Report: Former Florida defender named Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Former Florida defender Marquand Manuel has been a mainstay on Dan Quinn’s coaching staffs since his days with the Seattle Seahawks.
In 2017, though, the ex-Gator, who played for the school from 1997 to 2001, will reportedly have his biggest role with a coaching staff yet, taking over as the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator.
According to ESPN.com, Manuel will replace Richard Smith, who was removed as the team’s defensive coordinator following the Super Bowl LI loss to the New England Patriots.
However, Quinn had already taken over defensive play-calling duties from Smith in early December, so whether or not Manuel will actually call plays remains to be seen.
Manuel will join Steve Sarkisian as new coordinators in 2017, as Sark was hired away from Alabama to take over for outgoing OC Kyle Shanahan, who will be the new head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
Manuel played in the NFL for eight seasons, bouncing around to six different teams. He’s spent the past two years as the Falcons’ secondary coach.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
