2 months, 1 week ago

Falcons fire defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, assistant Jay Rodgers following defense’s poor finish

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers on Saturday following first-year coach Raheem Morris’ sharp criticism of his defense’s disappointing finish. “These decisions are never easy from the human side of things and we wish Jimmy, Jay and their families the best.” The Falcons’ late-season benching of quarterback Kirk Cousins and three-game audition of rookie Michael Penix Jr. as the new starter entering the 2025 season was the biggest news of the season, but Morris focused on the disappointing late showing by the defense following the loss to the Panthers. On Monday, when asked about the status of Lake and if he anticipated making changes on the staff, Morris said: “I’ve been around the league for a while and very rarely do things stay the same.” The Falcons ranked 23rd in the league in total defense and with their average of 24.9 points allowed. A potential candidate to lead the Atlanta defense is New York Jets interim coach and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who has said he will interview for the Jets’ full-time job.

Defense Atlanta Season Ulbrich Coach Jets Jimmy Morris Lake Following Jay Poor Finish morris things defense atlanta jimmy sacks season falcons defenses jay lake following coach defensive rodgers team poor finish

History of this topic

1 month ago

Matt Eberflus jumps right back in, turns back clock with Cowboys after losing Bears job

Associated Press

FRISCO, Texas — New Dallas defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus never really stopped to consider a year away from coaching after getting fired by the Chicago Bears. Because I do have the experience of being a head coach for him and to make his job easier.” Eberflus has four assistants from last season’s Chicago staff in defensive passing game coordinator Andre …

1 month, 1 week ago

Jaguars narrow their general manager search to five first-timers

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars have narrowed their general manager search to five finalists, including current interim GM Ethan Waugh. The Jaguars will begin in-person interviews Wednesday, and the decision is expected to land the franchise a first-time GM to pair with a first-time head coach, a first-time offensive coordinator, a first-time defensive coordinator and a first-time executive vice …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich reveals regrets about his stint as Jets interim coach

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Jeff Ulbrich expressed some regrets about the way he handled his 12-game stint as the New York Jets interim coach as he looked ahead on Monday to his new job as defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. Ulbrich said “the delegation piece” of his responsibilities as interim coach was important and added “which I failed at, …

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Dallas Cowboys 'make decision on new defensive coordinator' after fans fumed at Jerry Jones' head coach hire

Daily Mail

The Dallas Cowboys are expected to name Matt Eberflus as their new defensive coordinator following an interview today, according to reports. Jerry Jones sparked fan fury when he decided on Brian Schottenheimer as the team's new head coach, and work is now underway to decide his assistants. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, former Bears head coach Eberflus is going …

2 months ago

Jets interview Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. for their head coach job

Associated Press

The New York Jets interviewed Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. on Sunday for their head coach vacancy. Ulbrich, the Jets’ interim head coach for 12 games after Robert Saleh was fired, was hired by Atlanta as its defensive coordinator. Whitt previously worked with Commanders coach Dan Quinn in Atlanta in 2020 as the Falcons’ pass game coordinator and …

2 months ago

Falcons bring former assistant Jeff Ulbrich back to Atlanta as defensive coordinator

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Falcons brought Jeff Ulbrich back to Atlanta, naming their former assistant as defensive coordinator on Saturday night. Ulbrich, who spent much of last season as the New York Jets’ interim coach, takes over a defense that earned criticism from first-year coach Raheem Morris for the team’s 8-9 finish. He was elevated to interim defensive coordinator when Morris …

2 months, 1 week ago

Bears interview Mike McCarthy, Arthur Smith for head coaching job

Associated Press

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears interviewed former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for their head coaching job on Wednesday. Dallas was 12-5 each of the three years before that, but still hasn’t been past the divisional round of the NFC playoffs since its last Super Bowl at …

2 months, 1 week ago

Falcons begin search for defensive coordinator by interviewing Michigan’s Wink Martindale

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have conducted a virtual interview with Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale as they began their search to replace Jimmy Lake, who was fired as defensive coordinator following the team’s 8-9 season. The Falcons on Tuesday announced their interview with Martindale, 61, who spent 20 years coaching in the NFL before joining the Michigan …

