Former Falcons coach Mike Smith becomes first coach to formally interview

The Atlanta Falcons fired Mike Smith after his second straight losing season in 2014.DAVIE - Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith became the first candidate to formally interview for the Miami Dolphins' coaching vacancy.

Smith began his meetings with the Dolphins brass on Monday evening, making his best pitch to become the organization's ninth head coach, according to team source.

Smith led the Falcons to 67-50 record, and four playoff berths (1-and-4 in the post season) in his seven seasons as head coach. Back-to-back losing seasons, which featured the Falcons being handcuffed by bad defenses, led to his dismissal.

Smith is the first of nearly a dozen coaching candidates the Dolphins…