co/532MhdKyE1 pic.twitter.com/JAvYxp3tQI
— Matt Tabeek (@MatthewTabeek) January 4, 2021
Check back for updates following Monday’s reported interviews.
