Monday, December 31, 2007

Cowboys popular among Falcons, Dolphins, Ravens

Posted by: Chris Cluff on December 31, 2007 4:47 PM

Two Dallas coaches and one front-office guy are drawing significant interest during the one-week window in which other teams can talk to them before the playoffs start.

The Atlanta Falcons reportedly are looking at two Dallas offensive coaches as potential candidates to replace Bobby Petrino as the Falcons' coach. Tony Sparano, the Cowboys' assistant head coach, reportedly will interview with Falcons officials on Friday. The Falcons also reportedly have received permission from Dallas to talk to offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, but he has not responded. He is said to be the top candidate to replace Brian Billick in Baltimore.

Other possible candidates mentioned for Atlanta's coaching spot are Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith, Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Indianapolis assistant head coach Jim Caldwell.

Meanwhile, Miami vice president Bill Parcells also is interested in Sparano, who called the plays in Dallas under Parcells but was demoted to line coach this year when the Cowboys hired Garrett to call plays. Parcells is expected to fire Cam Cameron this week and reportedly would like Cleveland's Romeo Crennel or Sparano to coach the Dolphins.

Parcells also is looking to the Cowboys for his new general manager. After firing Randy Mueller on Monday, Parcells will interview Jeff Ireland on Tuesday. Ireland is the Cowboys' vice president of college and pro scouting.

Commentary: The coaching and front-office carousels have begun to spin, with Atlanta, Miami and Dallas front and center for now. If the Falcons and Dolphins can't hire the Dallas people by Saturday, they would have to wait until after the Cowboys are out of the playoffs. There will be more action, too, with possible coach firings in San Francisco (Mike Nolan), Carolina (John Fox), St. Louis (Scott Linehan) and New York (if Giants coach Tom Coughlin loses another playoff game). In addition, don't be shocked if there are resignations in Cincinnati (Marvin Lewis) or Washington (Joe Gibbs).