The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2024 season with high hopes under head coach Raheem Morris. But those playoff dreams faded to black after a crushing Week 18 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, punctuated by defensive breakdowns. Now, Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot are tasked with finding a new defensive coordinator to right the ship in 2025.
Defensive Woes Doom Falcons’ Playoff Hopes
Atlanta’s defense ranked in the bottom third of the league in several key categories:
- 23rd in scoring defense (24.9 PPG)
- Allowed NFL-high 69.9% completion rate
- Surrendered 2nd-most passing TDs (34)
- Last in sacks (31) and pressure rate (28.1%)
Morris, himself a former defensive coordinator, expressed visible frustration after the season-ending loss to Carolina. “We’ve got to evaluate everything,” he said tersely. “That’s what starts today.” Less than a week later, defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and D-line coach Jay Rodgers were fired.
Experience a Priority for DC Opening
Lake lasted just one year in Atlanta after coming over from the Rams with Morris. The first-time NFL coordinator struggled to generate a pass rush or stop the run consistently. Per reports, the Falcons will prioritize candidates with prior DC experience this time around.
Early interviewees include Wink Martindale (Giants, Ravens, Broncos) and Lou Anarumo (Bengals). Steve Wilks, who visited Falcons camp last summer, is also in the mix. Other names to watch: Jeff Ulbrich (ex-Jets DC/interim HC), Dennis Allen (ex-Saints HC/DC), Kris Richard (ex-Seahawks DC).
Rebuilding a Depleted Defense
Whoever lands the job will inherit a unit gutted by free agency. Starting CBs Mike Hughes and Dee Alford, S Justin Simmons, LB Nate Landman, and most of the pass rush are set to hit the open market. The Falcons will have to get creative with the cap to retain or replace that talent.
The cupboard isn’t totally bare though. Safety Jessie Bates III, CB A.J. Terrell, and LB Kaden Elliss form a strong core. And reinforcements should be coming through the draft, with Atlanta picking 15th and likely targeting a pass rusher or cover man.
“We have to develop [players] in the building, and then we’ll have to look outside and look at the areas that we do have to enhance. Whether it’s free agency, whether it’s the draft, we have to find those ways to continue to build that team to be more consistent.”
– Falcons GM Terry Fontenot
After five straight non-winning seasons, the pressure is mounting in Atlanta. Coach Morris and GM Fontenot need the new defensive coordinator to spark a rapid turnaround. Otherwise, their seats will only get hotter in the ATL.
