FLOWERY BRANCH – Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who's considered the leader to land the Falcons' head coaching vacancy, spoke in his weekly meeting with the Seattle media after practice on Thursday.
“I had a great time going through the process,” Quinn told the Seattle Times about the interviews he had during Seattle’s bye week prior to the divisional playoff win over Carolina. “What a wonderful opportunity to get to talk to people. But I’m in a great situation and now that we are back here, really the focus is back here on the game, and what a challenge we have for us. So nothing really to report on that front. Real easy to run back to what we are doing here.”
Quinn, who TheMMQB.com tagged as "The Next Great Coach" in a training camp feature , cannot be hired until Seattle's season has concluded.
Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is lone candidate to have a second interview with the Falcons, who are seeking to replace Mike Smith. Rex Ryan and Todd Bowles, who had initial interviews, have taken head coaching jobs with other teams.
Special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong, who had an interview, has not been called back for a second interview. However, the team did block him from interviewing with the New York Jets. The Falcons have also sought permission to interview Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase for the offensive coordinator position. He had previously interviewed for the head coaching position.
If the Seahawks advance to the Super Bowl, the Falcons would have to wait until after the big game to sign Quinn. However, they will have a second interview after the NFC championship game.
Quinn said he was not frustrated by the timing of his head coaching candidacy, which could hinder his ability to build a talented coaching staff if the Falcons wait for him.
“No certainly not,” Quinn told the Seattle Times. “In fact, I’m so fortunate to be part of this organization and being here with this group of guys. I’m having a blast, I really am. So no hard feelings, no disappointment in any way.”
In 2009, Kansas City waited for Arizona offensive coordinator Todd Haley until after the Cardinals loss in the Super Bowl to the Steelers.
DANNA TO THE JETS: Defensive backs coach Joe Danna is set to join the Jets staff, according to Alex Marvez of Fox Sports.
Danna and Bowles previously served together as defensive assistants for Miami. Danna joined the Falcons in 2012.
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