The Atlanta Falcons kept the majority of their coaching staff intact after last season’s 7-9 finish. One change the team did make, however, was the addition of secondary coach Joe Whitt.
After spending the 2007 season as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Falcons, Whitt spent ten years coaching the Packers’ defensive backs before a one-year pit stop in Cleveland during 2019 as the Browns secondary coach and passing game coordinator.
Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn brought Whitt aboard during the offseason and the move is already paying off. As tweeted by beat reporter Kelsey Conway below, Quinn raved about Whitt’s early impact on the team’s young secondary.
It’s worth noting that when I asked DQ about the improved play from the cornerbacks, he immediately responded w/ praise for secondary coach Joe Whitt and the job he’s done with them. He might be one of the most valuable offseason acquisitions the team made in hiring him. #Falcons
— Kelsey Conway (@FalconsKelsey) August 19, 2020
Quinn said Whitt has been one of the Falcons’ most valuable offseason additions, which couldn’t come at a better time as the team enters the year with very little experience at cornerback beyond Darqueze Denanrd.
Atlanta drafted Clemson’s A.J. Terrell in the first round and the rookie could potentially start this season. Meanwhile, Kendall Sheffield and Isaiah Oliver return, but have just three years of NFL experience between them.
Oliver gave Whitt some serous praise as well, per ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.
Isaiah Oliver said Joe Whitt Jr. is the smartest DB coach he has been around.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 19, 2020
Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will have his work cut out for him this season, but it sounds like the team is off to a great start under Whitt’s direction. Stay tuned for more news coming out of the Falcons’ Wednesday training camp practice.
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