Falcons Set To Interview Three Candidates Including Rick Smith For GM Job

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Falcons will interview former Texans GM Rick Smith, Rams director of college scouting Brad Holmes and Saints VP/assistant general manager-pro personnel Terry Fontenot for their GM vacancy.

As for the team’s head-coaching search, Ledbetter says the Falcons are still in “preparations and research mode” but plan to interview top candidates such as Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, Titans OC Arthur Smith and Bills OC Brian Daboll after the season.

Jeff Schultz of The Athletic reported yesterday that ESPN analyst and former director of pro personnel for Washington and Philadelphia Louis Riddick is among the list of candidates for the Falcons’ GM vacancy.

Smith took a leave of absence from Houston following the 2017 season to take care of his wife after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She passed away in 2019 and after taking more time away, Smith appears to be ready to return to football. 

He was a strong candidate for the Washington general manager opening at the beginning of this year. 

Smith began his NFL coaching career with the Broncos back in 1996 as their assistant defensive backs coach before he took over as their director of pro personnel in 2000.

After 11 seasons with the Broncos, Smith departed to become the general manager of the Texans. He was elevated to GM/executive VP in 2012.

During his time as the Texans’ GM, Smith led them to a record of 92-100 (48.1 percent), which included four playoff appearances over the course of 12 seasons.

We’ll have more regarding the Falcons’ search as the news is available.