Jets OC Schottenheimer, Pats OC O'Brien in mix to coach Jags

The Jacksonville Jaguars have requested permission to interview New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien and two other NFL assistants for their head-coaching vacancy, various team and league sources said Monday.

Maurice Jones-Drew

Falcons coach Mike Smith later confirmed that the team has "signed off and granted that opportunity" for Mularkey to interview with the Jaguars. Smith said Mularkey's "sole focus" this week is on Sunday's playoff game at the New York Giants.

Mularkey went 14-18 in two seasons (2004-05) as the Buffalo Bills' coach. He has been the Falcons' offensive coordinator since 2008, helping mentor quarterback Matt Ryan. That could help his chances in Jacksonville, where the Jaguars are trying to get more out of rookie Blaine Gabbert.

Mularkey's son, Patrick Mularkey, is a Jaguars scout.

Mularkey interviewed with the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns last season.

Interim coach Mel Tucker also is a candidate to keep the position, and he's interviewing for it as well. Tucker took over after Jack Del Rio was fired Nov. 29, and he went 2-3 with the Jaguars.

More candidates will be contacted this week.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Jason La Canfora on Twitter @JasonLaCanfora.