Atlanta Falcons Coach - Former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan has been pinned as the man most likely to replace Mike Smith as the coach of Atlanta Falcons.

Rex Ryan, who is said to have interviewed with the Falcons before he took the job at the Jets in 2008, is reportedly the man that Falcon's owner Arthur Blank wants to take the job. Ryan is scheduled to attend an interview with the management of the team on Tuesday.

Inside sources say if the whole process comes along without any problems, Rex Ryan could be unveiled as the new Atlanta Falcons coach in a matter of days.

The 52-year-old, who worked as a defensive coaching assistant at Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens before moving to the Jets, is reportedly being sought after by many teams, including the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. Rex Ryan has reportedly already done and interview with the 49ers, while one with the Bills is still pending.

It is clear that if the Falcons are to sign Rex Ryan, they would have to do it quickly. Many critics have applauded the decision to hire Ryan - given the fact that he is a defensive specialist and the team is particularly weak in defense. Signing to be the head coach of the Falcons will also give Ryan the chance to win some silverware and make his mark as a defensive tactician after his impressive but troubled stint at the Jets.

Rex Ryan is the son of legendary NFL coach Buddy Ryan. His twin brother Rob Ryan is currently a defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints. Ryan won the Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2000 as a defensive assistant. In the same season, the team made an NFL record for having the least points allowed and fewest rushing yards.

Besides Rex Ryan, Falcon's defensive coordinator Keith Amrstrong is also considered a forerunner for the job.