The Falcons are transitioning into a new era under head coach Arthur Smith, who must now fill out his staff with assistant coaches that share his vision for the team.
As reported by the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s D. Orlando Ledbetter, the Falcons will not be retaining offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter along with six assistant coaches. Greg Knapp, Chad Walker, Tosh Lupoi, Mayur Chaudhari, Chris Morgan and Aden Durden won’t be back in 2021.
Other Ex #Falcons assistant coaches not retained: Greg Knapp, Tosh Lupoi, Chad Waker, Mayur Chaudhari and Dirk Koetter. https://t.co/zd3QeFdJ1o
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) January 20, 2021
Durden, Atlanta’s linebackers coach in 2020, will join the Cowboys’ staff as an assistant under Dan Quinn, who just took over as the defensive coordinator in Dallas.
These moves are not shocking as any incoming head coach would prefer to surround themselves with like-minded assistants. Atlanta has already been linked to several coordinators and assistants on both sides of the ball.
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Considering how rare it is to retain assistant coaches, it’s worth noting that Smith himself survived through three different head coaches while serving as an assistant in Tennessee.
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