The Atlanta Falcons have made significant coaching changes, firing defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers after a disappointing season. The moves come on the heels of a critical evaluation by head coach Raheem Morris, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the defense's performance, particularly highlighted by a recent 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. This defeat marked the Falcons' failure to reach the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, finishing the season with a record of 8-9.

Morris emphasized the challenges of making such decisions, stating, 'These decisions are never easy from the human side of things,' while wishing the best for Lake and Rodgers and their families. The coaching changes were anticipated, especially following Morris's comments about the defense’s lackluster performance, which left him 'really shocked' and 'really disappointed.'