Bodog Beat

Falcons owner Arthur Blank might've found his man in Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive coordinator Mike Smith. (AP Images)

While it might not be the solution to their anemic offense, the Atlanta Falcons choice in head coach can't really be questioned.

Based on reports from ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli, there is widespread speculation that Falcons president Arthur Blank will name Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith as the club's next head coach.

Smith has long been regarded as one of the finest defensive minds in football, and comes with great pedigree. From 1999-2001, he was a defensive assistant and line coach for the Baltimore Ravens, working under Mike Nolan and helping Baltimore win Super Bowl XXXV. He then moved on to Jacksonville – where he's been the defensive coordinator for six seasons – and transformed the unit into one of the most consistent in the league. In 2005, the Jags had the sixth ranked defense. In 2006, they had the second ranked unit.

Many expected New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to get a crack at the Falcons head coaching job, but his involvement in the upcoming Super Bowl might've hindered his chances. He would have had to wait at least two more weeks before he could interview and the woeful Falcons are looking to reshape the team as quickly as possible.

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