Things didn’t go as planned for the New Orleans Saints during the 2024 NFL season, but it looks like they aren’t alone in the NFC South.
After just one season, the Atlanta Falcons have fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, per NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
The firing opens up what is currently the only other top coaching position (i.e. head coaches or coordinators) in the division outside of New Orleans.
Reports suggest that Falcons head coach Raheem Morris became more and more involved with the defense throughout the season as the unit continued to struggle. Now, the team will look to bring in a new coordinator on that side of the ball for 2025.
The Falcons defense finished the season as the No. 23 scoring defense, No. 31 in passing yards allowed and No. 15 in rushing yards allowed.
In addition to the Falcons, the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers have each moved on from their defensive coordinators. The Saints effectively did so as well when they moved on from defensive play caller and former head coach Dennis Allen. Several other teams are likely to see changes at coordinator positions as well after hiring new head coaches during this upcoming cycle.
The coordinator carousel may be even busier than the head coach carousel this offseason.
