NEW ORLEANS -- Finding a general manager, one who will oversee the football operations for new owner Arthur Blank, has become a difficult chore for the Atlanta Falcons.

League and team sources here confirmed for ESPN.com that Baltimore has denied a request by Falcons officials to speak with Ravens vice president of personnel Ozzie Newsome, ostensibly the third time in recent weeks Atlanta has struck out with a potential candidate.

Newsome certainly would have been a candidate popular with Atlanta fans, one with whom they are familiar, and in whom they could have demonstrated great interest.

Atlanta is the heart of SEC country, of course, and Newsome is a former Alabama star and one of the most recognizable players in Southeastern Conference history. He also is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, owns a Super Bowl ring from the Ravens' victory last year, and has demonstrated a keen knack for being able to forge a consensus in one of the NFL's most bureaucratic front offices.

It is assumed that Ravens owner Art Modell will give Newsome a raise. He already has said he will extend and upgrade the contract of coach Brian Billick during this offseason.

The Falcons originally sought Tampa Bay general manager Rich McKay, and a deal was all but done, when Bill Parcells backed out of an agreement to become Tampa Bay's head coach. After that, McKay became even more integral to the operation in Tampa Bay and it appears now he will remain with the team, and perhaps be promoted to president of the franchise.

It's believed, though, the Falcons continue to show some interest in McKay, and would head their wish list if he decided to depart the Bucs.

Atlanta also inquired about Denver director of college scouting Ted Sundquist, but the Broncos then promoted him to general manager when they learned of the Falcons' interest in him.

The current Atlanta general manager, Harold Richardson, functions more as a salary cap expert and Blank is seeking a candidate who would more closely fit the classic definition for the post. Coach Dan Reeves will have input in the selection process, which likely will move to the fast track now that Blank's purchase of the franchise for $545 million has been approved by the NFL.