Who Should The Falcons Hire As Their Offensive Coordinator?

The list of candidates for the Atlanta Falcons Offensive Coordinator position has got a little shorter. Bob Bratkowski, who held the Falcons QB coach position last year and seemingly was the favorite to take over the OC position from Mike Mularkey, is now out of the mix. Last night, Bratkowski was hired by new Jacksonville HC Mike Mularkey to take over the Jags OC position.

Bratkowski, was “on paper” the last potential candidate for OC that could come from in house. This also means the Falcons are getting a fresh start on the offensive side of the ball, as now the Falcons need to hire both an OC and a QB coach. Both of these positions will need to be filled by people who can maximize the talents of Falcons QB Matt Ryan.

Who do the Falcons look to now? Follow the jump to see who I think could get the Falcons OC role.

One of the best in the biz reporting wise, NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora has suggested a list of four candidates that are likely to get interviews. Let’s have a look at each one of those 4 and see who would be the best fit.

Dirk Koetter – He has filled the Jacksonville Jags OC position since 2007 and has been key to the success of Jags RB Maurice Jones Drew. He has also been a head coach before in college with Boise State and Arizona State. I am going to be on record here, I do not want Koetter for our OC, we will get more of the same that we got from Mularkey. He doesn’t have a history of developing QB’s successfully, look at Blaine Gabbert last year and doesn’t have the creativity in play design and play calling that we are looking for.

Brian Billick – At this stage, he would be my choice. Whilst also being a superbowl winning head coach (experience about how to win in the playoffs), he has a history of creating explosive offenses most notably with the record setting 1998 Vikings, when he was the Vikings OC. The Falcons OC position is the only coordinator position Billick would consider at this stage of his career, due to his relationship (brother in law) with HC Mike Smith. He also seems to have a fondness for the Falcons, which comes across when he commentates on the Falcons for Fox. If the Falcons can persuade  Billick to come, the Falcons should be delighted.

Brian Schottenheimer – The former Jets OC would be a terrible choice. Despite having decent talent on the Jets offense he has been unable to get the best out of them. Mark Sanchez, has also not developed under him and i dont see him helping Matt Ryan developing into an elite quarterback.

Tom Clements – A very strong candidate. He is currently the Packers QB coach and has clearly done an amazing job developing Aaron Rodgers into the leagues best quarterback and also developing Matt Flynn into the most enticing free agent QB this off-season. Obviously with the Packers continued involvement in the postseason, the Falcons won’t be able to speak to him until the Packers are eliminated.

Right now my first choice would be Billick but Tom Clements would also be a sound selection. For more information on the Falcons coaching searches, stay tuned to Blogging Dirty.

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