Falcons Reportedly Name Marquand Manuel Defensive Coordinator

The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly promoted from within to fill their defensive coordinator position after parting ways with Richard Smith.

Continue for updates. 

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Falcons Reportedly Name Manuel DC

Friday, Feb. 10

ESPN's Vaughn McClure reported secondary coach Marquand Manuel will be named defensive coordinator.

McClure reported Wednesday that Manuel is being considered for the defensive coordinator job. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network added that linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich is also in the running.

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Manuel Has History With Quinn

Manuel has spent the past two seasons as Atlanta's secondary coach after previously serving under Quinn when he was defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.

The 37-year-old Manuel played eight NFL seasons as a safety with the Cincinnati Bengals, Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions.

While the Falcons reached the Super Bowl and were in firm control of the New England Patriots before blowing a 25-point lead and ultimately losing the game, their defense had some issues during the 2016 campaign.

Atlanta ranked just 25th in yardage allowed and 27th in scoring defense.