Atlanta Falcons Fire Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake, DL Coach Jay Rodgers

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have parted ways with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, the organization announced Saturday. The moves come after a disappointing season for the Falcons’ defense, which struggled with consistency throughout the year.

“After a thorough evaluation of the season, and with careful consideration for our team’s future, we deemed these moves necessary,” head coach Raheem Morris said in a release. “These decisions are never easy from the human side of things, and we wish Jimmy, Jay, and their families the best.”

Jimmy Lake, who was in his first year as an NFL defensive coordinator, brought a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served as a defensive backs coach for four universities and four NFL teams, including stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. Lake began his NFL coaching career under Morris in Tampa Bay in 2006, where he worked as an assistant defensive backs coach.

Jay Rodgers, the defensive line coach, also leaves after a single season with the Falcons. Rodgers had previously worked with several NFL teams, including the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers, where he was known for developing young talent along the defensive front.

The Falcons’ defense showed flashes of potential during the 2024 season but ultimately failed to deliver consistently. The unit ranked in the bottom half of the league in several key categories, including points allowed and total yards surrendered. A particularly poor performance in a must-win game against the Carolina Panthers, where quarterback Bryce Young dominated, highlighted the team’s struggles.

Fans and analysts have expressed mixed reactions to the coaching changes. “I know Atlanta’s defense is never known as being particularly good, but we had some above-average talent this year,” one fan commented online. “There were way too many Jekyll and Hyde performances this season for sure.”

The Falcons will now begin their search for a new defensive coordinator and defensive line coach as they aim to rebuild and improve ahead of the 2025 season. The team has not yet announced any candidates for the positions.