2 months, 1 week ago

Jets interview interim coach Jeff Ulbrich for their head coach vacancy

Associated Press

The New York Jets interviewed interim coach Jeff Ulbrich on Monday for their head coach vacancy. “I’m far from perfect and I’m excited about that opportunity to really, with a fine-tooth comb, evaluate every decision and everything I did in the last whatever it’s been, 10, 11 weeks.” Ulbrich continued in his role as the defensive coordinator after taking over …

2 months, 1 week ago

Cowboys coach candidates: Ben Johnson and other names Dallas should consider

New York Times

Jerry Jones once famously said 500 coaches could have won Super Bowls with those early 1990s Dallas Cowboys teams. Searching for postseason success COACH YEARS W-L POSTSEASON Mike McCarthy 2020-24 49-35 1-3 Jason Garrett 2010-19 85-67 2-3 Wade Phillips 2007-10 34-22 1-2 Bill Parcells 2003-06 34-30 0-2 Dave Campo 2000-02 15-33 0-0 Chan Gailey 1998-99 18-14 0-2 There is not …

Jets interview Lions DC Aaron Glenn for their coach vacancy and Rams exec Ray Farmer for the GM job

Associated Press

The New York Jets interviewed Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for the head coach job Thursday and Los Angeles Rams executive Ray Farmer for their general manager vacancy. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich are also expected to be among those to meet with the team. Glenn, a …

2 months, 2 weeks ago

Jaguars fire coach Doug Pederson after 3 seasons, will bring back GM Trent Baalke

New York Times

The Jacksonville Jaguars fired coach Doug Pederson on Monday after a three-year tenure that began with promise but trended downward for the better part of the last two seasons, team owner Shad Khan announced. “I had the difficult task this morning of informing Doug Pederson of my intention to hire a new head coach to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars,” Khan …

6 months, 3 weeks ago

Intel on all 32 NFL teams, Russ skepticism, Davante Adams trade talk and more

New York Times

After speaking with dozens of sources around the NFL this summer, I compiled intel on all 32 teams. New England Patriots: There’s curiosity among rival teams with the way head coach Jerod Mayo publicly handled the quarterback battle between Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye. AFC West Denver Broncos: Rivals have a decent amount of faith in head coach Sean Payton’s …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins looks to build his postseason legacy with the Falcons

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kirk Cousins has a single playoff victory in his long career. “When the owner, general manager, head coach and quarterback are on the same page, that’s when you really have a chance to go win a Super Bowl,” Cousins said at the team’s suburban training facility. That’s exciting for me and why I’m thrilled to be …

1 year, 1 month ago

Commanders finalize their coaching staff, hire ex-Eagles OC Brian Johnson as pass game coordinator

Associated Press

ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders finalized their coaching staff Thursday, hiring former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and several others. Also working under offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are tight ends coach David Raih, who came from Tampa Bay, and David Blough, a QB who was on Detroit’s practice squad last season. I think whoever the quarterback is, he’ll …

1 year, 1 month ago

Cowboys and Mike Zimmer agree on a reunion as defensive coordinator

Associated Press

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys have settled on a coaching reunion by deciding to bring back Mike Zimmer as defensive coordinator to replace Dan Quinn. Quinn spent three seasons with the Cowboys, quickly turning around one of the worst defenses in franchise history after Mike Nolan was fired following one season with coach Mike McCarthy. Zimmer’s debut as defensive …

1 year, 1 month ago

Dan Quinn signs his contract to become coach of the Washington Commanders

Associated Press

Dan Quinn has signed his contract to become coach of the Washington Commanders, with the final NFL team to fill a head vacancy going with a candidate with previous experience in the role. “Dan has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds, building tough, explosive and dynamic teams that compete hard,” controlling owner Josh Harris …

1 year, 1 month ago

How Jeff Ulbrich’s Senior Bowl coaching experience benefits him and the Jets

New York Times

MOBILE, Ala. — Twenty-four years ago, an undersized linebacker from the University of Hawaii lined up for a team drill during Senior Bowl practice. It’s a great opportunity from that standpoint, to look at it through that lens.” Coach Ulbrich's fondest memory from playing in the Senior Bowl: "Honey, you gotta stay away from Brian …he's making you look really …

