Falcons hire Mike Nolan as new defensive coordinator
We know that Mike Nolan likes to wear suits. We'll have to see if needs some advice on bow-ties. (Associated Press)
The Falcons hired Mike Nolan, who received his start in coaching from Dan Reeves, as their new defensive coordinator on Tuesday.
He replaces Brian VanGorder, who left the team last week to become Auburn’s new defensive coordinator.
Nolan is considered a 3-4 coach. But Falcons coach Mike Smith’s respect for him from their days together in Baltimore runs deep. They will blend the principles of Nolan’s 3-4 with Smith’s 4-3.
The Falcons hired Dirk Koetter as offensive coordinator on Sunday.
Team owner Arthur Blank expects the new coordinators to bring a new set of eyes and expertise to the team.
“Their ability . . . to be totally objective, cold-hearted and unemotional about the young men that we have on the roster [should be an asset],” Blank said. “[We’ll] bring in some folks that will be able to give us maybe some new perspective, maybe some different perspective not only on team questions, but on player issues that we may have as well.”
Despite revamping the secondary and trying to bolster the pass rush, the Falcons struggled to improve their pass defense. Since 2008, they’ve ranked 21st (2008, 220.4), 28th (2009, 241.9), 22nd (2010, 226.6) and 20th (2011, 236.6).
“Moving forward, this defense needs to continue its growth and evolution as a passionate and fiery defense, one that is going to fly to the football, disrupt, be opportunistic and capitalized on opportunities to turn the game around; flip the game in critical situations,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. “We’ll look for a coordinator who will [aid] Coach Smith and his approach to putting that type of aggressive defense on the field.”
Nolan has been a defensive coordinator in the NFL for 14 seasons. He also was San Francisco’s head coach from 2005 to 2008.
“Mike Nolan is an established coordinator in this League,” said Falcons head coach Mike Smith in a statement released by the team. “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 spent the last two seasons as the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator.
Last season, the Dolphins boasted the third best run defense in the NFL, allowing just 95.6 yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry. His defense also produced 41 sacks which ranked tied for 10th in the NFL and allowed the sixth fewest points per game at 19.6. The Dolphins also ranked seventh in third-down percentage (33.8) and sixth in red zone defense, holding opponents to a 44.2 touchdown percentage inside the 20.
In 2010, Nolan’s defense ranked among the league’s top ten in overall defense, pass defense and run defense, and was one of just five units in the League to accomplish that feat. Nolan joined Miami after spending the 2009 season as the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos. Under his tutelage, Denver’s defense improved to seventh in the NFL in total defense after finishing 29th in 2008. Denver’s pass defense was equally impressive, ranking third in the NFL, allowing just 186.3 yards per game through the air.
Prior to joining the Broncos’ staff, Nolan served as the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach from 2005 to 2008. During Nolan’s four-year tenure with the club, the 49ers were one of the NFL’s most consistent teams in stopping the run. San Francisco ranked fourth in the league in yards per carry during that period surrendering just 3.9 yards per rush.
Nolan spent four seasons in Baltimore from 2001 to 2004, including the last three as the defensive coordinator. Nolan’s group tied for the NFL lead in takeaways (106) while ranking fifth in the league in both points per game allowed (18.8) and third down percentage (34.7). He also coached five Ravens defenders to nine trips to the Pro Bowl, while tutoring back-to-back AP Defensive Players of the Year in LB Ray Lewis (2003) and S Ed Reed (2004).
The New York Giants made Nolan the NFL’s youngest defensive coordinator in 1993 at the age of 34. He spent the next eight seasons as a defensive coordinator with the Giants (1993-96), Redskins (1997-99) and Jets (2000). In his first year with the Giants, his defense led the League allowing just 12.8 points per game. His coaching career began at his alma mater, Oregon University, where he served as a graduate assistant in 1981. He went on to coach at Stanford University and Rice University as a linebackers and defensive backs coach before the Denver Broncos hired him to be the special teams/linebackers coach in 1987. He spent six seasons with the Broncos and helped the team reach the Super Bowl in the 1987 and 1989 seasons.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
Get instant updates on Twitter at AJCFalcons and you can join the Facebook Fan page at AJC Falcons.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
404 comments Add your comment
hehehehe
January 17th, 2012
4:33 pm
I’m just happy Aints LOST.
Michael M.
January 17th, 2012
4:34 pm
I wasn’t enthused with the OC but the DC definately changes the equation JoFo…………..they have a nice long off Season to get all aspects to both sides of the ball orchestrated without no lockout or strike so 2012 Atlanta Falcons should play Football at another level.
