Atlanta Falcons add Dirk Koetter and Mike Mularkey to offensive coaching staff
Wednesday 9 January 2019 08:23, UK
The Atlanta Falcons have hired former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter as their new offensive co-ordinator.
Koetter returns to the franchise after being fired by the Bucs at the end of a disappointing 5-11 season, and he will be joined on the Falcons coaching staff by Mike Mularkey.
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mularkey will be responsible for looking after the team's tight ends.
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Koetter left the Falcons in 2014 after working as offensive co-ordinator under Mike Smith, but his promotion to head coach in Tampa proved unsuccessful with a 19-29 record over three seasons with no playoff appearances.
"We are fired up to have Dirk join our staff as our offensive coordinator," head coach Dan Quinn said.
"His experience and familiarity with our division will also pay dividends as we move forward."
He takes over the role vacated by Steve Sarkisian, who was fired last month after two seasons.
Koetter will look to re-ignite quarterback Matt Ryan's career - during their three previous years together he averaged more than 4,600 passing yards and just shy of 29 touchdowns.
Mularkey is also a previous incumbent of the offensive co-ordinator role in Atlanta, where he was employed from 2008 and 2011 and also worked alongside Ryan.
Quinn added: "He has a good feel for our offense, both in the run game and the pass game, and we feel he will be able to add to the strengths of our tight ends group as we head into 2019."
