Falcons focus on defense as they interview Ravens' Weaver, Panthers' Evero for head coaching job

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons continued to focus on defense in their search for a new coach on Sunday, conducting virtual interviews with Anthony Weaver and Ejiro Evero.

Weaver has spent three seasons on the Baltimore Ravens' staff, including the past two as assistant head coach and defensive line coach. Evero is the Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator after leading Denver's defense in 2022.

The Falcons have spoken with with five candidates, including four defensive coaches. The team is seeking a successor to Arthur Smith, who was fired shortly after the conclusion of his third straight 7-10 season.

The team met virtually with Cincinnati offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Saturday. The Falcons also discussed the job with Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

Weaver was an assistant with the Houston Texans from 2016-20, including the final season as defensive coordinator. He began his NFL coaching career as an assistant defensive line coach with the New York Jets in 2012 before working for the Buffalo Bills in 2013 and Cleveland Browns from 2014-15.

Evero coached on the Los Angeles Rams' staff from 2017-21 following one season with Green Bay.

Beginning on Jan. 22, teams may hold in-person interviews with coaches whose teams are no longer in the playoffs.