1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons’ Raheem Morris hires Kevin Koger from Chargers as tight ends coach

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris is continuing to fill out his staff, hiring former Los Angeles Chargers assistant Kevin Koger as tight ends coach on Friday. Morris, the former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator who was hired on Jan. 25 to replace Arthur Smith, also added former Rams assistant Nick Jones as assistant offensive line coach, …

1 year, 1 month ago

Chris Shula, the grandson of Don Shula, will be the Rams’ new defensive coordinator, AP source says

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — Chris Shula, the grandson of Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, will be the Los Angeles Rams’ new defensive coordinator, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. Chris Shula replaces Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who was hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach. Chris Shula and Sean McVay played together at Miami of …

1 year, 1 month ago

Washington Commanders hiring Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as coach, AP sources say

Associated Press

The Washington Commanders have an agreement with Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to hire him as coach, according to two people with knowledge of the decision. He became Washington’s choice after Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, considered a top candidate, told teams Tuesday he was staying with Detroit and the Seahawks hired Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald on Wednesday. …

1 year, 1 month ago

Sean McVay promotes Chris Shula to defensive coordinator; Giff Smith joining staff

LA Times

Rams linebackers/pass rush coordinator Chris Shula, left, stands on the sideline next to defensive coordinator Raheem Morris during a game at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 3. For the first time since he became the Rams’ coach in 2017, McVay is staying in house and promoting a defensive coordinator from within. Giff Smith joining Rams’ staff McVay plans to hire former …

1 year, 1 month ago

Raheem Morris adds two new members to Falcons coaching staff, keeps seven others

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris added two new members to his staff Wednesday, while announcing that he’s keeping seven members of the previous staff. Morris appointed Jay Rodgers as defensive line coach and Steve Scarnecchia as chief of staff for coaching operations. Rodgers comes to the Falcons after spending the past three seasons with the Los …

1 year, 1 month ago

Seahawks hire Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as new coach

Associated Press

RENTON, Wash. — It was a defensive-centric head coach that brought the Seattle Seahawks their only Super Bowl title. The Seahawks are hoping a newer — albeit much younger — version can return them to the elite of the NFL after hiring Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their new head coach on Wednesday. Macdonald, 36, arrives in Seattle …

1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons appoints Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake to run defense

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris began assembling his staff on Monday, appointing Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator and Jimmy Lake to run the defense. Both assistants followed Morris from the Los Angeles Rams, where the new Atlanta coach served as defensive coordinator before he landed the Falcons’ job last week. Morris also announced that Marquice Williams …

1 year, 1 month ago

Steelers to hire former Falcons coach Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator: Source

New York Times

By Mike DeFabo, Josh Kendall, Mark Kaboly and Larry Holder The Pittsburgh Steelers are hiring former Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith as the team’s new offensive coordinator, according to a team source. Tomlin fired previous offensive coordinator Matt Canada during the season, giving quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan play-calling duties and tabbing running backs coach Eddie Faulkner to coordinate the offense …

1 year, 1 month ago

Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson leaving for Atlanta Falcons

LA Times

Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson stands on the sideline during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 3. Zac Robinson, the Rams’ quarterbacks coach, will become offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly said. Rams Falcons hire Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as head coach After many interviews to …

1 year, 1 month ago

Why the Falcons’ hiring of Raheem Morris is a hit within the organization and beyond

New York Times

Raheem Morris is back in Atlanta, and, let’s be honest, a lot of people are pretty happy about that. “We felt like that did serve us well because we didn’t start with two new people in powerful positions and completely re-examining the roster and doing things that might take us backwards before we go forward.” It’s an Atlanta homecoming for …

1 year, 1 month ago

Atlanta Falcons pass on Bill Belichick and hire Raheem Morris

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Three years ago, the Atlanta Falcons passed on a chance to make Raheem Morris their head coach. The Falcons hired the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator on Thursday, bringing back a familiar name who served as Atlanta’s interim coach for the final 11 games of the 2020 season after Dan Quinn was fired. AP AUDIO: Raheem Morris hired …

