Atlanta Falcons

Should the Falcons make coaching changes next year?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Atlanta Falcons may have to make at least one, of course. Current Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan is rumored to be a hot head coaching candidate this off-season.

But what about making changes by choice, rather than because they have to? Head Coach Dan Quinn was brought in from Seattle at least in part because of his reputation for defensive prowess, having succeeded current Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley as the “Legion of Boom’s” Defensive Coordinator in Seattle. Prior to that he had been the defensive line coach and assistance head coach for the Seahawks, and also the defensive line coach for the 49ers, Dolphins, and Jets. He’d also been a defensive coordinator and/or defensive line coach for a few different colleges before coming to the pros, including Florida, where’d he’d first met his future first round strong safety, Keanu Neal.

However, the Falcons defense has not been stellar thus far, to say the least. They currently rank 27th in terms of total yardage allowed per game, dead last in passing yardage, but 10th against the run (though that number drops to 17th in terms of yards per carry allowed). In Quinn’s first year as Falcons’ Head Coach they ranked 16th in total defense, 18th against the pass, and 14th against the rush, so in a way they’ve actually regressed.

Who’s to blame for that? The draft has brought Quinn’s defense: Vic Beasley, Jalen Collins, Grady Jarrett, Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, and De’Vondre Campbell (not to mention UDFA Brian Poole). Free agency has brought in Brooks Reed, Adrian Clayborn, Dwight Freeney, Courtney Upshaw, Derrick Shelby, and LaRoy Reynolds. At some point shouldn’t the defensive coaches be scrutinized?

What about Richard Smith? Bryan Cox? Doug Mallory? Marquand Manuel?

Cox in particular might be on a hot seat. He has a quirky personality, to say the least, doesn’t always get along with some players, and has had questionable results in getting the desired production from his unit.

For Smith, he might want to be concerned if the Atlanta Falcons believe a better candidate becomes available. For example, what if Gus Bradley gets fired from his head coaching position in Jacksonville? Would Quinn be tempted to bring him in as a new defensive coordinator? It might seem strange that a head coach who used to be Quinn’s boss would be willing to take a step down, but let’s not forget that former Falcons Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter is now Mike Smith’s boss in Tampa. Of course, Smith used to be Koetter’s boss here in Atlanta.