There are changes coming for the Falcons' coaching staff in 2025.
Atlanta fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers after one season, the team announced on Saturday.
"After a thorough evaluation of the season, and with careful consideration for our team's future, we deemed these moves necessary," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said in a statement. "These decisions are never easy from the human side of things and we wish Jimmy, Jay and their families the best."
Previous to his stint with the Falcons, Lake served as assistant head coach with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023.
The Falcons boasted a talented defensive core with Jessie Bates, Justin Simmons, A.J. Terrell, Grady Jarrett and Matt Judon this past season, featuring some high and low moments. However, the final straw could have been Atlanta's season-ending loss to the Carolina Panthers, allowing 44 points in the overtime defeat. It was the second time the Falcons defense allowed 40-plus points in a game.
Atlanta's defense finished 23rd in the NFL in points allowed per game (24.9) and ranked 23rd with 345.2 yards per game. The Falcons ended the season 8-9, falling short of an NFC South title.
Now, Morris and Atlanta will be looking for a new DC in the offseason.