Chris
January 17th, 2012
4:34 pm
Some of you people complain just to be complaining. I love mike nolan as DC. Now while Dirk doesn’t have the stats to make you go wow i am willing to give him a chance. He had Blane Gabbert and for all the complaining Mike Murlarky had decent stats but we couldn’t produce with his offense when it counted so stats are sometimes over hyped. So be happy we got new coordinators and fresh ideas up here. Go Falcons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Falcon James
January 17th, 2012
4:35 pm
Think this is a better pick than the OC pick. This guy has the resume, now the player need to step it up. I hope this guy looks at the film and see how worthleass Dunta was this season to the falcon. Love the intense picture of this guy.
The Falconator
January 17th, 2012
4:36 pm
I like Nolan for the type of coach he is, but “blending the principles of Nolan’s 3-4 and Smith’s 4-3?” What are they going to run? A 3.75-4.25 alignment? Do we need a nosebacker or a linetackle? Do AB and TD have a clue? Stay tuned, this should be good. Also, have a great deal more liking for this move than Koetter.
KQuark
January 17th, 2012
4:36 pm
Definitely a great hire. He’s got the resume and performance as D coord. The Falcons really need to consider being a 3-4 defense because it’s much easier to find blitzers than edge rushers in this league.
Jerome
January 17th, 2012
4:37 pm
E Roll……YOU DAMN RIGHT, GIVE ME SOME MORE SSPPOOOOOONNNNNN!!!!!!
BUCKO
January 17th, 2012
4:39 pm
THE MIKE AND THOMAS SHOW STARING THE GOOD OLD BUDDIES. Do they realize that Author is not shooting blanks if it does not happen next year they will be packing.
Ex-Season Ticket Holder
January 17th, 2012
4:40 pm
For a 3-4 D to work, the Falcons will need a mean NG. I’m not sure if any of the current d-line is fit for the job. This defense could work with the right personnel. Now its up to the right off season acquisitions.
Chief Media Urologist
January 17th, 2012
4:41 pm
Which NTs are up for free agency this year? We needs to buy us one….a damn good one!
willie g loves the losers the falcons
January 17th, 2012
4:42 pm
well the falcons will never get it right SS WAS AVAILABLE AND THEY GO with nolan and koetter in offense this team has gone backwards again fire smith get the coach from the steelers and redo the offense and defense and win a super bowl before i die .
BigTimeTECHFan
January 17th, 2012
4:43 pm
Awesome, now go get Jimmy Robinson back as WR coach.
Nolan’s 1st move shuold be to replace Lofton with an impact Middle LB.
would be cool if the go 3/4 and get D Williams from Texas to play outside.
hehehehe
January 17th, 2012
4:43 pm
Serena Williams might make a good NG.
Michael M.
January 17th, 2012
4:43 pm
#Falcons will continue to be a 4-3 team under new coordiantor Mike Nolan. 36 mins ago
that’s on the tweet on the far right
AfterTheFall
January 17th, 2012
4:45 pm
Why can’t we play both? With the right personnel and quick substitutions-we can act like N.O. and the Ravens.
Falcon 228
January 17th, 2012
4:46 pm
Great hire. Expensive too I’m sure.
pigskin punk
January 17th, 2012
4:47 pm
We Are Rollin’ with Nolan!!!
Michael M.
January 17th, 2012
4:48 pm
It could change…….they don’t know exactly what they going to do so early
pushturner
January 17th, 2012
4:48 pm
Mike Smith may have just hired his replacement??? A great mean defense in atlanta would be awesome. Even under mularky our offense could usually score 14 pts. and thats all they will need with a bad a**, rugged, defense with a chip on its shoulder!!!
James
January 17th, 2012
4:49 pm
First things first, We all know that MS’s job could possibily be on the line so don’t you think that these new hires will be allowed to do what they do best! I think that both coaches are great hires and anything in the past is over! Go get us the best nose guard in the FA and let nolan do what he does best!
Falconitis
January 17th, 2012
4:49 pm
I am pretty stoked about this hire.
I think Nolan and Koetter will both improve the Falcons.
It will be a great year to be a Falcon Fan!
Michael M.
January 17th, 2012
4:49 pm
yeahhh..I bet they put up some money hunks to get him to bite
Arthur Blank...the Rankin Smith of the New Millennium
January 17th, 2012
4:50 pm
In other news, Mike Smith’s personal bartender named as Concessions Coordinator for Falcons game. When will this recycling coaching hire binge stop?!?
For the poster that said this hire was worth season tickets…fine. You can buy the ones that I won’t be buying. When Mike Smith gets run out of town next December, be sure to send Thomas Dimitroff packing too. Maybe by then we’ll have a first, second, and third round pick again.
