The Chargers’ list of candidates to take over for fired head coach Mike McCoy continues to grow. Former Falcons head coach and current Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith is likely to interview with the Chargers, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Meanwhile, Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub will meet with the Bolts this week, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, and FOX Sports’ Peter Schrager adds that San Diego has asked Carolina’s permission to interview defensive coordinator Sean McDermott (all Twitter links)
The Chargers now have five potential successors to McCoy – and no offensive coordinators – on their radar, as PFR’s head coaching search tracker shows, though Smith is the only one with previous experience.
The 57-year-old was at the helm with the Falcons from 2008-14 in a stint that began swimmingly but ended poorly. Atlanta started Smith’s tenure with five straight above-.500 seasons, four of which resulted in double-digit-win campaigns and playoff berths, and then went a combined 10-22 during his final two years on the job. All told, the Falcons posted a 66-46 regular-season record and a disappointing 1-4 playoff mark under Smith. Of the other five teams in need of head coaches, only the Jaguars have shown interest in Smith to this point.
Toub, who’s on a bye with the AFC West champion Chiefs, will also meet with the Broncos this week, relays Biggs. McDermott has a Wednesday interview set up with the Bills.
A very sad market if retread mike smith is getting interviews! Thought old boy network of him and brother in law were finished! Nights as well bring lovie smith back and flush tens of millions down the toilet… just sayn
Brother in law Brian Billick
dude looks like the love child of jerry sandusky and john mccain
Mike Smiths biggest problem in Atlanta was the FO ignoring glaring needs on the lines. He had success when they kept Matt Ryan upright and had John Abraham terrorizing QB’s. Of all the re-treads, he’s the most successful. Id like to see him get a shot in Denver.
I agree, he turned Atlanta around in a hurry, and as great as Julio is now, that trade really limited the teams ability to fill those holes in the line in the short term. I hope he gets a shot.