The Atlanta Falcons finished the 2018 season 7-9.

The team made sweeping changes to its coaching staff Monday, firing offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel and special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong.

The Falcons will start making personnel decisions as the team now looks toward April’s NFL Draft in Nashville.

Here are five questions for you the fans and your expectations in 2019.

Pick offense or defense?

The Atlanta Falcons will be drafting 14th overall. Atlanta hasn't drafted higher than 15th since taking Vic Beasley 8th overall in 2015. The Falcons' win in the regular season finale over Tampa Bay dropped them seven spots in the order.

The Falcons have taken three defensive players with their last five top draft selections. What’s their biggest need?

Who should lead offense?

Former Falcons offensive coordinator and Tampa Bay head coach Dirk Koetter is already being floated as the top contender to replace the fired Steve Sarkisian. Former Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is scheduled to interview for the opening. There are a few other offensive-minded coaches available. Who's your pick?

Toughest home opponent?

Falcons' home and away opponents have been announced. Beyond the division rivals, the Falcons will host teams from the AFC South, NFC West and NFC East.

Toughest road stops?

The Falcons have three trips west of the Mississippi.

Re-sign which free agents 

Falcons have more than a dozen free agents on the roster, including defensive end Grady Jarrett. Who should stay or go?

About the Author

Keep Reading

Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez has made 96 of 120 field-goal attempts (80%), with a long of 57 yards. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images/TNS 2020)

Credit: TNS

Featured

Passengers wait at a Delta check-in counter at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. It was the first day the Federal Aviation Administration cut flight capacity at airports during the government shutdown. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com