Falcons talk with Titans' Schwartz about coaching vacancy

[HMFFL]

The Falcons interviewed Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz on Friday in Atlanta for their vacant head coaching job. Team officials were scheduled to convene in the evening to discuss the status of their search for a new general manager and coach.

Among the topics could be the pursuit of USC coach Pete Carroll, who has spoken with team owner Arthur Blank about joining the Falcons as coach and possibly as personnel chief. Carroll, through a USC spokesman, has said there is nothing to talk about regarding the job. However, there has been no confirmation from the Falcons or Carroll regarding the situation.

Schwartz was the third person this week to interview for the coaching job, vacated by Bobby Petrino on Dec. 11. Former Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and Jacksonville defensive coordinator Mike Smith interviewed Thursday in Jacksonville.

The Falcons interviewed Jacksonville's director of scouting Gene Smith and New York Giants vice president of player evaluation Chris Mara this week for the GM job that president Rich McKay will vacate once his replacement is hired. Mara withdrew from consideration Thursday.

Besides Smith, Schwartz and Ryan, the Falcons have interviewed Dallas offensive assistants Jason Garrett and Tony Sparano and Indianapolis assistant head coach Jim Caldwell for the coaching job.

Philadelphia general manager Tom Heckert, New England director of college scouting Tom Dimitroff and Green Bay executives John Schneider and Reggie McKenzie also have interviewed for the GM job.

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