Falcons fire pair of defensive coaches in latest NFL shakeup

Falcons fire pair of defensive coaches in latest NFL shakeup

The coaching upheaval throughout the NFL continued Saturday when the Falcons announced the dismissals of a pair of coaches: defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers.

The moves came after Atlanta missed the postseason and with Lake having spent just one season in his new position.

He followed head coach Raheem Morris from the Rams, where Morris had been the defensive coordinator.

“After a thorough evaluation of the season, and with careful consideration for our team’s future, we deemed these moves necessary,” Morris said in a release about both firings. “These decisions are never easy from the human side of things and we wish Jimmy, Jay and their families the best.”

 Head coach Jimmy Lake of the Washington Huskies looks on before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium on November 06, 2021 in Seattle, Washington.
Jimmy Lake previously coached at the University of Washington. Getty Images

In Morris’ first season at the helm, Atlanta went 8-9 and missed the postseason, the seventh straight year the franchise has finished with a losing record and sat out the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris speaks after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris speaks after an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Atlanta. AP

Much of the focus surrounding the team during the regular season was on Kirk Cousins, who was benched for the final three weeks in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr.

Despite a spark by Penix, Atlanta lost two of those games, as the Buccaneers won the NFC South.

The Falcons will now search for their fourth defensive coordinator in the past five seasons.

Related Posts

NFL quarterback has to be held back by security after getting into ugly fight while coaching youth football game

NFL quarterback has to be held back by security after getting into ugly fight while coaching youth football game

Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith had to be held back by security during an ugly fight while coaching a youth football game this weekend in…

Miami Dolphins’ billionaire owner Stephen Ross closes in on shock deal to expand his sports portfolio

Miami Dolphins’ billionaire owner Stephen Ross closes in on shock deal to expand his sports portfolio

Miami Dolphins majority owner Stephen Ross is digging into his pockets for a new venture as he reportedly is closing in on a roughly 45% stake of…

Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning

Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning

The Kansas City Chiefs have paid tribute to former team running back Joe Delaney, who pᴀssed away 42 years ago Sunday trying to save three children from…

Worrying update on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL future as Browns decision looms after QB’s draft humiliation

Worrying update on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL future as Browns decision looms after QB’s draft humiliation

There’s been a worrying update on Shedeur Sanders’ NFL future as the Cleveland Browns prepare to name their starting quarterback later this summer. Sanders, who infamously fell…

NFL fans hail ‘incredible’ Jason Kelce over million charity gesture after Eagles legend’s Speedo dance

NFL fans hail ‘incredible’ Jason Kelce over $1million charity gesture after Eagles legend’s Speedo dance

Jason and Kylie Kelce has been widely praised after helping raise more than $1million for the Eagles Autism Foundation. The former NFL star and his wife were…

Tom Brady lifts the lid on his Las Vegas Raiders role after NFL skepticism

Tom Brady lifts the lid on his Las Vegas Raiders role after NFL skepticism

The addition of Tom Brady to the ownership board of the Las Vegas Raiders led to many raised eyebrows across the league. Now, the former champion is…