AP

The Falcons have zeroed in on Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith as the team’s next coach, a person familiar with the search said today.

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo also was rumored to be a candidate, but Atlanta now could not hire him until after the Super Bowl, 11 days away.

The person, who requested anonymity because contract talks between the Falcons and Smith have not been completed, said a news conference could be set for Thursday.

Smith, the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator since 2003, had his second interview with the team last Friday. He has never been an NFL head coach. Smith first interviewed with Falcons owner Arthur Blank during the playoffs, after the team hired Thomas Dimitroff as general manager.

Smith, also a former defensive assistant with Baltimore, had the league’s No. 12 defense with Jacksonville this season after ranking second in 2006 and sixth in 2005.

ESPN.com, citing league sources, first reported the Falcons were expected to hire Smith.