Atlanta Falcons bring in Mike Nolan as new Defensive Coordinator as rebuilding continues -NFL Update
After bringing in Dirk Koetter from Jacksonville Jaguars as their new offensive coordinator, the Atlanta Falcons announced on Tuesday that Mike Nolan will be taking over the role of defensive coordinator for the upcoming 2012 National Football League (NFL)
regular season.
Atlanta's coach, Mike Smith, welcomed the new addition to his coaching staff in a statement on the team’s official website.
“Mike Nolan is an established coordinator in this league. He brings more than 25 years of NFL experience to our team and has been a coordinator at this level for 14 years. Mike has a history of developing physically intimidating defensive units, and we are
fortunate to have him join our staff”.
Nolan comes from the Miami Dolphins after spending two years with the franchise and brings with himself a brilliant reputation.
The Dolphins' defence this year was ranked among the top ten of the league and his previous work with the San Francisco 49ers and Miami makes him a brilliant addition for the Falcons.
The Falcons lost both coordinators after their 24-2 defeat to the New York Giants in the playoffs' wildcard round.
Offensive coordinator, Paul Boudreau, was fired and defensive coordinator, Brian VanGorder, resigned from the post after accepting the same role at Auburn University.
The franchise replaced Paul Boudreau with Dirk Koetter ,whose hiring was met with a lukewarm reception by fans.
Koetter resigned from Jacksonville Jaguars to join the Falcons but his reputation had taken a nosedive after the Jaguars' offence became one of the worst in the league in 2011.
Nolan is however, the complete opposite and fans will be excited for the new defensive coordinator to transform a traditionally weak defensive line into one of his signature physical groups.
The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2011 regular season with a decent 10-6 record and qualified for the postseason for the second straight year under Mike Smith.
Falcons easily overcame the low performing teams but always came up short against some of the elite clubs and this problem was apparent in the playoffs, with the Falcons knocked out in the first hurdle for the second consecutive season.
With a new coaching line up, Mike Smith will want to take advantage of new ideas as the Falcons will try to return to another postseason.
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