NFL head coach mock draft: Predicting where top candidates land

Atlanta Falcons: Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers DC)

The Atlanta Falcons fired general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn, signaling the end of an era in Atlanta.

In the interim, Raheem Morris has done a good enough job that the Falcons might consider just keeping him as the guy going forward.

With that being said, Todd Bowles is a guy with the Buccaneers who deserves another (better) opportunity to be a head coach in the NFL, and he’s proven that with the tremendous work he has done in Tampa Bay.

Bowles could be an ideal fit with the Falcons right now considering they have such a veteran-laden offense and he would undoubtedly bring in a veteran coordinator who could play to the strengths of that unit.

Where the Falcons need a substantial jolt is defensively. Could Bowles bring some of his old pals who are free agents with the Bucs along with him to the division-rival Falcons?

It’s not an entirely unrealistic dream.

Bowles has done great work with the Bucs’ defense this season, helping get them up to 7th in yards allowed, third in the NFL in turnovers forced, and 11th in scoring. The Bucs also have the top rush defense in the NFL.

Along with a new GM — perhaps someone like ESPN’s Louis Riddick — a defensive master like Bowles could be great for Atlanta.