ATLANTA -- Although he probably won't make any moves until Arthur Blank is
approved as the Atlanta Falcons new owner on Feb. 2, coach Dan Reeves has
already begun planning a number of staff changes, and has interviewed at
least two candidates for the defensive coordinator position.
ESPN.com has learned that Reeves met with former Washington Redskins
defensive coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer, the younger brother of Marty
Schottenheimer, early this week. In addition, he discussed the job with Wade
Phillips, most recently head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and a man who
worked as Reeves' defensive coordinator in Denver and who succeeded him as
head coach of the Broncos in 1993.
Don Blackmon served as the Atlanta coordinator in 2001, the first season in
which the longtime linebackers assistant held the top defensive spot on a
staff, and the Falcons statistically ranked as the No. 30 unit in the
league.
It is not yet known if Blackmon will be dismissed or reassigned, or if Reeves
will meet with more coaches about the defensive job. The team must also
replace running backs coach George Sefcik, who retired, and there could be
more changes as well.
Reeves had five new assistants on his staff in 2001. One factor of how much
change there might be is almost certain to be the length of time Reeves will
remain as coach. Although his current contract expires at the end of this
month, Blank will keep Reeves through at least the '02 season and perhaps
beyond that.
Blank is expected to act quickly after his approval by NFL owners, perhaps
at a press session following the Feb. 2 vote, to address Reeves' status.
There has been speculation that Reeves will receive a three-year extension
but there is also the possibility his new deal could include some option
years.
Phillips, 54, has extensive background as a coordinator and in tenures as
head coach in Denver (1993-94) and Buffalo (1998-2000), and has compiled a combined
45-38 record. Schottenheimer is a 12-year NFL veteran, having worked at
Cleveland, Kansas City and Washington.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.
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