FLOWERY BRANCH -- With the team coming off the completion of a league investigation into piping crowd noise into the Georgia Dome, new coach Dan Quinn is set to hire the central figure in the league's notorious "SpyGate" scandal as his assistant, according a report from Fox Sports' Alex Marvez.
The Falcons would not confirm the hiring of Steve Scarnecchia, who was directly involved in New England's Spygate controversy.
Scarnecchia was with New England's video department from 2001 to 2004, which is when the Patriots were found to have illegally taped opposing team's signals. New England was caught videotaping New York Jets defensive signals in 2007, which led to the franchise and head coach Bill Belichick being fined ($500,000) by the NFL as well as the Patriots being stripped of a first-round draft choice.
The Falcons have been investigated this year for piping in fake crowd noise and are awaiting word about sanctions from the league. Falcons owner Arthur Blank told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he was "embarrassed and angered" by the controversy.
He likely won't be pleased with the addition of Scarnecchia, who was also involved in Denver video taping controversy that led to a $50,000 fine.
Scarnecchia's own reputation was further sullied while serving as Denver's video operations director in 2010. He was caught taping a San Francisco 49ers walk-through practice before a game in London. The NFL levied a $50,000 fine against the Broncos and then-head coach Josh McDaniels, who is now back in New England for a second stint as the team's offensive coordinator. Scarnecchia was fired following the incident and subject to a review by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before being allowed to re-enter the league.
Scarnecchia was the director of football operations at Syracuse University. He is the son Dante Scarnecchia, who was New England's long-time offensive line coach before he retired after the 2013 season.
It is not known if Goodell has approved his re-enter into the league.
ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports Seahawks defensive assistant Marquand Manuel will join the Falcons as defensive backs coach/senior defensive consultant.
Marvez also reported that UCLA defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich will join the Falcons staff as linebackers coach and that Notre Dame quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur will serve in the same role with the Falcons.
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