NFL coaches love familiarity. We have seen that firsthand over the past few years with the Atlanta Falcons.
With Arthur Smith we saw all sorts of names he was familiar with—Tajae Sharpe, MyCole Pruitt, Jonnu Smith, Logan Woodside, etc. And then last offseason we saw Ryan Nielsen bring in David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss.
With the Falcons looking to hire a new head coach, here is one free agent that each candidate might bring in if they were hired by the Falcons.
Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy: Curtis Samuel, WR
We know the Falcons are going to need to sign or draft more than a few receivers this offseason. One candidate could be Curtis Samuel who is one of those 'get the ball in his hands and see what he can do' players.
Lions OC Ben Johnson: Josh Reynolds, WR
One of the more hot coaching candidates could elect to bring in his veteran receiver from the Lions. Josh Reynolds would be a fantastic add for this Falcons offense. He would help take some pressure off of Drake London's shoulders.
Bengals OC Brian Callahan: Tee Higgins, WR
Even without the hiring of Brian Callahan I am convinced Tee Higgins is headed to the Atlanta Falcons. He is a fantastic player who has all the connections to the Falcons and that would only multiply with the hiring of Callahan.
Dolphins OC Frank Smith: Braxton Berrios, WR
Two of the more sneaky names on this list, Frank Smith is sure to get some looks with the way Mike McDaniel and he have ran the Dolphins offense. Braxton Berrios is a nice rotational piece to have on offense and he can play a role on special teams as well.
Ex-Patriots HC Bill Belichick: Kyle Dugger, S
With the Falcons reported interest in Bill Belichick and how important Kyle Dugger is to Belichick, don't be surprised if Dugger ends up with the Falcons as a versatile piece to pair with Jessie Bates III.
Rams DC Raheem Morris: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB
Another position of need for Atlanta is cornerback. Ahkello Witherspoon has been a fine player who could find himself on the Falcons' defense if Raheem Morris links back up with the team.
Lions DC Aaron Glenn: Romeo Okwara, DE
Romeo Okwara has had some moments of brilliance in his NFL career. The Atlanta Falcons could sure use his talent off of the edge as they continue to try to fix the position that has plagued them for many years.
49ers DC Steve Wilks: Chase Young, DE
The Falcons ignored Chase Young's presence on the trading block just a few months ago but if they are led by a new man who has seen the benefits of adding Chase Young, then they could pursue him in free agency.
Buccaneers OC Dave Canales: Mike Evans, WR
If the Buccaneers allow their stud receiver Mike Evans to walk out the door then the Falcons should be interested no matter who they hire as their next head coach. Evans would be a welcomed addition to this offense.
Bills OC Joe Brady: Gabe Davis, WR
Gabe Davis has been one of the NFL's most hit-or-miss players over the past few years, but when he hits, he can take over a game. He tends to shine when the lights are the brightest but if he were to join the Falcons, he would first need to get them to the bright lights.
Texans OC Bobby Slowik: Noah Brown, WR
Noah Brown has had some moments in his career, particularly when he was a member of the Cowboys. There aren't too many free agents that would fit with this hire but Brown could benefit from an offense that gives him more opportunities.
Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR
Donovan Peoples-Jones was coached by Jim Harbaugh a handful of years ago at the University of Michigan. If Harbaugh elects to move to the NFL then there could be a reunion on the horizon with the famed head coach and do-it-all wide receiver.
Vikings DC Brian Flores: Danielle Hunter, DE
If the Falcons want to construct a playmaking defense then they need to hire Brian Flores and get him to bring Danielle Hunter with him. This would result in a lot of blitzing and a lot of edge pressure. Even without Flores, hopefully the Falcons can entice Hunter to join them.
Ravens Assoc. HC/DL coach Anthony Weaver: Justin Madubuike, DL
Justin Madubuike went on a tear for the Ravens defense during the regular season and he earned himself a whole lot of money. He would certainly be a target in free agency for Anthony Weaver who has already drawn interest from the Falcons.
Ravens DC Mike Macdonald: Jadeveon Clowney, DE
You can basically pair these last two together. Either head coaching candidate would be interested in bringing in either defensive lineman. Jadeveon Clowney has been excellent for the Ravens this season and one of their best pass rushers. He was a player who many thought the Falcons would attempt to sign last offseason.
Bengals DC Lou Anarumo: D.J. Reader, DL
D.J. Reader has proven to be one of the more underrated players at his position. He has also been the leader for Lou Anarumo on the defensive line and they certainly felt his loss after he was injured late in the season.
Cowboys DC Dan Quinn: Stephon Gilmore, CB
Are the Atlanta Falcons going to bring back Dan Quinn? Probably not, but if they were to then Stephon Gilmore would be a name to track during free agency. He has been excellent for Quinn's defense in Dallas.
Ex-Titans HC Mike Vrabel: Ryan Tannehill, QB
This is not a move that Mike Vrabel would make with starting intentions—at least you would hope. Ryan Tannehill can be a quality backup for someone and that someone will likely be Vrabel. Who knows, maybe Arthur Smith would still be here if he had acquired Tannehill.
Panthers DC Ejiro Evero: Brian Burns, DE
This would be absolutely wonderful. Brian Burns has made it sound like he is headed to free agency and I think any of us would be ecstatic if he decided to get some revenge on his former team by signing with the Falcons.
Ravens OC Todd Monken: Odell Beckham Jr., WR
Odell Beckham Jr. has had one wild ride to where he is at right now and with him due to become a free agent, he might be in for another chapter. Todd Monken, if hired by the Falcons, could make it a priority to bring in the former Pro Bowl wide receiver.