Falcons assistant Mike Mularkey retires

tlanta Falcons tight ends coach Mike Mularkey (left) and offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter (right) prepare the team to play the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game on Sunday, October 20, 2019, in Atlanta.    Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

tlanta Falcons tight ends coach Mike Mularkey (left) and offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter (right) prepare the team to play the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game on Sunday, October 20, 2019, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Mike Mularkey, who served as the Falcons tight ends coach last season and was the team’s offensive coordinator for four seasons (2008-2011) has retired, the team announced Thursday.

Mularkey spent 25 years in the NFL as a player, assistant and head coach.

“I’ve been blessed to do this for a long time and have a lot of great memories from the game I love,” Mularkey said in a statement. “I’ve also missed a lot of time with my family who I love and who has supported me so much throughout my career. I am looking forward to spending even more time with them and making even more memories.”

Mularkey previously spent two seasons as the head coach for the Titans. He was also the head coach of the Jaguars in 2012 and the Bills from 2004-05. He was also an assistant on staffs of the Steelers, Dolphins and Buccaneers. Mularkey was named the Assistant Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America in 2001 with the Steelers.

“What an awesome career for Mike,” coach Dan Quinn said in a statement. “When you look back at his 25-year coaching career, you’ll not only see a great coach, but you’ll also see an unbelievable human being and leader. Mike has been a great asset for our organization and for me personally. We wish he and his family well and congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement.”

Mularkey, a tight end, was selected in the ninth round of the 1983 NFL draft by the 49ers. He played nine seasons in the NFL for the Vikings and Steelers. He posted 102 receptions, 1,222 receiving yards with nine touchdowns.