SPORTS

Falcons shaking up defensive staff after Super Bowl collapse

The Associated Press Published Wednesday, February 8, 2017 10:40AM EST

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn speaks during a press conference at the team's practice facility, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (Branden Camp /Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- After squandering a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl, the Atlanta Falcons are shaking up their defensive staff.

The team said Wednesday that Coach Dan Quinn has dismissed co-ordinator Richard Smith and defensive line coach Bryan Cox, though there's a chance Smith could stay with the Falcons in an advisory role.

The changes mean the NFC champions will have two new co-ordinators next season. Kyle Shanahan left to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and was replaced as offensive co-ordinator by Steve Sarkisian.

Also, the Falcons will need a new quarterbacks coach. Matt LaFleur is expected to be named offensive co-ordinator of the Los Angeles Rams.

Smith will likely be replaced by a coach already on staff. The Falcons are considering defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel, linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich and defensive passing game co-ordinator Jerome Henderson.