Falcons Close to Hiring Coach

ATLANTA (AP) - Mike Smith could be on the verge of his first NFL head coaching job. A person familiar with the Atlanta Falcons' search, who requested anonymity because contract talks between the two sides have not been completed, says the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator has been offered the Falcons position and a news conference could be held as early as tomorrow to announce his hiring.

Smith first interviewed with Falcons owner Arthur Blank during the playoffs, after the team hired Thomas Dimitroff as general manager. The Jags' defensive coordinator since 2003 had a second interview with the team Friday.

Smith directed the league's 12th-ranked defense this season after ranking second in 2006 and sixth in 2005.