FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Today's Early Bird Report includes a pair of coaches who are reportedly interviewing for the Falcons' open quarterbacks coach job as well as the expectation that Steve Sarkisian will return.
FALCONS HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
*Atlanta Journal-Constitution: *Falcons reportedly interview a pair of QB coaches
With former Falcons quarterback coach Bush Hamdan leaving to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Washington, the team is currently searching for his replacement.
According to a report from the *AJC's *D. Orlando Ledbetter, Jedd Fisch will interview for the open position. Fisch most recently served as the offensive coordinator for UCLA under Jim Mora, and he took over as the team's interim head coach role for the Bruins' bowl game. Fisch has several years of NFL experience, including a two-year stint as offensive coordinator with the Jaguars in 2013-14.
Alex Marvez of *The Sporting News* also reports that the Falcons will interview former offensive coordinator Greg Knapp for their open quarterbacks coach position. Knapp served as the Falcons' offensive coordinator from 2004-2006, helping the team reach the NFC title game during their 2004 season.
NFL.com: Sarkisian expected to return to Falcons in 2018
Despite his polarizing status among fans, there's been no indication that the Falcons are planning to part ways with offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the Falcons are indeed expected to retain Sarkisian for next season.
Here are some more stories on the Falcons:
- Pro Football Focus: Top grades from Falcons-Eagles
- *AJC: *Football Outsiders: Falcons’ last series in Philly was awful
BIGGEST NEWS FROM AROUND THE NFL
ESPN: Drew Brees says he doesn't plan on testing free agency
After a surprise season with the Saints and another trip to the postseason, quarterback Drew Brees is set to become a free agent. According to ESPN's Mike Triplett, though, the future Hall of Famer doesn’t plan on testing the open market.
"I'm not in the mood to make anything secretive," Brees told Triplett. "It's the same way I felt two days ago. It's the same way I felt 12 years ago. That is that I'll be here as long as they'll have me, hopefully."
Brees, 39, also explained that contract negotiations are a process, and it's too early to talk specific contract decisions. The Saints are unable to franchise tag Brees, due to a specific clause in his current contract, and they have until March 16 to agree to a deal before he officially becomes a free agent.
Here are some more articles from around the league:
MORE FROM ATLANTAFALCONS.COM
