The Atlanta Falcons found their man in new head coach Dan Quinn, but Rex Ryan was a top candidate going into the search process.

Ryan was among the first round of candidates interviewed. His Jan. 6 interview ended up being the longest of them all due to some unforeseen circumstances, as owner Arthur Blank explained.

"Unfortunately, the day that coach Rex Ryan came in, I had an emergency situation with my mother," Blank said. "So I had to leave during the interview and go to the hospital, so that interview went on further. I spoke with him from the hospital.

"He's outstanding. I had known Rex from the last [coaching-search] process we had gone through. But that certainly complicated things a little bit. That made that particular day a little bit longer."

Blank's mother, Molly, passed away on Jan. 7 at the age of 99. Ryan actually called Blank the next day to make sure he was OK.

A report surfaced about Ryan being upset about the Falcons dragging their feet in the process. He became the coach of the Buffalo Bills six days after interviewing with the Falcons.

"To be honest with you, I ignore those reports," Blank said. "I depend on direct conversations and direct communication on everything, rather than having it reinterpreted and taken out of context.

"I think that Coach Ryan and I have a good relationship. I'm happy that he made a decision. And I hope he likes snow, which apparently he does. I'm happy for him and his family. [Buffalo] has a very fine coach up there."

When reached by phone, Ryan politely declined comment out of respect for his new team.

Blank said the Falcons had seven primary candidates. Quinn emerged as the leader following the first round of interviews. The team also interviewed Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, former Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone and former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who replaced Ryan as the coach of the New York Jets.