1. Dave Ragone- QB Coach for the Los Angeles Rams
It is hard to have anything negative to say about Dave Ragone despite how his time in Atlanta ended. The Falcons offensive coordinator appeared to have little control and wasn't given the chance to call plays. Despite Arthur Smith's struggles the coach kept an iron grip on the offense and didn't give Ragone a deserved chance.
Yes, the coach lacked the experience many fans wanted in the position and that was precisely the point. Arthur Smith wanting a coach who he could easily overrule fit with how his time in Atlanta played out. Whether or not this was the case there is no arguing Ragone was put in a bad position.
No ability to call plays or make offensive decisions and yet he went down with Arthur Smith's ship. Ragone landing with the Rams is great for a coach who needs a fresh start. Working under the offensive genius in Los Angeles and veteran Matthew Stafford will work to his advantage.
Ragone now has the chance to benefit from a better position and a more talented coaching staff. Landing with Stafford and the Rams is one of the best-case scenarios for the former OC.
2. Arthur Smith- Pittsburgh Steelers OC
Arthur Smith makes it easy to pile one after his last three years in Atlanta. The lack of care put into the quarterback position and the inability to get the ball to his best players was beyond frustrating. Smith couldn't handle the head coach role and he is far from the first coordinator who failed to make the adjustment.
Before pointing out the concerns with the move let's be fair to Smith here. There is a very good reason the Falcons hired Smith as their head coach. Perhaps he wasn't the best fit but his time as an OC with the Titans remains impressive. Their offense greatly fell off after Smith's departure and remains in disarray.
Smith is an accomplished player caller and has given reason to believe he can have success in the right landing spot. With that said, looking at Smith's preferred offensive style it is difficult to buy in with Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as his starting options. In a loaded conference joining a stacked division, Arthur Smith has an uphill battle even in a lesser role.
Mike Tomlin has an impressive record in Pittsburgh but is far removed from serious contention. The pressure is turned up this season for the coaching duo to get on the same page and breathe life into this offense.
3. Ryan Nielsen- Jacksonville Jaguars DC
Considering the fall off of the Atlanta Falcons defense this wasn't shocking. The loss of Nielsen is somewhat overstated when you look back at Atlanta's 2023 defensive accomplishments. Take away Jessie Bates playing out of his mind and simply look at the schemes and adjustments Nielsen made during his time in Atlanta.
While the coach was held back by a lack of talent what excuses are there for the end of the season? Getting blown off the field by Justin Fields and Derek Carr is beyond embarrassing. It appeared your defense gave up on you and let go of the rope.
What about getting beaten by Will Levis, Josh Dobbs, and a returning Kyler Murray? Atlanta's defense was inconsistent and often unable to adjust. Yes, Nielsen maximized Atlanta's talent at times but adjusted poorly and wasn't consistent. Losing the coordinator was the right move for a team that needed a reset on that side of the ball.
Raheem Morris got the job in Atlanta partly due to his ability to get the most out of an underwhelming Rams defense. That will be the same goal in Atlanta.
Nielsen is setup far better in Jacksonville with more talent to work with in a winnable division. Jacksonville and Atlanta both made the right decision.
