Falcons complete performance, coaching staff

FLOWERY BRANCH — The Falcons filled out their player-performance staff and added three more coaching staff members Thursday, the team announced.

Jacquies Smith, who played in the NFL for five seasons, was named the outside linebackers coach. D.J. Williams, son of Commanders executive Doug Williams, was named an offensive assistant/assistant quarterbacks coach, and Rob Dadona was hired as manager of coaching operations.

ExploreMore AJC coverage of the Falcons

Smith appeared in 37 games (18 starts) for the Buccaneers, Lions and Raiders from 2014-18. He spent the 2023 on the staff of the Texas Longhorns as assistant edge coach. He joined Nevada’s staff in late December as defensive ends coach.

Also, Shawn Flaherty was retained as an assistant offensive line coach and Patrick Kramer as an offensive assistant.

John Griffin was named director of player performance, Josh Nelson the director of performance science, Paul Constantine as the associate director of strength and conditioning and Erik Jernstrom as assistant director of strength and conditioning.

About the Author

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. ready to take the reins at quarterback

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. is preparing for his first full season as a starter, with coaches praising his poise, arm strength and leadership.

Who is the quarterbacks coach working with Michael Penix Jr.?

Falcons quarterback coach D.J. Williams was hoping to follow his father’s footsteps into the NFL.

With Robinson and Allgeier, do Falcons have one of league’s best backfields?

Here is your roster analysis ahead of training camp.

The Latest

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Who is the quarterbacks coach working with Michael Penix Jr.?

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. ready to take the reins at quarterback

With Robinson and Allgeier, do Falcons have one of league’s best backfields?

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.