Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is staying put. Boise State on Wednesday hired Bryan Harsin as its new head coach after the school interviewed Koetter twice.
Koetter, who wasn’t available for comment Wednesday, said previously he is happy with the Falcons and wouldn’t have pursued the Boise State position if not for his Idaho roots. He’s a native of Pocatello, Idaho, and was Boise State’s head coach from 1998 to 2000.
Koetter, 54, is finishing his second season with the Falcons and is under contract through the 2014 season.
“Dirk’s been an integral part of the success we’ve had and he’s going to continue to be here,” coach Mike Smith said. “We look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Koetter’s retention means quarterback Matt Ryan won’t have to work with his third coordinator since the Falcons drafted him in 2008. Last season Ryan set single-season franchise records for attempts (615), completions (422), completion percentage (68.6), yards (4,719) and touchdowns (32).
“I know Boise State is a special spot for him, being from Idaho,” Ryan said. “Selfishly, I’m happy he’s back because he’s a great coach. Certainly he’s made me better the last two years and I look forward to working with him moving forward.”
Atlanta’s offensive production has declined this season. In 2012 the Falcons ranked eighth in the NFL in total yards and seventh and points; this season they are 13th in yards and 22nd in points.
The offense has been stymied by injuries to running back Steven Jackson and wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White. The Falcons may still have performed better offensively if not for the subpar play of the line.
Koetter said the offense hasn’t met expectations.
“We are going to make a real push this offseason to try to improve and to try to be better as an offense,” Ryan said. “I’m excited to work with him to try to do that.”
Feeling fine: Opposing defenders have hit Ryan 76 times and recorded 31 sacks for a total of 107 hits, according to NFL statistics.
Ryan said he’s still holding up well in spite of the punishment.
“I feel good, in all honesty,” he said. “I feel really good for this time of the year. I think everybody has certain things that creep up late in the season. I’ve been able to practice every practice this year and that’s a good thing.”
Patient game: Steven Jackson's average of 4.7 yards on 15 carries against the Packers on Sunday was his most efficient production since he had 77 yards on 11 carries (7.0 average) in the season opener at New Orleans.
Jackson was hurt on the first series in Week 2 against St. Louis, missed the next four games and has had lackluster production. He said his recent surge has nothing to do with being motivated to show he’s still going strong at age 30.
“I think my play and my reputation speaks for itself,” Jackson said. “I’m not big into trying to prove anything to anyone. As long as my teammates and my coaching staff believe in me, that’s all that really matters.”
Injury report: Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud (concussion) and running back Antone Smith (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday. Both players suffered their injuries at Green Bay.
Five Falcons participated on a limited basis: tight end Tony Gonzalez (toe), safety Zeke Motta (hand), White (knee) and linebackers Sean Weatherspoon (shoulder) and Paul Worrilow (shoulder).
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