Dan Quinn is Falcons' top candidate

Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is the favorite to land the Atlanta Falcons' head-coaching job, according to league sources, now that former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles has landed in New York as the Jets' coach.

Atlanta is interviewing Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Wednesday, so he will have his chance to impress the Falcons and potentially try to change their minds. But sources close to and familiar with the Falcons' situation believe Atlanta is willing to wait for Quinn, and Quinn is willing to wait for them, making him the leading contender at this time to become the Falcons' next coach.

Quinn and the Falcons already have met once, and they will be allowed to do so next week, whether the Seahawks win or lose Sunday's NFC Championship Game. There is a window next week for teams that have already interviewed candidates to interview them again. Under the rules, the Denver Broncos cannot interview Quinn, but the Falcons and Chicago Bears would be able to do so.

Perhaps the biggest advantage and lure that Atlanta has is its quarterback, Matt Ryan. His presence makes the Falcons' job arguably the most appealing one available.