Raheem Morris, the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, was clearly frustrated when he entered the news conference room at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 5.
Morris, who is known for his positive attitude and encouraging approach, was not in the mood for uplifting words after the Falcons’ 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers, which ended their 2024 season. The former Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator said he was “shocked” by the poor performance of his team’s defense, suggesting they just didn’t show up.
With a win, the Falcons could have made the playoffs, depending on a loss from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But instead, Atlanta lost to a Carolina team that had struggled all season. The Bucs won and claimed the NFC South title. The Falcons finished the season 8-9, failing to have a winning record or make the playoffs since 2017.
A day after the loss, Morris was still upset. When asked about potential changes in the offseason, especially regarding first-year defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, Morris did not express confidence in keeping him.
“We’ve got to evaluate all of our coaches,” Morris said. “We’ve got to evaluate all of our players. We’ve got to evaluate everything that we do from a whole program standpoint, and we will do those things. That’s what starts today.”
The next day, the Falcons announced they had fired Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers. Lake had joined the Falcons from the Los Angeles Rams with Morris last offseason, so the decision was likely difficult for the coach.
Over the final three weeks of the season, when the Falcons were still in the race for the division title, they allowed the ninth most points per game in the NFL (27). The team ranked 23rd in scoring defense, giving up 24.9 points per game.
Atlanta also struggled against the pass, allowing the highest quarterback completion percentage (69.9%) in the league and the second-most touchdown passes (34). The Falcons finished last in sacks (31) and quarterback pressure percentage (28.1%), though their pass rush showed some improvement after a Week 12 bye when Morris took a more hands-on approach.
Part of the pass rush issues stemmed from poor run defense, which made it harder for the Falcons to get into passing situations. They ranked 10th worst in rush defense efficiency (-9.9).
On Tuesday, Atlanta announced they had interviewed University of Michigan defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale for Lake’s old position. Martindale has been the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos.
Lake had never been a defensive coordinator or defensive playcaller before this season, so the Falcons are likely looking for someone with more experience in that role. Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will also be interviewed, according to an NFL Network report.
Other possible candidates include former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who spent time with the Falcons during training camp and is well-regarded within the organization.
Wilks, who has head coaching experience with the Arizona Cardinals and Panthers, will interview for the job next week. Former New York Jets defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich also coached with Morris in Atlanta in 2020 and could be a candidate.
Dennis Allen, a former head coach for the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, is also a potential candidate. Allen is an Atlanta native and has experience as a Falcons assistant coach.
Whoever takes over as defensive coordinator will have the chance to reshape the defense. Morris, with his background as a former defensive coordinator, will likely be involved, but “collaboration” is an important term for the Falcons. The new coach will also need to work with the current personnel.
Two starting cornerbacks, Mike Hughes and Dee Alford, are free agents, as well as starting safety Justin Simmons and inside linebacker Nate Landman. Outside linebackers Matthew Judon, Lorenzo Carter, and James Smith-Williams are also free agents.
Though the Falcons don’t have a lot of cap space, they could restructure contracts for defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata to free up some room.
Safety Jessie Bates III, cornerback A.J. Terrell, and inside linebacker Kaden Elliss were all strong performers in 2024. The new defensive coordinator will likely build the defense around them, and possibly Jarrett.
With the 15th pick in the draft, the Falcons are expected to target a pass rusher or cornerback. Their 2024 second-round pick, defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, and fifth-round pick, inside linebacker JD Bertrand, showed potential this season. The team will also get back 2024 third-round pick Bralen Trice, a pass rusher recovering from knee surgery.
“We have to develop [players] in the building, and then we’ll have to look outside and look at the areas that we do have to enhance,” said Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot. “Whether it’s free agency, whether it’s the draft, we have to find those ways to continue to build that team to be more consistent.”
A big part of improving the defense will be finding the right new coordinator.
