Tag: Marquice Williams

Report: Falcons to retain special teams coordinator Marquice Williams

The #Falcons are retaining special teams coordinator Marquice Williams, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday

The Atlanta Falcons hired head coach Raheem Morris on Thursday evening and already one of the three coordinator spots has been filled. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team will retain special teams coordinator Marquice Williams in 2024.

Williams, 38, has done a commendable job with the Falcons special teams units. Kicker Younghoe Koo and punter Bradley Pinion each had stellar seasons in 2023 and as much as fans criticized the previous coaching staff over the last three years, Williams quietly did his job.

The New York Giants and New England Patriots both approached Williams about their special teams coordinator vacancies, but he declined.

 

Falcons block Giants’ interview with special teams coordinator Marquice Williams

The Atlanta Falcons have blocked the New York Giants’ request to interview special teams coordinator Marquice Williams.

The New York Giants’ request to interview Atlanta Falcons assistant Marquice Williams for their special teams coordinator vacancy was blocked by the Falcons, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith on Monday but are reluctant to let some of the assistants go until they figure out what direction they are headed.

Earlier this week, the Falcons reportedly blocked the Giants from interviewing their offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford.

D. Orlando Ledbetter, the veteran Falcons beat reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reported on the stonewalling tactic on Thursday.

Firing the head coach also has hurt the 22-member coaching staff and effectively put them in limbo. Most of the assistants are under contract, and the new coach likely will want to bring in his own staff.

“They are blocking, but they are full of (expletive),” the person said. “They aren’t saying we’re keeping you, either. This is not what you do.”

The fear among the remaining Falcons coaches is that by the time they bring in a new coach, many of the opportunities will have dried up if the incoming coach does not wish to retain them.

The Giants, on the other hand, are still without defensive and special teams coordinators, as well as several other assistant positions.

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Falcons STC Marquice Williams to coach East Team at Shrine Bowl

#Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams will coach the East Team at this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl

The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots were the two teams chosen to coach this year’s East-West Shrine Bowl on Thursday, February 2 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Falcons, who will be coaching the East Team, have selected special teams coordinator Marquice Williams to serve as head coach. Tight ends coach Justin Peelle will be the offensive coordinator and linebackers coach Frank Bush will serve as defensive coordinator.

Williams has quietly done an outstanding job with Atlanta’s special teams units over the past two seasons. From Avery Williams‘ development as a punt returner, to the consistent play of specialists Younghoe Koo and Bradley Pinion, Marquice Williams has undoubtedly earned this opportunity to lead the East Team.

The Falcons have yet to hire a defensive coordinator since Dean Pees announced his retirement. With Frank Reich being named the new head coach of the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks is looking for a job.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Atlanta was closely monitoring what happens with Wilks, and it could be a great potential fit for both parties.  Plus, it would allow Wilks a chance to get some revenge against his former team twice a year.

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Falcons STC Marquice Williams praises kick returners

Prior to joining Arthur Smith’s coaching staff in Atlanta, Marquice Williams spent time with the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears.

Prior to joining Arthur Smith’s coaching staff in Atlanta, Marquice Williams spent time with the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears. The first-year special teams coordinator inherited one of NFL’s best kickers in Younghoe Koo, but Williams is letting the competition play itself out at the other positions.

After an injury to Sterling Hofrichter, the Falcons brought in former Georgia punter Cameron Nizialek to battle Dom Maggio for the starting role. Williams spoke to the media on Thursday and praised his special teams units.

“All the returners have been improving on the basic fundamentals, catch mechanics, understanding a new scheme and how we’re blocking stuff up,” said Williams.  “All those guys, including [Cordarrelle Patterson] himself, they’ve been doing a great job of working at their basic fundamentals.”

Patterson was brought in to electrify the Falcons’ kickoff return game, while also providing some impact on the offensive side of the football. Avery Williams, who made a career of fielding punts at Boise State, was drafted as a cornerback but will likely see an elevated role as a punt returner over Chris Rowland.

Williams believes that special teams is something that all players should have a role on, and knows that the rest of the coaching staff understands how important special teams production is to winning.

“The best part about this staff and working with Terry and coach Smith is that I don’t have to bang the table,” said Williams. “They value the importance of special teams and maximizing our roster when we trim it down to 53.”

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Falcons hire Marquice Williams as special teams coodinator

Williams spent the past two seasons in Detroit, after working for three years as an assistant with the Chargers.

Just a few days after the Atlanta Falcons introduced head coach Arthur Smith, the team has officially named three new coordinators to the coaching staff.

Dean Pees was hired as defensive coordinator, Dave Ragone will be the team’s offensive coordinator and Marquice Williams, the former Lions assistant special teams coach, was named the Falcons’ new special teams coordinator on Thursday.

Williams spent the past two seasons with the Lions, after working for three years as an assistant with the Chargers. In 2020, despite the Detroit having another down year, the special teams units were a bright spot. Lions wide receiver/defensive back Jamal Agnew has developed into a true threat as returner, leading the league in kick-return touchdowns in 2019.

Unlike Pees and Ragone, there is no prior connection between Smith and Williams, which bodes well for his reputation around the league.

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