1 year, 1 month ago

Atlanta Falcons conduct a second coaching interview with Texans assistant Bobby Slowik

Associated Press

ATLANTA — In another sign they are looking beyond six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick, the Atlanta Falcons conducted a second interview with Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik on Thursday. Slowik is the fourth candidate to get a second interview with Atlanta, following Belichick, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. In …

1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons hire Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as head coach

LA Times

Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has been hired by the Atlanta Falcons to be their head coach. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced Thursday. Morris, who succeeded Brandon Staley as Rams defensive coordinator in 2021, interviewed with the Falcons, Chargers, Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks this offseason. Rams …

1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons hire former Rams DC Raheem Morris as coach: What happened to Bill Belichick?

New York Times

By Dianna Russini, Josh Kendall and Larry Holder The Atlanta Falcons have hired former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their coach, the team announced Thursday. We have hired Raheem Morris as our head coach — Atlanta Falcons January 26, 2024 “I am overjoyed for the opportunity for my family and I to return to Atlanta as the …

1 year, 1 month ago

Falcons interview former Titans coach Mike Vrabel, meet again with Carolina assistant Ejiro Evero

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel had an in-person interview with the Atlanta Falcons to discuss their head coaching vacancy on Wednesday. Earlier Wednesday, the Falcons met again with Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who joined Rams assistant Raheem Morris and former Patriots coach Bill Belichick in receiving second interviews. The Falcons have interviewed Detroit Lions offensive coordinator …

1 year, 2 months ago

Who will Packers’ next defensive coordinator be? Here are 10 candidates

New York Times

The Green Bay Packers need a new defensive coordinator after head coach Matt LaFleur’s decision Wednesday to fire Joe Barry after three seasons. Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator LaFleur reportedly chose Barry over Evero in 2021, and now Evero, 43, is getting head coach interviews as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator. If he doesn’t get a head job, the Panthers’ …

1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons owner Arthur Blank 'desperately wants Bill Belichick to be Atlanta's head coach' seven years after Patriots epic Super Bowl LI comeback

Daily Mail

Atlanta Falcons owner Athur Blank desperately' wants to hire former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank desperately' wants to hire Bill Belichick as his head coach Belichick is said to still be 50/50 on if he wants to take the Falcons head coaching job The Falcons are also …

1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons interview Rams’ Raheem Morris, Bills’ Joe Brady after 2nd meeting with Bill Belichick

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons interviewed Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady on Saturday for their head coaching vacancy. The virtual interviews with Morris and Brady came one day after former longtime New England coach Bill Belichick completed his second interview with the Falcons. Brady, the Bills’ quarterbacks …

1 year, 2 months ago

Atlanta Falcons complete a second interview with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Bill Belichick completed his second coaching interview with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, moving closer to joining the franchise that endured its biggest disappointment with him on the opposite sideline. The Falcons also met virtually with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, but all eyes were on Belichick amid reports that he was the team’s top choice and …

1 year, 2 months ago

Rams’ Sean McVay hopes in-demand coordinator Raheem Morris will be back next season

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Rams have established a foundation for the future. McVay hopes to have defensive coordinator Raheem Morris back next season, while recognizing his status as one of the more desirable candidates to fill any of the seven head coaching vacancies around the NFL. “But if we do lose Raheem, there will be a very patient, …

1 year, 2 months ago

Jim Harbaugh completes an interview with the Falcons following his national title glory with Michigan - one day after Atlanta also sat down with legendary Patriots coach Bill Belichick

Daily Mail

The Atlanta Falcons announced that they have completed an interview with Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh on Tuesday. The Falcons also recently completed an interview with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Atlanta is the second team to interview Harbaugh so far during this year's coaching carousel after the Los Angeles Chargers reportedly completed an interview with …

