The first interview with the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator has been announced

The Atlanta FalconsThe recruitment process for a new defensive coordinator is ongoing.

Atlanta, which fired incumbent Jimmy Lake on Saturday will interview the former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo this week by NFL Network’s Colleen Wolfe. Anarumo is the first officially reported Falcons interview.

Cincinnati fired 58-year-old Anarumo on Jan. 6, after his defense ranked 25th in points (25.5) and total yards (348.3) allowed per game. The Bengals finished outside the top 10 in every defensive category except takeaways – they finished seventh with 25 points.

Anarumo, who has seven years of experience as an NFL linebacker with the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants, has led Cincinnati to the top 10 in scoring defense only once, and that was in 2022.

Meanwhile, the Falcons finished the season 15th in run defense (120.6 yards per game), 22nd in pass defense (224.5 yards per game), 23rd in total defense (345.2 yards per game). and 23rd in rushing defense (345.2 yards per game). No. 23 in scoring (24.9 points per game).

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, speaking at his Jan. 6 post-season press conference, said he was optimistic about the future with cornerback AJ Terrell, backup Jessie Bates III and middle linebacker Kaden Elliss.

Morris also expects growth from three 2024 draft prospects – second-round cornerback Ruke Orhorhoro, third-round outside linebacker Bralen Trice and fourth-round linebacker Brandon Dorlus. Trice missed the entire season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in the first preseason game.

Bates is an especially important piece to Anarumo’s candidacy because the two were together in Cincinnati from 2019-2022. The Falcons value the voice of Bates, one of three team captains whose contract runs through 2026, and can count on his input in the process of hiring a defensive coordinator.

Still, the Atlanta search is in its infancy.