Report: Titans OC Smith leading candidate for Falcons HC position

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is considered the front-runner to become the Atlanta Falcons' next head coach, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports, citing sources.

The Falcons have interviewed seven candidates for the job, but Smith is the first to secure a second interview, which took place Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Smith is a hot commodity, though. He reportedly traveled directly from his Titans interview to a dinner meeting with New York Jets representatives. He'll apparently visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday and the Detroit Lions on Friday.

It's a steep rise for the 38-year-old. Smith joined the Titans in 2011 at the age of 29, became the team's tight ends coach in 2016, and has served as Tennessee's offensive coordinator the past two seasons.

The Titans owned the league's No. 2 offense in 2020, as well as the NFL's second-ranked running game. They ranked fourth in points scored.

Smith has overseen the continued growth of Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill and recently helped running back Derrick Henry record the eighth 2,000-yard season in NFL history.