The Atlanta Falcons have completed their interview with Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant and former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores for the vacant defensive coordinator position.
The #Falcons have interviewed #Steelers senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach Brian Flores for his vacant position in DC, the source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2023
The Atlanta Falcons are looking to replace retired defensive coordinator Dean Pees. The team has already begun requesting interviews. Flores has been a hot name on the coaching cycle this year. Despite leading the Miami Dolphins to back-to-back winning seasons in 2020 and 2021, Miami fired Flores at the end of the 2021 season.
After his firing, Flores filed a class action lawsuit against the NFL for racist hiring practices, and it’s hard to argue with his claims when you look at his record. Flores began his coaching career with the New England Patriots in 2008. He worked his way up to becoming a linebackers coach before being hired as the Dolphins’ head coach in 2019.
If the Falcons are looking for an experienced man leader to replace Pees, Flores makes perfect sense. However, he will have some work to do with this Falcons defense. It can be argued that the defense was better than it has been. There are a couple of good pieces to this Falcons defense, including defensive lineman Grady Jarrett and cornerback AJ Terrell. However, that’s it.
Atlanta defensive rookies like running back Arnold Ebiketie and Troy Anderson showed flashes and have the potential to be quality NFL starters. Pass rushing was an obvious problem even with the additions of Lorenzo Carter and Ebiketie.
The Falcons have the eighth overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Many mock drafts made show the team taking one of the best remaining QBs or an edge rusher. While he may not be the flashy pick, picking defense seems to be the move. Plus, the wide receiver is also a huge need, so waiting for one later in the draft could prove beneficial for this young team.
Atlanta is still far from competing. Getting a respected coach in the league to take over defense would be a step in the right direction.
