The Atlanta Falcons are one of six teams in the NFL with a head coach position and one of seven franchises that need a new general manager. While the Falcons continue to interview different candidates (Joe Brady, Eric Bieniemy, Brad Holmes, Morocco Brown and Robert Saleh), analysts continue to rank the different job offers.
Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports ranked coaching vacancies in order from most to least desirable. Atlanta was listed as the least desirable coaching destination in the league.
His reasoning is largely due to quarterback Matt Ryan’s age and cap for 2021. He pairs with the Falcons now with $ 31 million above the 2021 salary cap and any incoming candidate would be behind the eight jump ball. Rich McKay said candidates do not express open concerns, but it is hard to imagine that this is not a factor in accepting a position.
McKay also said he is unwilling to jeopardize the team’s future in any attempt to win now. It probably means Atlanta will try to hold on to Ryan if possible. The amount of dead money would handcuff the team in any rebuilding process.
The Falcons have some important decisions to make during the low season, including who to select with the fourth overall draft of the 2021 draft.