Top 5 Head Coach Openings: Atlanta Falcons the top destination
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) carries the ball against Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) during the second half against the at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
1. Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has four players that are franchise cornerstones in quarterback Matt Ryan, left tackle Jake Matthews, receiver Julio Jones, and cornerback Desmond Trufant. They by themselves make Atlanta the top destination for a new coach. Whoever ends up coaching the Falcons will have the benefit of being in a weak division and inheriting a team that was a game away from hosting a postseason game.
Atlanta also has right around $31 million in cap space, so the team’s front office should be able to bring in some more talent, especially on the offensive line and all around the defense. That number could easily go up if the team decides to part ways with a few players who are cap casualties. The Falcons have a top ten pick in the draft — the only upside to losing the “division championship” game to Carolina: had Atlanta won that game, the best pick they would’ve had is 21st (which is where Carolina stands now).
Of course, there are many issues that need to be addressed – if there weren’t, the Falcons may have had a winning season. The offensive line needs to be overhauled (other than left tackle), and Atlanta’s pass rush hasn’t been up to par for a while. With that said, the new coach will have a lot to work with, starting with Matt Ryan and company.