Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Former Falcons coach gets job interview

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith walks onto the field during warmups before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith walks onto the field during warmups before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
By The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jan 6, 2017

Former Falcons coach Mike Smith interviewed with the San Diego Chargers, who are looking for a head coach, the Chargers announced Thursday.

On their web site, the Chargers said Smith’s interview was the team’s first with a candidate to replace Mike McCoy, who was fired Sunday after four seasons as head coach in San Diego.

Chargers president John Spanos and general manager Tom Telesco are spearheading the search for a new coach.

Smith was the Falcons’ head coach from 2008-14. He compiled a 66-46 regular-season won-loss record and took the team to the playoffs in four of those seasons, where they were 1-4. His 67 wins overall rank as a franchise record among head coaches.

Smith joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as defensive coordinator for this season. He was defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-07 and an assistant for the Baltimore Ravens from 1999-2002.

About the Author

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, here speaking to the media in January, has two 2025 first-round draft picks on his defense in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Falcons coordinator Jeff Ulbrich skilled in developing players, defenses

Over his career, Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has developed linebackers into stars, like Anthony Barr, Deion Jones, De’Vondre Campbell and Foye Oluokun

James Pearce Jr. seen as Falcons’ top DROY candidate

James Pearce Jr. is seen as the Falcons' top candidate for defensive rookie of the year.

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. celebrated by his Florida hometown

Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is celebrated in his hometown, Dade City, Florida, with a street named for him and a new football camp for youths.

The Latest

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, here speaking to the media in January, has two 2025 first-round draft picks on his defense in Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Falcons coordinator Jeff Ulbrich skilled in developing players, defenses

James Pearce Jr. seen as Falcons’ top DROY candidate

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. celebrated by his Florida hometown

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC

Brookhaven removes colored glass from City Centre dome after uproar

Some say the colors were too bright, the dome looked like ice cream with sprinkles and the hues distracted from the building’s muted design.

Confederate group sues to stop Stone Mountain’s ‘truth-telling’ exhibit

The Sons of Confederate Veterans allege the park’s changes to its Civil War history exhibits violate state law.

Georgia student going to court after being expelled for warning of threat

The middle school student was expelled after he sent messages to friends about a video he'd seen with someone threatening to shoot up area schools.