Falcons Make Changes To Coaching Staff

By ESPN

Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith will not continue in that role following Atlanta's historic collapse in Super Bowl LI, The Sporting News is reporting.

The website, citing sources, reported late Tuesday that Smith could be moved to another staff position, although it did not have details. Sporting News also reported that Bryan Cox will be replaced as defensive line coach.

The Falcons led the New England Patriots 28-3 early in the second half of Sunday's game but surrendered 31 consecutive points in a 34-28 overtime loss.

Smith, 61, became Atlanta's defensive coordinator when Dan Quinn was hired as head coach in 2015.

Cox, 48, has coached the Falcons' defensive line since 2014. He has a decade of experience as a coach in the NFL and was an All-Pro linebacker during a 12-year playing career.

Earlier Tuesday, the Falcons hired Steve Sarkisian to replace offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan, who oversaw the league's highest-scoring offense, was hired as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Sarkisian Named Falcons' Offensive Coordinator

The Atlanta Falcons have announced former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as their offensive coordinator, replacing new San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Sarkisian, who will turn 43 next month, was an offensive analyst for the Crimson Tide before he took over as offensive coordinator for Alabama in the College Football Playoff title game after Lane Kiffin departed to become Florida Atlantic's head coach.

Sarkisian was previously the head coach at USC and Washington. Sarkisian's only NFL coaching experience came in 2004, when he was the Oakland Raiders' quarterbacks coach under then-head coach Norv Turner.

"We appreciate all Coach Sarkisian did for our program during his time here," Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement. "He is an outstanding coach, and we wish him the best in his new role as Atlanta's offensive coordinator."

At a news conference on Tuesday, Falcons coach Dan Quinn said the team's offensive system won't change with Sarkisian at the helm.

"We love the way that we attack, and it took a lot of work to put that system in place," Quinn said. "Along with Thomas [Dimitroff, the Falcons' general manager], we have a real emphasis now on how we can fit guys into that system. It's very important that we stay consistent with that."

Quinn also praised Sarkisian's willingness to take risks on offense.

"I felt, No. 1, what an aggressive playcaller he's been through the years," Quinn said. "He has a real familiarity from the wide zone scheme, the keepers that are such a big part of what we do."

Sarkisian will be MVP quarterback Matt Ryan's fourth offensive coordinator since the 2011 season, joining Mike Mularkey, Dirk Koetter and Shanahan.