5 candidates to replace Dan Quinn as Atlanta Falcons head coach

Sean Payton and Drew Brees widely share the credit for the Saints’ offensive success over the last decade and half. But Carmichael has been with them the whole time in New Orleans, first as quarterbacks coach (2006), then quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator (2007-2008) and as offensive coordinator since 2009. Going back to 2002 with the Chargers, Carmichael has been working with Brees continually.

If this is Brees’ final season, and the way he has looked in the first two games it may very well be, questions about Payton’s plans (despite a five-year contract extension he got last year) will naturally follow as a residual. Even if Payton stays, as should be expected, Carmichael may start thinking about his own future and what else might be out there if Brees retires to broadcasting.

Carmichael of course has a lot of experience working with a great quarterback. It’s interesting he has never seemed to be a serious head coaching candidate, which as mentioned is probably due to Payton and Brees sharing in credit for the proficiency of New Orleans’ offense.

The Falcons may have to unearth a good head coach from another team’s staff, since there’s won’t necessarily be a marquee job. Carmichael is an under-the-radar candidate that can’t be dismissed.