Arthur Blank Owner And Chairman, Blank Family Of Businesses | Atlanta Falcons Website
Arthur Blank Owner And Chairman, Blank Family Of Businesses | Atlanta Falcons Website
The Atlanta Falcons are actively searching for a new defensive coordinator following the departure of Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers. This upcoming hire will mark the team's fifth defensive coordinator since 2020. The search comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen the team's defense under current head coach Raheem Morris.
Several candidates have emerged as potential successors, including Steve Wilks, who previously served as the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator during the 2023 season. Wilks is reportedly interviewing with multiple teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, and was also considered for the Falcons' head coaching position last offseason.
Another candidate is Jeff Ulbrich, who recently acted as interim head coach for the New York Jets after serving as their defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2024. Ulbrich has strong ties to the Falcons organization, having worked closely with Morris during their previous tenure together in Atlanta.
Brandon Staley, currently an assistant head coach with the San Francisco 49ers, could also be in consideration. Although taking a coordinator role might be seen as a lateral move for Staley, his familiarity with similar defensive schemes used by Atlanta could make him an appealing choice.
Sean Desai is another name being discussed. Currently a senior defensive assistant for the Los Angeles Rams, Desai has experience calling plays from his time with teams like the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. His association with Sean McVay's staff adds another layer of interest in his candidacy.
Robert Saleh, former head coach of the New York Jets until early in 2024, is regarded as one of the more sought-after names on this list. Known for his successful stint as a full-time play caller with the San Francisco 49ers before joining the Jets, Saleh's potential hiring could hinge on which team offers him compelling opportunities.
An alternative scenario involves retaining existing staff members such as Morris or Jerry Gray to fulfill coordination duties without introducing new personnel. However, this approach seems unlikely given Morris's expressed preference to maintain an overarching view rather than directly manage unit-specific operations.
The Falcons face significant decisions ahead in their pursuit of bolstering their defense through strategic leadership appointments.
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