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Reports: Falcons could target Spagnuolo

Even before Steve Spagnuolo officially got fired by the Rams, it was clear he'd have options for his next career move.

This morning, via Twitter, ESPN's Chris Mortensen mentioned that the Atlanta Falcons would "love to land" Spagnuolo. Meanwhile, Jim Trotter of SI.com says Spagnuolo is "definitely" No. 1 on the Falcons' wish list.

Falcons defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder recently left to assume the same post in the college ranks at Clemson.

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal Constitution recently mentioned Jack Del Rio's name as a possibility in Atlanta also. Falcons coach Mike Smith served as Del Rio's defensive coordinator from 2003-2007 in Jacksonville.

In Philadelphia, Spagnuolo may be asked to work with Jim Washburn's system. Then again, the Eagles could decide to part ways with Washburn. In Atlanta, there seems to be no such issue, although Smith is a defensive head coach and surely has his own ideas for that side of the ball. Both the Eagles and Falcons know they need to get past Aaron Rodgers and/or Drew Brees to make noise in the playoffs, which likely makes Spagnuolo such an attractive candidate.

Meanwhile, by my count, there are currently four openings for head coaches: Miami, Oakland, Tampa and St. Louis. That could likely mean four openings for defensive coordinators (although the Rams opening obviously doesn't directly relate to Spagnuolo) as the new hires shape their respective staffs.

Meanwhile, Mike Mularkey was just hired by the Jags, but he will need to decide on a defensive coordinator. The Chiefs will keep Romeo Crennel as their head coach, although their plans at defensive coordinator are unclear. And the Colts named Eagles director of player personnel Ryan Grigson their new general manager, so we'll have to wait and see what they do with their coaching staff.

Speaking of Grigson, a couple people on Twitter - most notably Sam from IgglesBlitz.com and Albert Breer of NFL Network - mentioned the possibility of Marty Mornhinweg joining Grigson in Indy and replacing Jim Caldwell. That would potentially mean an opportunity to work with QB prospect Andrew Luck.

Mornhinweg spent two seasons as the head coach of the Lions back in 2001 and 2002, compiling a 5-27 record. He's been with the Eagles since 2003 and has served as the offensive coordinator since 2004. Mornhinweg's name has not been formally linked to any head-coaching jobs this offseason.

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