Article: Josh McDaniels could be key to Falcons' front office stability

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24934983/josh-mcdaniels-could-be-key-to-falcons-front-office-stability Josh McDaniels could be key to Falcons' front office stabilityJanuary 4, 2015 8:55 am ETJosh McDaniels (above) has worked with Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff in New England. (USATSI)Coveted Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is interviewing with the 49ers and Falcons this weekend for their head coaching openings, and, in Atlanta, his willingness to accept that position could have a significant bearing on the structure of the front office there.According to multiple league sources, McDaniels candidacy has been championed by general manager Thomas Dimitroff and his top assistant, Scott Pioli, both of whom worked with McDaniels in New England. Owner Arthur Blank, peppered with questions about the future of his front office during his press conference announcing the firing of coach Mike Smith, did not entirely rule out making other changes, and sources said the fate of Dimitroff and Pioli could be directly linked to how this coaching search proceeds.McDaniels has long told confidants that it would take a perfect set of circumstances to get him to leave quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick after a difficult initial head coaching stint in Denver. While the presence of Matt Ryan in Atlanta makes that job attractive to candidates, some close to McDaniels believe there is enough behind the scenes with the Falcons to give him trepidation.McDaniels truly values what he has in New England, from ownership to management to personnel and, after moving his young family repeatedly, has prized stability in recent years. McDaniels also met with the 49ers, who were very high on him back in 2011 and very well would have offered him the job had Jim Harbaugh not chosen them over the Dolphins and the University of Michigan (where he ended up going after this season).The Falcons are also interviewing Rex Ryan for the head coaching candidacy -- his big persona and defensive swagger are very intriguing to Blank, sources said. The Falcons have very strong internal reports on two candidates they have been unable to talk to as of yet due to their participation in the wild card round -- Arizona defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.The Falcons are also meeting with Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn this weekend with the Seahawks on the bye in the NFC playoffs and interviewed Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase.- Jason La Canfora