KQuark
January 17th, 2012
4:50 pm
I hope Nolan wins the argument with Smith and converts to a total 3-4. I was just thinking the other day that’s a better defense with NO and Carolina in the NFC South. Now sign Grimes and Lofton. Don’t resign Abraham he lost a step and can’t handle NO’s OTs. Get a NT (maybe Peters can do it if he beefs up and gets healthy) and a LB who can blitz. I think Edwards, Babs and Jerry would be better ends in a 3-4 D. I think you can roll in Dent and Adkins at LB but you really need another athletic LB like Weatherspoon to play a 3-4.
tfalcon
January 17th, 2012
4:52 pm
not to sound stupid but just what is a hybrid 4-3,3-4 someone please explane,but i do like the hire
FalconJim
January 17th, 2012
4:53 pm
Eh…
Dan Reeves
January 17th, 2012
4:54 pm
A fresh set of eyes on the young players we have here right now? Sounds like they’re trying to cover up some poor draft choices by T.D.
Phil
January 17th, 2012
4:54 pm
Smith actually went outside of Jacksonville to hire somebody? Can’t believe it. Nolan must have been raised there or something. Not a bad choice, hell of a lot better than the OC!
E-Roll
January 17th, 2012
4:56 pm
hehehehe January 17th, 2012 4:43 pm
Serena Williams might make a good NG.
I can use parts of her to guard my nose, lol.
I know she is not your type but those skinny minnies that you probably like are not my type so we both get what we want, win win!
Chilidawg
January 17th, 2012
4:56 pm
Looks like the Defense selection has had better results than the Offense selection. Does Smith ever pick someone he has not worked with?
Michael M.
January 17th, 2012
4:57 pm
Mike Nolan is an established coordinator in this league,” said Falcons head coach Mike Smith. “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.”
@ tfalcon….I posted a little on it on page 3 of this blog
go here and read more
http://www.nfl.com/kickoff/story?id=09000d5d80a518b3&template=without-video&confirm=true
Jerry
January 17th, 2012
4:58 pm
Better hire than the OC,now let him hire his staff and not have leftover coaches crammed down his throat.
Charleston Jacket
January 17th, 2012
4:58 pm
Spanola would have been my preference. Still don’t get the OC hire – too inscestuous for me but time will tell. If it doesn’t work out Smith needs to go.
pushturner
January 17th, 2012
4:58 pm
Mike Nolan meet “spoon” then turn his a** loose against Brees and Rogers. Sidbury is ready to take Abes place and Akeem Dent is ready to get into the mix as well. If Dirk can utilize Quiz, Harry D., and Kerry Mier the offense wbe good enough to go to the S.B. Think of all the average Qbs (and offenses )that went to the SB ( or are still in the playoffs now )with a good defense. A darn good defense is all the falcons need. Just wait and see. I dont mind losing so much as long as the other team doesnt score more than 14 pts.
DREWSTER
January 17th, 2012
4:59 pm
Good Hire hopefully he’ll bring some class with him and make the falcons d-fense act like professionals,instead of that Thug D-block cellmates hanging out crap. What a embarrasement for the fan’s and the city that segment on the home page was!! Hard to Belive Author Blank would let That Image of his team and organazation be portraed that way!! D-block That’s a prison term to describe what section of the jail you where held at. How About being a positive roll model for youth instead of acting like a bunch of ex-con Thug’s
Ron the Man
January 17th, 2012
4:59 pm
Easy to see why Smitty would want Mike Nolan to take the Falcon’s defense to the next level in the playoffs. When he arrived the falcons were in a mess with QB in court and the old coach deserting the team. He was fortunate to secure the coaches he got, but now under his leadership the team has attained some respect. Now we can get quality experienced coordinators who can blend the strengths we now enjoy with the skills we need to reach that competitiveness in the playoffs and ultimately the “Super Bowl”.How many teams left in the playoffs run a 4/3. Smitty will learn a lot from Mike Nolan, and maybe Nolan will learn a few things from Smitty and we will come out with a defense no one can predict. Go Falcons!!!!!!!!
More of the same
January 17th, 2012
4:59 pm
the falcons hired the coordinator from the worst offensive team in the league and now hire a 3-4 coach from one of the worst defensive teams!! brilliant! let me guess–he’s a good buddy with mike smith! more mediocrity to continue in loserville.
Tman
January 17th, 2012
5:01 pm
I have to disagree with those who say Van Gorder was a bad coordinator. The Falcons simply don’t have the speed in the secondary that they need even though the pass rush improved some this year. VG did a decent job. If you want to find a scapegoat for the season, blame Mularkey all day. The Falcons didn’t achieve as expected because of offensive inconsistency. Nolan’s a good hire. He did a lot with Miami’s previously unexceptional crew and his defenses perform consistently well. The Falcons might be better served by the 3-4, as they have plenty of talented linebackers and good DTs who can rush the passer.
