1. Position Coach Turnover: Matt LaFleur joins the Falcons as the club's quarterbacks coach, the fourth since Matt Ryan arrived in 2008. Ryan learned under Bill Musgrave, Bob Bratkowski and Glenn Thomas prior to LaFleur's arrival.
2. Recent Work-Related Experience: Prior to serving as the Falcons quarterbacks coach, LaFleur held the same position at the University Notre Dame in 2014. Under LaFleur's tutelage, in 2014 Irish QB Everett Golson completed 256-of-427 passes (60 percent) for 3,445 yards with 29 touchdowns.
3. Reuniting with Shanahan: Before helping the Irish offense, LaFleur spent four seasons in the same role with the Washington Redskins and current Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. LaFleur's efforts benefitted Washington QB Robert Griffin III, who became the club's first rookie quarterback selected to the Pro Bowl, en route to leading his team to its first NFC East title in 13 years. Under LaFleur's coaching, Griffin set club rookie records in pass completions (258), passing yards (3,200), passing touchdowns (20) and rushing yards by a quarterback (815).
4. Dual-Threat Coach: LaFleur's campaign in Washington followed two years in Houston (2008-09), where he handled multiple roles, working with the quarterbacks and wide receivers.
5. The Beginning: Prior to earning experience in the NFL ranks, LaFleur's coaching career began at Saginaw Valley State as an offensive assistant, later working at Central Michigan (2004-05) and Northern Michigan (2006). The former signal-caller, LaFleur played quarterback at Saginaw Valley State, where he guided the Cardinals to three-consecutive NCAA Division II playoff appearances.
