baltimoreravens 19 Posted January 17, 2012 http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7472118/atlanta-falcons-hire-mike-nolan-new-defensive-coordinator Mike Nolan to run Falcons' defenseEmailPrintComments ESPN.com news services The Atlanta Falcons have hired Mike Nolan as their defensive coordinator, the team announced Tuesday. NFC South blog ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas writes about all things NFC South in his division blog. • Blog network: NFL Nation Nolan, a 25-year coaching veteran, spent the last two seasons as the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator. Nolan replaces Brian VanGorder, who left Atlanta and returned to the college ranks as Auburn's defensive coordinator. On Sunday, Falcons coach Mike Smith hired former Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter for the same position with Atlanta. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AllYouNeedIsLovie 377 Posted January 17, 2012 Damn, good addition for the Falcons. Not happy to see this as a Bucs fan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATL_Predator+ 1,196 Posted January 18, 2012 Fucking awesome...really...this is someone we needed to turn around this defense. Time to switch us to the 3-4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SteVo+ 3,702 Posted January 18, 2012 New Falcons DC Mike Nolan plans to place an emphasis on the secondary in 2012, and potentially incorporate more nickel looks to defend against an increasingly pass-happy league."The future looks like it’s going to be five starting DBs if these quarterbacks keep doing what they’re doing," said Nolan. "I think the secondary is one of the most important areas today, more than it was 15-20 years ago. ... There are probably more good quarterbacks in the league than there’s ever been. ... It’s really important to have a good secondary." Nolan's comments indicate that the Falcons will prioritize re-signing free agent CB Brent Grimes. Source: Atlanta Field Report Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DonovanMcnabb for H.O.F 2,241 Posted January 19, 2012 He's a good defensive coordinator. Regardless of whether they run a 3-4, 4-3, or hybrid. He knows how to coach defense. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shotgun 442 Posted January 19, 2012 Nolan's comments indicate that the Falcons will prioritize re-signing free agent CB Brent Grimes. Shit. I was hoping he'd at the very least be out of the division. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BucD+ 648 Posted January 19, 2012 I saw a report a day after the hire that said they are staying in the 4-3. That isn't surprising. That defense is built for a 4-3 and Nolan has ran a 4-3 in the past. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Glanvilles Grits 142 Posted January 20, 2012 I don't see the Falcons running a 3-4. Not next season anyway. They don't have the personel to do it. Besides, he said he's not going to search and change players for the defense, he's going to make a defense to the strength of the players. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ATL_Predator+ 1,196 Posted January 20, 2012 Yeah, the 3-4 won't happen next year, but I'm fucking sick of us running the 4-3...but if he can make it work..I'll be alright. This guy knows his shit..and is lightyears ahead of Brian Fucking Van Gorder. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites