New candidates emerge for Falcons openings

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By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/04/08

The Falcons' search for a general manager and head coach continued Thursday, and several new names have surfaced as candidates to be interviewed.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, citing an unidentified team individual, is reporting that Tom Heckert, the Philadelphia Eagles' general manager, will interview with the Falcons. According to the report, Heckert, 40, will fly to Atlanta on Sunday and interview with team owner Arthur Blank on Monday.


On Thursday, the Falcons were to interview Indianapolis assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell for the vacant head coach position. Green Bay director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie interviewed for the Falcons' GM position Wednesday.

Next on the tour is a trip to Dallas to interview offensive assistants Tony Sparano and Jason Garrett Friday.

The Boston Globe, citing a league figure it did not identify, reported Thursday that the Falcons and Baltimore requested permission to interview Josh McDaniels, New England's 31-year-old offensive coordinator. On its Web site Thursday night, the Globe published a statement from McDaniels in which he said: "I am very grateful for the chance to interview for NFL head coaching positions but I have decided not to pursue those opportunities at this time."

The Falcons also are reported to have some interest in New England's director of college scouting Thomas Dimitroff as a general manager candidate.

Assistants from top playoff teams can be interviewed during their bye week.

Team president Rich McKay, who is working with Blank on the search committee, and other Falcons officials were traveling and did not return messages from the AJC on Thursday.

Petrino reuniting with aide Summers

Another member of Bobby Petrino's coaching staff with the Falcons will join him at the University of Arkansas.

Offensive line coach Mike Summers will join the former Falcons head coach's new staff. Summers came to the Falcons from Louisville with Petrino last year.

Former receivers coach Paul Petrino, who resigned shortly after his older brother Bobby left the Falcons with three games remaining in the season, was hired last month as Arkansas' offensive coordinator.

Four members of Bobby Petrino's Falcons staff, all of whom came from Louisville, will not join him in Arkansas. While their future is uncertain once the Falcons hire a new head coach, they remain under contract with the team. Remaining with the Falcons are: defensive quality control coach Jonathan Gannon, assistant special teams coach Tom McMahon, assistant defensive backs coach Joe Whitt Jr. and defensive line coach Kevin Wolthausen.

Another member of Petrino's staff, offensive quality control coach Derrick Nix, left for the University of Mississippi.   ::) :##