Three coaching candidates the Atlanta Falcons should consider

It’s time for the Atlanta Falcons to start looking for their next head coach.

The Atlanta Falcons are 0-3, have a horrific defense, and are in danger of having a losing record for the third year in a row.

That would be one of the grossest mismanagements of talent in the modern-day era. Dan Quinn is on the outs but for some reason, Arthur Blank hasn’t fired him yet. So who should the Atlanta Falcons be looking for next to lead this organization?

Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator

Look at the transformation that has happened in Kansas City. For the longest, Andy Reid’s offensive was predictable, mainstream, the AFC’s Mike McCarthy. But since Patrick Mahomes and Tyreek Hill came alive, their offense is a juggernaut. He also is a former player that isn’t afraid to get in the team’s rear end if he sees something he doesn’t like.

The Falcons could use that right about now. Enough with all the positive reinforcement and clapping for mistakes. The Atlanta Falcons lack discipline and that leads to losses. Bieniemy is a champion, knows how to run a creative offense, and can fill out the rest of his staff with defensive coaches who can do better than what Raheem Morris and Co. are doing right now.

Matt Ryan is no Mahomes, but the offense has talent ready to be unleashed.

Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator

Todd Bowles deserves a second chance as a head coach and the Atlanta Falcons have nothing to lose by giving him a home. Bowles once took the Jets, led by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Eric Decker, to a 10-6 record and just barely missed the playoffs.

Because it’s the Jet’s, they never sniffed the playoffs under his tenure again.

But he never had the talent or youth like what’s waiting for him in Atlanta. And so far this year, as the defensive coordinator in Tampa, they gave up only 23 points to the Saints, 17 to Carolina, and 10 to Denver. You can bet a top dollar, the Falcons will give up double that amount of points to all three teams.

Bowles could help turn this team around defensively, and if he didn’t want to change up the playcalling, keep Koetter around for the third year and see how that plays out. The offense, actually, hasn’t been the problem this year.

Lincoln Riley, University of Oklahoma

Yes, the last time the Falcons dipped into the college ranks and found Bobby Petrino, it ended terribly. But this team could use some new energy. Their past few coaches have all been established people in the league with coaching history.

Why not think outside the box?

The Falcons window of winning a Super Bowl with this team is about as small as it’s been. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Alex Mack, the core of the offense are all on the downside of their careers.

The Falcons are much younger defensively and Calvin Ridley and Todd Gurley along with Hayden Hurst could be budding offensive anchors. That means a young quarterback coming in that Riley has to develop. A potential promising partnership.

Any of these options is better than Quinn and a good starting point for Arthur Blank.