It’s been a busy day for the Falcons, and the changes keep coming. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that Atlanta has fired special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica. Running backs coach Bernie Parmalee will take over the position.
[RELATED: Falcons Fire Dan Quinn, Thomas Dimitroff]
ESPN Vaughn McClure notes that Kotwica had been on the hot seat since the team’s Week 2 loss to Dallas. Late in that game, the Falcons’ special teams unit fell victim to the “watermelon” onside kick late. The Cowboys recovered the ball and proceeded to win on a game-winning field goal.
Kotwica, 45, joined the Falcons in 2019. He had spent the previous five seasons as the Redskins special teams coordinator, and he also held that role with the Jets in 2013. Parmalee, who spent nine years in the league as a player, has served as the Falcons running backs coach since 2018. McClure tweets that game management coordinator Will Harriger will be the new running backs coach.
Earlier today, we learned that the Falcons had replaced Dan Quinn with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. McClure tweets that Jeff Ulbrich will now take over as defensive coordinator. The former third-round pick had served as the Falcons linebackers coach since 2015, and he had earned a promotion to assistant head coach earlier this year.
Get Bobby April on the phone!
What about Richie Aprile?
Not til he builds that ramp for Beansie.
The only guy left standing will be mascot Freddy Falcon.
Only consistent contributor on the payroll in Atlanta right now.
I know I’m just a fan, but they promoted the DC to HC even though his D sucks. And They switched an all-time offensive player & coach to ST’s coach? Mock draft season Falcon fans.
Parmalee played ST in MIA under Mike Westoff, so he’s got some education from one of the best. In addition to what he’s learned on his own over the years.
I don’t know that any of those changes would be permanent JJ and if your season is circling the drain you really don’t have anything to lose by experimenting.
Agreed! None will be there in ’21. And you’re right, try something new. Gawd knows too many teams recycle bad coaches. Did you see that beauty of a call by Jay Gruden around the 5 yard line? Shotgun to the UDFA RB to either run our pass it; fumble was the outcome.