The Atlanta Falcons are actively searching for their next defensive coordinator after the organization parted ways with Jimmy Lake on Jan. 11. He was with the organization for one year.
As the Falcons begin the search to backfill his position, we will document that process extensively in this Falcons defensive coordinator tracker.
The plan is for the Falcons to announce interviews after they are completed with each candidate. We'll provide those updates here. In addition to official interview announcements, we will also aggregated reports of interview requests*.
Let this be your location for everything you need to know about the Falcons' search for a new defensive coordinator.
DON "WINK" MARTINDALE
Initial interview date: Tuesday, Jan. 14
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero also reported Martindale is expected to interview with the Indianapolis Colts on Wednesday following his interview with Atlanta on Tuesday.
Current job: Defensive coordinator for the University of Michigan
Resume highlights:
- New York Giants, 2022-23: Martindale's last NFL job was back-to-back seasons as a defensive coordinator.
- Baltimore Ravens, 2012-21: Martindale spent a decade with the Ravens, working as the inside linebackers coach (2012-15), linebackers coach (2016-17) and defensive coordinator (2018-21).
- Denver Broncos, 2009-10: Martindale worked one season as the linebacker coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator.
- Oakland Raiders, 2004-08: Martindale entered the NFL as an inside linebackers coach (2004-05) and then broadened those responsibilities to an overall linebackers coach (2007-08).
LOU ANARUMO
Initial interview report: Tuesday, Jan. 14 from Albert Breer
Current job: Anarumo does not currently have a job in the league, but was the former defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals until the end of the 2024 season.
Resume highlights:
- Miami Dolphins, 2012-17: Anarumo got his start as a defensive coach in the league when he was hired as the Dolphins' defensive backs coach. He held the title of interim defensive coordinator in 2015.
- New York Giants, 2018: He held the title of defensive backs coach again for the Giants for one season.
- Cincinnati Bengals, 2019-24: Anarumo became a full-time defensive coordinator for the first time with the Bengals. He worked with current Falcons safety Jessie Bates III during that tenure.
*Editor's note: The Falcons editorial staff is independently aggregating reports of Falcons interview requests from select reporters, without confirmation from the team. The full list of reporters: Adam Schefter (ESPN), Jeremy Fowler (ESPN), Dan Graziano (ESPN), Ian Rapoport (NFL Network), Tom Pelissero (NFL Network), Mike Garafolo (NFL Network), Jonathan Jones (CBS), Jay Glazer (FOX), Dianna Russini (The Athletic), Jeff Howe (The Athletic), Albert Breer (Sports Illustrated), Mark Maske (Washington Post).
