The Atlanta Falcons' search for a defensive coordinator now includes a former interim head coach for an NFC South Division rival.

The Atlanta Falcons have met with six candidates for their defensive coordinator vacancy, interviewing former NFL head coach Steve Wilks and Pittsburgh Steelers secondary coach Grady Brown on Friday.

The Falcons have interviewed Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and have another scheduled with former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo this week. Stay up to date with each reported interview using our Falcons defensive coordinator tracker.

Lake had never been a defensive coordinator or a defensive playcaller prior to 2024. It's likely that the Falcons bring in someone with more experience doing that job this offseason. Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will also be interviewed, per an NFL Network report.

The Atlanta Falcons are taking their time putting together a coaching staff for 2025. The team must fill two positions after dismissing defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers last week.

The Atlanta Falcons have now interviewed four coaches for their defensive coordinator vacancy. The team met with Green Bay Packers pass-game coordinator Derrick Ansley in the second of two interviews on Thursday afternoon.