Is it time for the Falcons to hit the reset button?

After the week five loss against the Houston Texans, the Atlanta Falcons are 1-4 on the season. This record comes as a shock to most people who figured the team would be good position to compete for a NFC South division title this year. The Falcons are only two years removed from a Superbowl appearance. Many of the same players from that Superbowl team are on the current team. Last year was a rough year due to all of the injuries, but many believed that the Falcons would be a good team with all of the injured players from last season coming back this season. This hasn't been the case. With all of this talent, people are questioning why the falcons aren't winning. This leads people to think there needs to be a coaching change.

Coaching Change?

Dan Quinn has done a lot of good since taking over coaching duties for the Falcons in 2015. He took the falcons to the Superbowl in 2016. He also lead them back to the playoffs in 2017. If you look at his win/loss record since becoming head coach, it's not that impressive. His record over the five seasons he's been in Atlanta is 37-32. The only good years were in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, he had Kyle Shanahan running the offense. many believe that was the only reason the Falcons were successful that year. Kyle Shanahan then left Atlanta to go and become the head coach of the 49rs after the Superbowl. The 2017 season was a success because the Offensive Coordinator that replaced Shanahan used the same offensive system. Quinn also had good coordinators calling the defense during those two good years. He has taken over defensive play calling this season and the results have been sub-par. All of this leads many people to believe it's time for a change in Atlanta.

Solution?

The Falcons need to hire a new head coach who can get the team prepared to be able to compete with the top teams in the NFL. All throughout his time here in Atlanta, Dan Quinn seemed to get out coached in games that the Falcons were favored in. The Falcons need to find a coach that can utilize all of the talent on the team in the right way. There is no shortage of talent on the current Falcons team. There are a few suitable candidates that can take over coaching duties for the Falcons.

My top three candidates

1. Lincoln Riley: Riley had been very successful as the Oklahoma head coach. He has produced two straight Heisman winners. He has also had three players taken in the first round of the NFL draft. With the talent that the Falcons have, i think he would have immediate success. I don't believe it would be hard for him to make the transition to the NFL because he is relatively young and eager to win.

2. Kellen Moore: Moore is a great candidate for the Falcons because he is a young and eager offensive coordinator in the NFL. Moore is only 31 years old and he has made Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott into a top ten quarterback in the NFL. The offense this year for the Cowboys is really good and the Falcons need someone who can replicate the success of the 2016 offense. Moore isn't too far removed from being a quarterback at Boise State, so he can connect with quarterback Matt Ryan to help elevate his game.

3. Mike Mccarthy: Mccarthy was the head coach of the Green Bay packers for several years including their Superbowl victory in 2010. I like his playoff experience. He has the knowledge and experience to take the talented Falcons team back to the postseason.

Conclusion

The Falcons need to make a change soon if they want to get back to the postseason. There is too much talent on this falcons team for them to continue to underachieve like they have. A new head coach can breath new life into the organization and help all the current players reach their full potential.