1 year, 2 months ago

Bill Belichick interviews with Falcons for head coaching job

Associated Press

ATLANTA — Bill Belichick signaled he’s ready to get back to coaching less than a week after parting with the New England Patriots, speaking with the Atlanta Falcons about their vacant position. The Falcons announced Monday night they have interviewed the 71-year-old Belichick, who left the Patriots on Thursday after 24 seasons and a record six Super Bowl championships. The …

1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons interview Jim Harbaugh for coaching vacancy: How it could affect team’s QB situation

New York Times

The Atlanta Falcons interviewed Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh for their coaching vacancy, the team announced Tuesday. GO DEEPER Jim Harbaugh's turbulent Michigan 2023 timeline Harbaugh’s quarterback J.J. McCarthy declared for the NFL Draft on Sunday. We have interviewed Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh for our head coach opening — Atlanta Falcons January 17, 2024 The Falcons most recently completed an …

1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons interview Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald for head coaching job

Associated Press

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons conducted a virtual interview with Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, a former University of Georgia assistant, for their head coaching vacancy on Friday. The Falcons’ list of possible candidates is believed to include Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Ravens assistant head coach Anthony Weaver. Former Falcons interim …

1 year, 2 months ago

NFL coach and GM tracker: From Jerod Mayo to Dan Quinn, the 2024 hiring cycle is complete

LA Times

CHARGERS: Staley and Telesco were fired in mid-December after the Chargers lost five of six following a 4-4 start to the season. Others who interviewed include Patrick Graham, Todd Monken, Steve Wilks, Mike Macdonald and former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator and Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier. Four candidates were interviewed over Zoom by Jan. 12: Panthers interim head coach …

1 year, 2 months ago

Falcons fire Arthur Smith after 3 losing seasons: Who could Atlanta target as his replacement?

New York Times

The Atlanta Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith after three seasons, the team announced at midnight Monday morning, hours after the conclusion of the regular season. “There’s a lot of things that go into what makes a quarterback successful or not.” The Falcons hired Smith to replace Dan Quinn following the 2020 season. I’m angry, I’m frustrated.” Smith’s final moments with …

1 year, 2 months ago

Who could Falcons target as next head coach? Bill Belichick, Eric Bieniemy, more candidates

New York Times

For the sixth time since buying the Atlanta Falcons in 2002, Arthur Blank is in the market for a new head coach. Blank fired Arthur Smith on Monday after three years in which the former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator went 21-30 and failed to put any juice into the Falcons offense. Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator The 39-year-old checks …

1 year, 3 months ago

Falcons owner on coach Arthur Smith’s future with team: ‘We’ll let the season play out’

New York Times

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said he is “committed” to Arthur Smith but will “let the season play out and go from there” when asked if the third-year head coach will return in 2024. “Obviously, this has not been the kind of year we expected and you would hear that first from Coach Smith,” Blank told Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Jeff Hullinger …

1 year, 3 months ago

Jets’ Jeff Ulbrich is a teacher, motivator and NFL head coach material

New York Times

In May 2008, Anheuser-Busch launched a new line of Bud Light, with a twist: lime. The commercials lauded how Bud Light Lime brought the “superior drinkability of Bud Light with a splash of 100 percent natural lime flavor.” “One taste,” it said, “and you’ll find the summer state of mind — it’s in the lime.” Jeff Ulbrich and Takeo Spikes …

1 year, 4 months ago

NFL head coaching candidates for 2024: Ben Johnson, Brian Johnson and 12 others to watch

New York Times

A number of NFL head coaches are on the hot seat as the regular season enters the stretch run. Brian Flores, defensive coordinator, Minnesota Vikings The former Miami Dolphins head coach is in his first season as leader of the Vikings defense. Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator, Detroit Lions The former All-Pro defensive back has long been viewed as a future …

2 years, 1 month ago

Will the Rams’ new offense be influenced by 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan?

LA Times

Mike LaFleur was the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator the last two seasons and worked with the San Francisco 49ers previously. LaFleur, who turns 36 next month, spent the last two seasons as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator and play-caller, a relationship that ended after the team finished 7-10 under second-year coach Robert Saleh. The Rams’ staff also includes …

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3 days, 13 hours ago