Jim Caldwell, Teryl Austin

The Atlanta Falcons have requested to interview Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin (right) for their vacant head coaching position.

(AP File Photo)

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will have an opportunity to interview for the open head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons, if he's interested.

According to a report from the NFL Network, the Falcons have formally requested permission to talk to Austin.

Austin, in his first year as defensive coordinator with the Lions, transformed a middle-of-the-pack unit into one of the league's best defenses. The team finished second in total defense, second in scoring and first against the run this season.

The Falcons, who fired longtime coach Mike Smith on Monday morning, have also requested to speak with Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.

Like Austin, Bowles has served many years as a defensive backs coach in the NFL, but he has two more seasons of experience as a defensive coordinator at the professional level. He also served as the interim head coach with the Miami Dolphins for the final three games of the 2011 season, going 2-1.

Austin can interview for head coaching positions either after the Lions have been eliminated from the playoffs, or if Detroit wins its upcoming wild card matchup with the Dallas Cowboys -- between Jan. 4-11.

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