Fansided

Ranking The Vacant NFL Head Coaching Jobs

By Ryan Phillips

Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks to pass while under pressure from the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks to pass while under pressure from the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons finished 6-10 but have far too much talent for that to be acceptable. As a result, Mike Smith is now “former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith.” Atlanta needs a big change, specifically on defense. The Falcons finished dead last in the NFL in yards allowed, giving up a ridiculous 398.3 yards per game. It’s a miracle that Atlanta won six games with that defense, but that shows you just how talented the offense is.

In what was a struggle all season, Matt Ryan completed 66.1 percent of his passes for 4,694 yards, with 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 93.9 was solid, but he still needs to improve. He’s not one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, but a new offensive staff could hopefully put him on the right track. While Ryan needs to get better, there is no question he has championship-level talent around him. Julio Jones just turned in a monster season (104 receptions, 1,593 yards), Roddy White is still a great receiver (80 receptions, 921 yards) and Harry Douglas is a solid slot guy (51 receptions, 556 yards). Devonta Freeman didn’t do much as a rookie out of the backfield but he’s poised to take over starting running back duties next season and has the talent to do big things.

Atlanta’s offense is set, it’s the defense that needs a lot of work. Whoever comes in will have to create some kind of pass rush and essentially remake what is a battered unit. Meanwhile Kroy Biermann and Jacquizz Rodgers are the only real impact free agents.

The defensive situation in Atlanta is scary, but the talent on offense means a prospective coach only has to really rebuild one side of the ball. In a historically weak NFC South the Falcons could easily make the playoffs next year with the right hire.

Next: Chicago Bears

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