Arthur Smith on finding a new DC: 'We're going to take our time'
After two years of serving as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, Dean Pees retired from coaching on Monday.
The team must now hire someone new to call plays on defense, but head coach Arthur Smith isn't in a rush to name Pees' successor. On Wednesday, Smith and general manager Terry Fontenot held a joint press conference to address a number of offseason topics. Among them was the search for a new defensive coordinator.
"We've cast a really wide net, Smith said. "We're going to take our time."
There are some interesting names available, including former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz (complete with ties to the Titans), and interior candidates such as Falcons linebackers coach Frank Bush.
Replacing someone as charismatic and experienced as Pees won't be easy. Smith knows that and won't rush into any decision regarding the future of this football team.
The Falcons ranked 27th in total defense this season. The defensive unit allowed 362.1 yards per game. Opponents also averaged 22.7 points throughout the season.
Smith detailed how the Falcons have built a foundation defensively. Fontenot agreed and said the search will involve getting the right play-caller in the building and can work with versatile players.
"Arthur really knows what he is looking for and he'll be strategic in that when we sign and we draft players," Fontenot said. ... "We weren't prisoners of the moment, and they aren't going to fit. We are drafting players that are multiple and fitting what we are looking for."
Paste BN Sports producer Jaylon Thompson contributed to this report.