Jets, Bears, Falcons fire head coaches

The New York Jets and Chicago Bears each cleaned house on Monday, and the Atlanta Falcons could follow suit after dismissing head coach Mike Smith.

But New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin was told he'll be back, according to multiple reports, even though his team missed the playoffs for the third straight year.

There were reports that Atlanta and the San Francisco 49ers, who parted ways with coach Jim Harbaugh, want to speak with Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase about their head coaching vacancies. The Broncos said they will allow Gase, 36, to interview with those teams and any other suitors in Denver this week.

Jets. Owner Woody Johnson fired head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik after completing one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

"We're in the win business, and we're not winning," Johnson said. "So, I thought this was something I had to do."

With the Jets (4-12) sitting out the postseason for the fourth consecutive year, Johnson said the team had contacted the top candidates on his short list.

He wouldn't identify them, but but the Jets are scheduled to meet with Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn - a former New York assistant - in Seattle on Saturday for the coaching position.

Ryan was 50-52, including 4-2 in the postseason, in his six seasons with the Jets. His first few years were filled with guarantees, strong statements and two consecutive trips to the AFC title game.

Idzik lasted just two seasons after replacing the fired Mike Tannenbaum in 2013.

Bears. Head coach Marc Trestman is out after going 13-19 in two seasons, while general manager Phil Emery lasted three years. The Bears went 5-11 in a mostly miserable season.

The new GM and coach could have a big decision to make with quarterback Jay Cutler. He tied Philip Rivers for the league lead with 18 interceptions after signing a huge, seven-year contract at the end of last season.

Falcons. Smith's firing followed his second straight losing season, capped by Sunday's ugly 34-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Owner Arthur Blank said in his "heart of hearts," he didn't believe Smith could take the Falcons to the Super Bowl.

Smith's 66 wins in seven seasons are the most for a Falcons coach, but he was 10-22 the last two seasons.

Blank said more changes could come. He said general manager Thomas Dimitroff will be part of the search for a new coach, but then could have his status reviewed.

Giants. Coughlin reportedly was told he'll be back for a 12th season, but some assistants could be fired.