The Atlanta Falcons are on track to have another disappointing season under Dan Quinn in 2019. The team has won two consecutive games but is still sitting at 3-7 — good enough for second-to-last place in the NFC South.
Before the season began, there was optimism that Atlanta would be able to return to being a contender in the NFC. Matt Ryan remained under center with an array of weapons that included Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Mohamed Sanu, Devonta Freeman, and Austin Hooper.
Along with the loaded offense, they chose to bring back Dirk Koetter, who was the offensive coordinator from 2012-2014. On the defensive side of the ball, Quinn chose to assume the play-calling duties himself.
Considering all of that, everyone in the Falcons' building believed that they could compete in the NFC South again. Instead, they got off to a 1-7 start and Quinn's job has been put into question.
Despite their recent surge, the Falcons should consider replacing Quinn as the head coach in 2020. One name that should be discussed in the front office is Josh McDaniels.
While Quinn has been the head coach, Atlanta has gone 39-35 and a record of 3-2 in the playoffs. Of course, the defensive-minded coach helped lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl in 2016 but came up short to the New England Patriots—where McDaniels is the offensive coordinator.
Even with all of the offensive weapons, the Falcons rank 19th in the NFL in scoring (22 points per game). Just a year ago, the offense was able to average 25.9 points per game (1oth in the NFL).
That goes to show that bringing Koetter back as the offensive coordinator hasn't gone as planned. Above all, the rushing offense has gone from averaging 98.3 yards per game to a mere 74.5 yards per game.
Given those statistics, bringing in McDaniels would make a ton of sense for the Falcons. It would give Ryan and the offense an accomplished play-caller and someone who knows what it takes to win games.
Yes, McDaniels' first stint as a head coach didn't go well with the Denver Broncos. But now, he has gotten more time to learn under Bill Belichick on what it takes to be a head coach in the NFL.
The Falcons are en route to their third season under Quinn where they have missed the postseason with a talented roster. Why should Atlanta expect him to turn things around next season with a similar group of players? Maybe an offensive-centric coach is exactly what the Falcons need to reach their potential.
While it's uncertain if McDaniels would consider taking a head-coaching job, the Falcons should gauge his interest in their job. Give McDaniels the reins to the offense and allow him to bring in a seasoned defensive coordinator to trust with the defense.
With Quinn, the Falcons are wasting away the final years of Ryan's career. However, the hiring of McDaniels would aid in the restoration of Atlanta and the franchise's hopes of returning to the postseason.
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