Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator history

Ryan Nielsen

Nielsen is the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons since 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
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.
  • Ryan Nielsen is the current defensive coordinator, starting ahead of the 2023 season.