Falcons' defensive coordinator candidates

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The leading candidates for the Falcons' defensive coordinator job:

Mike Nolan: The son of the legendary Dick Nolan, who coached the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints, he received his NFL break from former Falcons coach Dan Reeves in Denver in 1987. He followed Reeves to the New York Giants, where he served as the defensive coordinator. He’s been a defensive coordinator for Baltimore, the New York Jets and Giants, Washington, Denver and Miami. He was head coach of the 49ers from 2005-08.

Steve Spagnuolo: Caught in an ownership change, he recently was fired as head coach of the St. Louis Rams. He was the defensive coordinator of the Giants in 2007-08. He served on the defensive staff of the late Jimmy Johnson for nine seasons in Philadelphia. His defenses in Philadelphia and New York were known for their aggressive style of play and for putting pressure on quarterbacks.