FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The University of Kentucky might have interest in Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter for its head coach opening, according to a report, but Falcons coach Mike Smith would not comment on Monday as to whether Kentucky had asked for permission.
In fact, Smith might have inadvertently answered the question when he said he was unaware that the Wildcats had fired coach Joker Phillips. Phillips, who posted a 12-23 record at Kentucky, including 1-9 this season, was fired on Sunday.
Citing unnamed sources, Yahoo! Sports' Pat Forde reported that Koetter, a former head coach at Boise State and Arizona State, was on the Wildcats' candidate list.
"I didn't know that Kentucky is looking for a new football coach," Smith said, "so I can't comment on it. I don't know anything about that."
Koetter's teams went 40-34 and led the Sun Devils to four bowl games from 2001-2006. Prior to that, he posted a 26-10 mark in three seasons at Boise State. He is in his first season as Falcons offensive coordinator and under him the team's offense has flourished.
Quarterback Matt Ryan has posted a rating of 100 or better in six of the Falcons' eight games, as the team is an NFL-best 8-0, and has spoken glowingly about Koetter. Koetter served as the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2011.
In a separate question, Smith said that Koetter and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan are "outstanding football coaches" and that they have done a "great job of not only calling the game but preparing our football team and putting together game plans.
