Technically, the Atlanta Falcons are in the playoff hunt, thanks to the NFC South being such a mess, but even sneaking into the playoffs won't help coach Mike Smith save his job.

It is believed that Smith will be fired once the Falcons' 2014 campaign is officially over.

"Falcons owner Arthur Blank has informed multiple parties that he plans on moving on from head coach Mike Smith at the end of the season, sources said, and it would take a shocking playoff run to alter that scenario," wrote Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. "Blank has also told some confidants that, for now, he expects to retain general manager Thomas Dimitroff, though it could be revisited through the hiring process."

On Friday, I noted the possibility of Rex Ryan replacing Smith, assuming the New York Jets let him go. However, the Falcons currently are examining several other options.

"Among the candidates the Falcons are doing due diligence on includes Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, with team president Rich McKay among those working through backchannels gathering information on top candidates," La Canfora added. "Stanford coach David Shaw could be a consideration as well."

Shaw may not be a legitimate candidate, though, as ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that he intends to eschew the NFL and stay at Stanford for 2015.