One EyedJack
January 17th, 2012
5:02 pm
We are crumbling here in Miami…you guys just got a good one…you will see some solid defense. Please send a dollar to the “Get Me Out of this Banana Republic” fund.”
Michael M.
January 17th, 2012
5:04 pm
4 winning seasons in a row and 3 playoff games are not losersville by a longshot……….got to give this a chance to go out and work with it before you go making a point its the same ole thing so let sleeping dogs ly. I was impressed with this today !
Chickin Little
January 17th, 2012
5:08 pm
I don’t understand why people seem to think that just because Nolan is good with a 3-4, he will struggle with a 4-3. I would be willing to bet that he and Smitty are familiar with just about every defense out there, including Buddy Ryans 4-6 defense that the Bears were so successful with. All the defenses out there use a number of variations, depending on the situation, and match-ups. For instance, Dallas runs a 3-4 most of the time, but often run something similar to a 4-6 in 3rd down situations.
Michael M.
January 17th, 2012
5:09 pm
ROLLING WITH NOLAN
ha ! ha ! this is on Atlanta Falcons official site
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/2012/01/nolan-named-defensive-coordinator/
Michael M.
January 17th, 2012
5:12 pm
Anything they do .bring back Lindsey Thiry…………………yessssssss that chick is hotttttttttttt
Double Zero Eight
January 17th, 2012
5:14 pm
This “Monday morning quarterback” is pleased
with the new DC. He has the credentials and
demeanor to get the job done.
torgo
January 17th, 2012
5:17 pm
Keep in mind that there are two very different types of 3-4 schemes.
The classic two-gap system has the nose tackle line up directly on the center. He has to be able to control his point and shed the center to cover the A-gap on either side. You need a big NT (B.J. Raji or Vince Wilfork) for that one. We simply don’t have the big guy to do it. We’d need to land a starter AND a suitable backup. That’s probably a deal-breaker right there.
But the other (single gap) system is far more likely to work with our personnel. That one is really close to what we’re doing right now anyway, especially when you consider how often we rush a linebacker on one side while dropping a DE into coverage or how we played the 3-3-5 nickel package throughout the 2010 season.
You have seven guys defending seven lanes, and the linemen line up on the gaps rather than the linemen. At the snap, they attack and try to penetrate into the backfield. The nose tackle is on the A-gap, not on the center. All he has to do is attack his one lane. He wins in any of three ways – penetrate the line, draw a double team, or hold the point and force the run to go outside.
You don’t need Jabba The Lineman to pull it off. A smaller DT that can attack the gap would be ideal – such as Jay Ratliffe of the Cowboys, who is smaller than any of our four defensive tackles. Corey Peters or Vance Walker could do it, and that kind of penetration capability is supposedly the reason why Dimitroff drafted Peria Jerry in the first place.
fansince74
January 17th, 2012
5:18 pm
Nothing wrong with bringing in someone you know and trust. Its better than bringing in someone you don’t know or trust. I think Nolan is an upgrade: So the Falcons defense probably just got better.
Mtn Falcon
January 17th, 2012
5:19 pm
Good hire
monty
January 17th, 2012
5:19 pm
The “ole Mike Smith reunion show.” Surround yourself with “pals”, they will look after you(if you know what I mean) when your head coaching days are over. Insure your future Mike, way to go!
Steve-O
January 17th, 2012
5:28 pm
ICE MELTS IN RAIN
January 17th, 2012
3:20 pm
Another safe “good ole boy” hire by Smith…
Link
Report this comment
__________________________________________________________________________________
Your innuendo is tiresome.
Brownie
January 17th, 2012
5:29 pm
All of you complaining about Nolan’s hiring……chill…out!! This guy is an absolute proven winner EVERYWHERE he’s gone. That means he and the personnel he’s coaching transition very well.
All you so-called defensive experts, what makes you think the Falcons won’t make the necessary changes to effectively move to the 3-4? It may take 2 years to complete the transition, but so what??
Did you WATCH our defense the past couple of years? We’re gonna have to remake our personnel packages anyway – why hire a “4-3 guy” just to fit our mediocre roster???
They will find a nose tackle…..and you think Weatherspoon has been good so far – just wait until he’s unleashed with the new system. I’ll also go out on a limb and say that Dunta Robinson will show a lot in 2012.
As far as Smitty hiring guys he knows – that happens all the time in the NFL. You don’t want a complete maverick as a coordinator, fighting upstream all the time with the HC.
This is a great hire!! Softens the blow of my less than enthusiastic response to the new OC….who by the way will be better than everyone thinks, as long as doesn’t think Michael Turner can do what Jones-Drew has been doing – Turner is near the end. Better show up at training camp around 230 lbs. Any slower, and he could be timed with a sundial.