Atlanta Falcons: Analyzing reported general manager candidate finalists
The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly come down to a list of finalists to next general manager.
As the 2020 NFL season continues to roll along, the Atlanta Falcons search for someone to take things over in the front off for next year and beyond also continues. Earlier this season, Atlanta decided to make some changes in the front office while switching up the person making a bulk of the decisions on the roster both player-wise and coach-wise.
After the brutal winless start to the season, the Falcons fired longtime general manager Thomas Dimitroff which sparked an immediate search for the vacant position in the organization.
Over the last few weeks, there hasn’t been much in the rumor mill surrounding an update to the general manager search in Atlanta, but this weekend there was a report of some names that could be considered as finalists or at least candidates for the vacant position.
According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, who reported the news during the Week 11 slate of games on Sunday, the Falcons have apparently come up with at least a few finalists for general manager that are going to be considered to take over the front office.
Falcons have compiled a diverse list of GM candidates:https://t.co/yjIUlJjKwf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 22, 2020
Schefter mentioned four names that are reported as finalists on the list for general manager candidates, including a few former and current individuals in NFL front offices. Schefter added there could be others who are considered for the general manager spot, adding he has been told Atlanta is “still early in the process and in the research stages of a ‘wide field of candidates’ before a decision is made.”
It’s clear that the Falcons are taking a long look at a few different individuals who could take over the reigns of the front office, but now we at least have some names to work with as potential finalists.
With the general manager search still underway, let’s look at each one of the reported finalists to take over that spot in the Falcons organization.
Former Houston Texans General Manager Rick Smith
The first individual that was listed on Adam Schefter’s reported list of candidates was former Houston Texans general manager and front office guru Rick Smith. Although he is not currently in the front office in the NFL in 2020, Smith’s resume is quite impressive and what he has been able to accomplish in his various roles makes him a solid finalist to take things over in Atlanta.
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Smith began his career in the front office in 2000 after spending just under 10 seasons in the college game and NFL as a coach. His first stop came with the Denver Broncos from 2000-05, when he served as the director of pro personnel for the Broncos.
Smith most recently spent time in the front office of the Texans, holding the titles of general manager from 2006-17 and executive vice president of football operations from 2012-17. He was a part of two Super Bowl teams, with those titles coming in 1997 and 1998 as an assistant defensive backs coach in Denver.
One of the intriguing things about Smith is his obvious experience in the front office and specifically the general manager role, having also selected a few solid players during his time in Houston. Smith has been credited with drafting players such as Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt in Houston before he left the organization.
Smith might be the top candidate on the list to take things over in Atlanta, and he would no doubt be able to step right in and lead the way for the Falcons organization into the future.