Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator history
Jimmy Lake
Lake is the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons since the 2024 season.
Ryan Nielsen
Nielsen was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2023 season.
Dean Pees
Pees was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021-2022 seasons, a total of two years.
Raheem Morris
Morris was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2020 season. Morris' record as the team's defensive coordinator was 4-12-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in Atlanta Falcons history.
Marquand Manuel
Manuel was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2017-2018 seasons, a total of two years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2017) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Manuel in playoff games.
Richard Smith
Smith was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2015-2016 seasons, a total of two years. Smith's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 19-13-0, making him the second-most successful defensive coordinator in Atlanta Falcons history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2016) and had a 2-1 record under Coach Smith in playoff games. In 2016, the Atlanta Falcons faced off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI and the Falcons, under the direction of head coach Dan Quinn, lost 28-34.
Mike Nolan
Nolan was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2012-2014 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2012) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Nolan in playoff games.
Brian VanGorder
VanGorder was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2008-2011 seasons, a total of four years. VanGorder's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 43-21-0, making him the most successful defensive coordinator in Atlanta Falcons history. The team made it to the playoffs three times (2008, 2010-2011) and had a 0-3 record under Coach VanGorder in playoff games.
Mike Zimmer
Zimmer was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2007 season. Zimmer's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 4-12-0, making him the least successful defensive coordinator in Atlanta Falcons history.
Ed Donatell
Donatell was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2004-2006 seasons, a total of three years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2004) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Donatell in playoff games.
Wade Phillips
Phillips was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2002-2003 seasons, a total of two years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (2002) and had a 1-1 record under Coach Phillips in playoff games.
Don Blackmon
Blackmon was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2001 season.
Rich Brooks
Brooks was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1997-2000 seasons, a total of four years. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1998) and had a 2-1 record under Coach Brooks in playoff games. In 1998, the Atlanta Falcons faced off against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII and the Falcons, under the direction of head coach Dan Reeves, lost 19-34.
Joe Haering
Haering was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1995 season. Haering's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 9-7-0, making him the third-most successful defensive coordinator in Atlanta Falcons history. The team made it to the playoffs one time (1995) and had a 0-1 record under Coach Haering in playoff games.
Jim Bates
Bates was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1994 season.
John Marshall
Marshall was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1983-1985 seasons, a total of three years.
Fred Bruney
Bruney was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1975-1976 seasons, a total of two years. Bruney's record as the team's defensive coordinator was 8-20-0, making him the third-least successful defensive coordinator in Atlanta Falcons history.
Marion Campbell
Campbell was the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in the 1969-1974 seasons, a total of six years.
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator record
| Coach | Years | Record | Win percentage | Playoff record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Lake | 2024 | 6-5-0 | 54.5% | 0-0 |
| Ryan Nielsen | 2023 | 7-10-0 | 41.2% | 0-0 |
| Dean Pees | 2021-2022 | 14-20-0 | 41.2% | 0-0 |
| Raheem Morris | 2020 | 4-12-0 | 25.0% | 0-0 |
| Marquand Manuel | 2017-2018 | 17-15-0 | 53.1% | 1-1 |
| Richard Smith | 2015-2016 | 19-13-0 | 59.4% | 2-1 |
| Mike Nolan | 2012-2014 | 23-25-0 | 47.9% | 1-1 |
| Brian VanGorder | 2008-2011 | 43-21-0 | 67.2% | 0-3 |
| Mike Zimmer | 2007 | 4-12-0 | 25.0% | 0-0 |
| Ed Donatell | 2004-2006 | 26-22-0 | 54.2% | 1-1 |
| Wade Phillips | 2002-2003 | 14-17-1 | 45.3% | 1-1 |
| Don Blackmon | 2001 | 7-9-0 | 43.8% | 0-0 |
| Rich Brooks | 1997-2000 | 30-34-0 | 46.9% | 2-1 |
| Joe Haering | 1995 | 9-7-0 | 56.3% | 0-1 |
| Jim Bates | 1994 | 7-9-0 | 43.8% | 0-0 |
| John Marshall | 1983-1985 | 15-33-0 | 31.3% | 0-0 |
| Fred Bruney | 1975-1976 | 8-20-0 | 28.6% | 0-0 |
| Marion Campbell | 1969-1974 | 36-45-3 | 44.6% | 0-0 |
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator facts
- Marion Campbell was the first defensive coordinator in Falcons history in 1969.
- Marion Campbell coached the most seasons as the Falcons's defensive coordinator at six seasons.
- Jimmy Lake is the current defensive coordinator, starting ahead of the 2024 season.