The Atlanta Falcons added two more defensive assistants to add to Arthur Smith's staff.
Atlanta recently hired Dean Pees to be its defensive coordinator, and on Tuesday the team added Maryland defensive coordinator Jon Hoke as defensive backs coach and Ted Monachino as outside linebackers coach. Pees, 71, has extensive NFL experience, and he's surrounding himself with experienced assistants.
Hoke, 64, has 16 years of NFL experience, all of which have come as a defensive backs coach. Most recently, Hoke spent three seasons from 2016-18 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also spent six seasons (2009-14) with the Chicago Bears and seven seasons (2002-08) with the Houston Texans. Hoke has spent that last two seasons as defensive coordinator of the Maryland Terrapins.
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Hoke's run in Chicago was especially notable. During his six seasons, the Bears' 111 interceptions were tied for the fourth-most in the NFL, and they led the league with 20 interceptions returned for a touchdown. Cornerbacks Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman each earned All-Pro honors under Hoke, and they made a combined four Pro Bowls.
Monachino, 54, was outside linebackers coach for the Bears for the previous two seasons, helping coach Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. He has experience working with Pees, as the two coaches helped the Baltimore Ravens win a Super Bowl in 2012 as part of the same defensive staff. Monachino has 14 years of NFL experience under his belt, serving as defensive line coach in Jacksonville and defensive coordinator in Indianapolis, in addition to his roles in Baltimore and Chicago.
