The Atlanta Falcons are actively pursuing candidates to fill their vacant defensive coordinator position, having recently interviewed former San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and Pittsburgh Steelers secondary coach Grady Brown. Wilks, who led the 49ers' defense last season, has a varied resume that includes being the interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers and a defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns and the University of Missouri. Brown has held a position with the Steelers for four years, bringing valuable experience.

The Falcons have already interviewed four other candidates: Green Bay's Derrick Ansley, Cincinnati's Lou Anarumo, New York Jets' Jeff Ulbrich, and Michigan's Wink Martindale. Their search follows the dismissal of defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers after an 8-9 season.