Three coaches who could take over as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator
Just a week ago, Dean Pees was asked about his future as an NFL coach for the Falcons and he stated that he would take some time to discuss it with his family privately. It only took him a few days to come to a conclusion as he announced his retirement the day after the team’s final game.
His tenure only spanned two years and while these were probably the two worst defenses he has led in the NFL, you can certainly see why, as they were also the two least talented units he has had.
It is time to turn the page and look at who could take over for him. There are actually a lot of intriguing candidates out there who have led some solid defenses over the years.
I believe that they should be looking for another candidate who has many years of experience. Having that veteran voice, again, would be helpful for all the young players on the side of the ball. Not to mention, they need to find a coach who knows how to generate a pass rush.
Here are three outside candidates to take over as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator.
Tracy Rocker – Current Philadelphia Eagles defensive line coach
You may not recognize the name but what better way to fix the Falcons’ pass rush than hire the positional coach of this year’s best defensive line?
Tracy Rocker is the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line coach and all the Eagles did was come within a few sacks of breaking the record for the most sacks in a single season in NFL history. Consider that the Falcons leader in sacks was Grady Jarrett with six and the Eagles had five players with more than six sacks—four were in double digits.
Arthur Smith also has a connection with Rocker as they both were in Tennessee together for a couple of seasons, and in one of those years, Smith was the defensive quality control coach while Rocker was the defensive line coach. To add to the fact, Rocker grew up in Atlanta. It all makes too much sense.
Brian Flores – Current Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant
Brian Flores was unfairly ousted as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins after two-straight winning seasons. We all know how he ended up suing the NFL but that should have absolutely no effect on a potential hire.
In 2019, Flores’ first year with the Dolphins, they ranked dead last in points allowed, but he was able to turn them around as they allowed the sixth-fewest points and then were ranked 16th in his final season in Florida.
He went on to become a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers who ranked 11th in points allowed this season.
He has a lot of experience in leading good defenses and there is no reason for the Falcons to not at least interview him. He proved he can take a bad defense and turn it into one of the best fairly quickly.
Mike Zimmer – Former Minnesota Vikings head coach
A lot of fans have spoiled thoughts of Mike Zimmer in recent years due to his failure to get the Minnesota Vikings over the hump during his eight-year run as head coach. But that should not deter the Falcons from hiring him as their defensive coordinator.
He actually was the Falcons’ defensive coordinator back in 2007 during the Bobby Petrino (who he openly criticized) disaster, so maybe Arthur Blank still has his name on his mind.
Zimmer was able to lead the Vikings’ defense to five-straight years of ranking in the top ten in points allowed.
He has been coaching in college or the NFL since 1979, which is very similar to Dean Pees. Perhaps he would be ready to take another NFL job as he has spent the last year as an analyst for Jackson State. He would bring veteran leadership and could serve as an experienced right-hand man to Arthur Smith.