ESPN NEWS UPDATE: Falcons request to interview trio of head coach candidates

With the recent news that Bill Belichick and the Patriots have mutually agreed to part ways, the Falcons are suddenly one of seven teams looking for a new head coach.
“The Patriot Way” architecture has been linked to Atlanta, but he isn’t the only one. Finally, the team begins to make requests. The Falcons have sought interviews with Lions coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, as well as Ravens defensive line and associate head coach Anthony Weaver, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Weaver played for seven years before becoming an NFL coach, where he worked with J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney in Houston and under John Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel, Romeo Crennel, and Rex Ryan.

He’s known around the league for his likability, work ethic, and decisiveness, much like current Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Weaver began his NFL coaching career as a defensive line coach with the Bills, Browns, and Texans before being promoted to defensive coordinator in Houston to replace Crennel.

He has now moved on to Baltimore, where he has helped lead a dominating Ravens defense that leads the NFL in sacks and allows the fewest rushing touchdowns. Weaver has a background in defense, specifically in the trenches.

Glenn has been in the NFL for 30 years and was a higher profile player, being taken 12th in the 1994 NFL draft and going on to play for the Jets, Texans, Cowboys, Jaguars, and Falcons. Saints fans may recall the name from his stint with the Saints.

Glenn began his career as a Jets personnel scout in 2014, then spent two years as the Browns’ assistant defensive backs coach before returning to New Orleans under Sean Payton and earning the role of defensive backs coach. Glenn was the defensive coordinator when Dan Campbell departed the Saints for the Lions.

Terry Fontenot knows Glenn from their time together in New Orleans.

This offseason, Ben Johnson will be one of the hottest names on the market. He’s been crucial in reviving a lethargic Lions club, particularly the offense. The Falcons are interested in his work with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Sam La Porta, who have a similar set of skill players in Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, and Kyle Pitts.

Johnson is said to have set a high asking price for whoever hires him, but Arthur Blank has never been afraid to spend money if it means winning football games. As previously stated, Johnson is one of the market’s hottest names, thus he will face fierce competition for his services.