FLOWERY BRANCH -- The Falcons' coaching search will move back into full swing today.
We send along our condolences to the Blank Family for their loss.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
The team appears close to wrapping up its first round of interviews and columnist Jeff Schultz has handicapped things for you all with his unique take on the situation.
I have it: 1. Rex Ryan and 2. Josh McDaniels. His list is a little different.
Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Arizona defensive coordinator Todd Bowles are up today and tomorrow. We don’t expect them to make a move over the weekend and steal some of the attention away from the playoff games.
Also, we’d like to thank Dirk Koetter for being so gracious with his time during his stay here. How he was able to keep the offense moving with backup offensive linemen over the past two seasons was a tribute to his game-planning and play-calling.
He’ll be a formidable opponent in Tampa Bay for the new Falcons’ coaching staff.
Koetter, who was under contract for next season with the Falcons, agreed to a deal
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
to become Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator, the team announced on Thursday.
Koetter was one of the assistants who cleared out his office after hearing of the news of Smith's firing. The team said it would make the assistants under contract available to the new coach, but Tampa Bay was granted permission to talk to Koetter. He apparently was released from his contract.
Koetter, 55, has been with the Falcons for the past three seasons after spending five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The offense, which was marred by offensive line injuries in 2013 and 2014, finished ranked eighth, 14th and eighth overall in total offense.
"Very excited to be joining the coaching staff in Tampa led by head coach Lovie Smith," Koetter wrote on his Facebook page. "Thank you to all those who have been so supportive and who have contributed along the way. Go Bucs!"
Good luck Coach Dirk!!!
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