Skip to main content

Advertising

Falcons hire former Bucs coach Dirk Koetter as new OC

Published: Jan 08, 2019 at 09:44 AM

Author Image

Jeremy Bergman

Digital Content Editor

Dirk Koetter is staying in the NFC South.

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach is returning to Atlanta as the Falcons offensive coordinator, the team announced. Atlanta also hired former Titans coach Mike Mularkey as its tight ends coach.

Koetter held the same title in Atlanta on Mike Smith's staff from 2012 to 2014.

The Bucs fired the coach after leading the team to a 19-29 record and zero playoff appearances over three seasons. Despite the club's overall struggles, Tampa Bay's offense was consistently dangerous during Koetter's tenure and improved every season, from 18th to ninth to third in total offense.

The 59-year-old coach takes over for the departed Steve Sarkisian, who was fired following his second season as Falcons OC. Under Sark, Atlanta's offense was still among the league's best, but notably regressed from 2016 when the Falcons had the league's top scoring offense and rode it to a Super Bowl appearance.

Koetter's hiring reunites the coordinator with Matt Ryan. During their three seasons together, Ryan averaged 4,642.7 passing yards, 28.7 touchdowns and 15 interceptions per year with a 94.1 passer rating. The Falcons' franchise quarterback led the league in completion percentage in 2012 (68.6).

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

Niners, RB Tevin Coleman agree to two-year contract

Tevin Coleman is headed to San Francisco. The 49ers and the running back have agreed on a two-year deal worth $10 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.

Chiefs put franchise tag on pass rusher Dee Ford

Dee Ford is staying in Kansas City. The Chiefs franchise-tagged the pass rusher on Monday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported, per a source.

Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray measured at 5-foot-10 1/8

Kyler Murray's measurements are in! They are as follows for the Oklahoma quarterback: Height: 5-foot-10 1/8 Weight: 207 pounds Hand size: 9 1/2 inches.

Brady, Belichick pen HOF letters on behalf of Law, Seymour

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick penned letters on behalf of two former Patriots legends to the Hall of Fame selection committee. The 2019 Hall of Fame class will be announced at NFL Honors on Saturday.

Ravens keep John Harbaugh on new four-year contract

John Harbaugh's once-uncertain job status has been addressed. The Ravens announced a new, four-year deal with the head coach on Thursday after he led them to a 10-6 record and division title in 2018.

Jets name Gregg Williams new defense coordinator

The Jets are on the verge of hiring Adam Gase's defensive coordinator. The team named Gregg Williams to be their defensive coordinator.

Josh Allen, Darius Leonard among Players of the Week

Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Colts linebacker Darius Leonard and Cowboys TE Blake Jarwin closed out their rookie campaigns on a high note. They were among Week 17's NFL Players of the Week.

Titans LB Brian Orakpo retiring after 10 seasons in NFL

Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo announced on Monday he is retiring after 10 seasons in the NFL. Orakpo joined the Titans in 2015 after playing six seasons with the Redskins.

Nick Foles, Baker Mayfield among NFL Players of the Week

Nick Foles, Baker Mayfield, Aaron Donald, Patrick Onwuasor, Brett Maher and Dwayne Harris make up the Week 16 NFL Players of the Week.

C.J. Anderson signing with Los Angeles Rams

Veteran running back C.J. Anderson is signing with the Los Angeles Rams to help bolster the team's running back corps heading into the postseason, a source told Mike Garafolo.

Derrick Henry, Amari Cooper among NFL Players of the Week

Derrick Henry's 238-yard performance for the Tennessee Titans and Amari Cooper's big game for the Dallas Cowboys earned them a place among the NFL Players of the Week for Week 14.