The Atlanta Falcons introduced new head coach Dan Quinn at a press conference on Tuesday, one day after the team officially announced his hiring. Quinn was excited about his first heading coach job and determined to bring the same championship mentality from his former employer in Seattle to Atlanta.
Falcons introduce Dan Quinn, Clay Matthews may stay at ILB and more NFL news
Falcons also announce other coaching hires to round out staff, 49ers intend to let Kaepernick run more, and other news on a busy Tuesday in the NFL.
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He also revealed his coaching philosophies, telling the media that the Falcons would be a “fast and physical” football team and that fundamentals would be critical.
“We want to be really aggressive in terms of the way we attack the football,” Quinn said. “Those two things, in terms of our effort and the way we attack the ball, will always be at the front of our conversations.”
Quinn was named head coach of the Falcons on Monday, after spending the past two seasons as defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. Atlanta finished 6-10 this season, their second straight losing campaign, and was the league's worst defense in terms of yardage allowed.
Falcons announce other coaching hires
The Falcons officially announced on Tuesday several other hirings to round out their coaching staff. Richard Smith is the new defensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan is offensive coordinator and Raheem Morris will be the assistant head coach/defensive passing game coordinator.
Kaepernick will run more in 2015
The San Francisco 49ers intend to take advantage of Colin Kaepernick's superior athletic talent and his ability to extend plays with his legs, per comments from several people within the organization this offseason.
The Sacramento Bee's Mark Barrows cites recent remarks by new head coach Jim Tomsula and owner Jed York in interviews that call for the team to rely more heavily on the quarterback's mobility, and also sees a return to an emphasis on the read-option in 2015. Barrows believes the new offense will be "more simple and streamlined" and will "allow playmakers to make plays."
The 49ers’ offense struggled last season, finishing 25th in points scored after ranking in the top third of the league in scoring in each of the previous three years (2011-13).
Matthews expects to play inside next season
One of the reasons for the Green Bay Packers's huge improvement in defense was Clay Matthews playing more snaps at inside linebacker. After meeting with coaches the day after the NFC Championship loss a couple weeks ago, Matthews conceded that he probably would have the biggest impact if he continues to get more snaps inside next season, and has no problem with the position change.
Matthews was exclusively an outside linebacker in the Packers’ defensive scheme during his first five seasons, but moved inside after the bye week to help shore up Green Bay’s rushing defense, which ranked last in the league entering Week 10. The Packers allowed just 86.4 rush yards per game over their final eight games, fifth-best in the league during that span.
Tuck: Mack can be as good as LT
Oakland Raiders rookie linebacker Khalil Mack was one of the few highlights in an otherwise dismal 3-13 campaign by the Silver and Black. Mack finished with 75 tackles and four sacks, and was the top-rated 4-3 outside linebacker according to Pro Football Focus' grading system in 2014.
Mack's teammate Justin Tuck had high praise for the rookie, telling reporters last week that he thinks Mack has the potential to be as good as legendary linebackers Lawrence Taylor and Derrick Thomas. Tuck cited Mack's football intelligence and incredible work ethic as reasons why his future is so bright, and why he could end up among the league's all-time great defensive players when his career is over.
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