Falcons tell Zimmer, Jackson to look elsewhere
Top assistants won't be considered for head coaching position
By STEVE WYCHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/04/08
Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who has been told by the team that he will not be considered for the head coaching job, has been granted permission to interview for the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator job, a person with knowledge of the situation told the AJC.
Zimmer is interviewing today.
Atlanta's offensive coordinator, Hue Jackson, also was told that he would not be considered for the head-coaching job, the person said.
All of the Falcons assistant coaches, except three that took college assistant coaching jobs — Brian VanGorder (South Carolina), Derrick Nix (Mississippi) and Mike Summers (Arkansas) — are still under contract. Their status with the team is in limbo because the franchise will hire a new coach to replace Bobby Petrino, who left during the season to coach at Arkansas.
Owner Arthur Blank and president Rich McKay are in Dallas today interviewing Cowboys assistants Tony Sparano and Jason Garrett for the head-coaching job. Indianapolis assistant head coach Jim Caldwell was interviewed Thursday for head coach.
Blank and McKay also have interviewed Green Bay's Reggie McKenzie and John Schneider for the general manager position McKay will vacate once his successor is found. Philadelphia GM Tom Heckert will interview for Atlanta's GM post Monday.
LINK
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sp...cons_0105.html