Richard Smith won't return as Falcons' defensive coordinator: report
Falcons defensivecoordinator Richard Smith will not continue in that role following Atlanta's historic collapse in Super Bowl LI, The Sporting News is reporting.
The website, citing sources, reported late Tuesday that Smith could be moved to another staff position, although it did not have details. Sporting News also reported that Bryan Cox will be replaced as defensive line coach.
The Falcons led theNew England Patriots28-3 early in the second half of Sunday's game but surrendered 31consecutive points in a 34-28 overtime loss.
Smith, 61, became Atlanta's defensive coordinator when Dan Quinn was hired as head coach in 2015.
Cox, 48, has coached the Falcons' defensive line since 2014. He has a decade of experience as a coach in the NFL and was an All-Pro linebacker during a 12-year playing career.
Earlier Tuesday, the Falcons hired Steve Sarkisian to replace offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan, who oversaw the league's highest-scoring offense, was hired as head coach of theSan Francisco 49ers.
