The Atlanta Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake over the weekend and the search for his replacement has already begun. Despite head coach Raheem Morris’ experience as a defensive play-caller, the team will look to hire another experienced coach to take over the defense in 2025.
Last season, the Falcons ranked 23rd in points allowed and 31st in defensive sacks recorded. Stay up to date with each reported interview using our defensive coordinator tracker below.
Who are Falcons interviewing for defensive coordinator vacancy?
- Wink Martindale (Completed 1/14)
- Jeff Ulbrich (Completed 1/15)
- Lou Anarumo (Completed 1/16)
- Derrick Ansley (Completed 1/16)
- Grady Brown (Completed 1/17)
- Steve Wilks (Completed 1/17)
Thus far, the Falcons have completed six interviews. Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale completed his interview with the team on Tuesday and New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich was interviewed by Atlanta on Wednesday.
Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and Green Bay Packers defensive pass-game coordinator Derrick Ansley both interviewed with the team on Thursday. Steelers secondary coach Grady Brown and former NFL head coach Steve Wilks were interviewed on Friday.
Martindale, 61, has coached in both the NCAA and NFL for many years. Before taking the highest-paying defensive coordinator job in the country at Michigan in 2024, Martindale was the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens.
Ulbrich, 47, coached in Atlanta from 2015 to 2020 on Dan Quinn’s staff. took over as the Jets interim coach following the dismissal of Robert Saleh in Week 6.
Anarumo, 58, spent the last six seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Bengals (2019-2024). Cincinnati fired Anarumo following the 2024 season.
Wilks, 55, was the defensive coordinator for the 49ers in 2023 and previously served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers (interim).
Check back for more updates on the Falcons’ search for a new defensive coordinator.
[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1360]