Where the Falcons' search goes from here remains a mystery. The Falcons already interviewed Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, former Bills coach Doug Marrone and internal candidate Keith Armstrong, along with Austin and Bowles. Blank would have to wait until Quinn, McDaniels and Gase get knocked out of the playoffs or until after the Super Bowl for second interviews with those three. But if a guy such as Bowles or Austin aced the interview, it might be wise to make a move before another team does.
Quinn is thought to be near the top of the Falcons' list, but he's been touted as the favorite to land the Jets job. McDaniels would be the ideal hire for general manager Thomas Dimitroff, based on their previous relationship working together with the Patriots.