Falcons owner Arthur Blank is hoping the coaching staff changes will help propel the team to Super Bowl LIV, which is set for Feb. 2, 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
"Next year, we may not host the game, but I hope we will be playing in it," Blank said Monday.
After finishing the season 7-9, coach Dan Quinn fired all of coordinators -- offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel and special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong on Dec. 31
Quinn will call the defensive signals moving forward. Dirk Koetter was hired as the offensive coordinator and Ben Kotwica was named the special teams coordinator.
Also, the Falcons added Mike Mularkey as the tight ends coach. Ben Steele, the former tight ends coach with Tampa Bay, was hired as an offensive assistant.
“I think we are in a really good place,” Blank said. “I think that the coach and (general manager) Thomas (Dimitroff) have made the most difficult decisions. Anytime that you’re talking about changes in personnel, at any level for whatever reasons, it’s always difficult. I think Dan made the right decisions for the right reasons.”
Blank likes the re-configured coaching staff.
“I think the staff that he’s put together, along with existing staff, is excellent,” Blank said.
The Falcons are now assessing the players before free agency starts in March. Dimitroff has stated that re-signing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is the team’s No. 1 priority. They could also place the franchise tag on Jarrett if they can’t get a deal before free agency starts.
The Falcons also plan to re-work the contract of wide receiver Julio Jones.
“We’ll be focusing hard on our player evaluations going through free agency and the draft,” Blank said.
