Falcons Interview Two, Including Ex-Texans GM Rick Smith

The Atlanta Falcons seem to be ramping up their search for a new general manager, having already interviewed a pair of candidates.

Per Matthew Tabeek of Falcons.com, the team has spoken with former Houston Texans GM Rick Smith and current Falcons director of college scouting Anthony Robinson. Also, according to Jeff Shultz of The Athletic, former NFL defensive back and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick could be on the Falcons' radar.

The job became available when the Falcons axed former GM Thomas Dimitroff and coach Dan Quinn in October.

Smith reportedly has already interviewed for the Detroit Lions' GM opening and very well could be the top candidate with the Falcons. Along with his work with the Texans, Smith is a former assistant coach with the Denver Broncos and several other clubs. He’s been in the NFL for more than 20 years, but stepped away in 2017 to help care for his wife, who died of breast cancer last year.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank indicated the next GM will have one job.

"I think we need to win, and that's what our fans are counting on, that's what they're signed up for," Blank said. "We ask them for a lot: Their resources, their commitment, their energy, their passion, their time – and all of that of their families as well."