Mike Nolan’s last stop as defensive coordinator

[DasSchnitzel]

Nolan, the LB whisperer

Let's hope!

 

[Gaede]

Yeah, his record as DC is not impressive.

Though his roster on the 2014 Falcons was definitely not anything special. https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/atlanta-falcons/roster/2014.

Look at his 'pass rushers'.

 

[BrassCowboy]

Just curious why so many fans judging a DC on two years of work almost a decade ago....

What has his time been like since then, all I care about

 

[Oh_Canada]

The 2012 Falcons draft, was offense heavy....first three picks all offensive players

They picked two good corners at top of '13 draft....otherwise garbage

In 2014 they rolled the dice on a lazy, disinterested Ra'shede Hageman and way over reached for Dezmen Southward (whom I had to look up)

I would hardly judge Nolan on his time in Atlanta. Team's drafting greatly improved again once they brought on Scott Pioli but it was too late for Mike Smith and crew by then.

 

[CATCH17]

Just curious why so many fans judging a DC on two years of work almost a decade ago....

What has his time been like since then, all I care about

He’ll be fine.

We have some real good pieces on defense and he can coach.

People are being way to nerdy with this one by only looking at the stats.

I get it... I’m usually one of those guys but Mike Nolan was an awesome hire imo.

 

[dwmyers]

There was a lot more that went wrong with the Falcons going from 2012 through 2014 than Mike Nolan. He was here (I live near Atlanta) and well liked. His schemes were more player friendly than those of Brian Van Gorter. In 2013 their offense imploded, their vaunted run game no more. They lost folks on the defense that caused issues. They played so poorly in 2013 that Arthur Blank began to meddle in the team, calling them weak. HC Mike Smith promised to make them tougher (which led to drafting mistakes). By 2015 the Smitty Nolan crew were gone and Dan Quinn was in.

A lot of this was not a scheme issue. the 2012 Falcons defense was heavily dependent on one guy, DL John Abraham, and they lost him in 2013.

 

[TWOK11]

Stopping the run really doesn’t matter much in this era of NFL football. It has minimal correlation with winning.

Passing efficiency defense is all that really matters in terms of determining who wins games.

 

[Aven8]

Man this is going to be a lonnngggg offseason.

 

[dwmyers]

I wrote Aaron Freeman, who goes by the name @falcfans on twitter and asked him what he thought about Mike Nolan. He used to have a lively board (which has all but died) and does regular Falcons podcasts. I respect his opinions a lot. This is what he said wrt Nolan:

He’s a firm believer in the ability to scheme pressure. But most of his success has come when he’s had top rushers. Atlanta was really only place outside SF where he didn’t have overwhelming success

 

[CouchCoach]

This is one of those "I bow to the HC's judgment" type of things. He's the one with his butt on the line and seeking a comeback.

I wouldn't hold ATL against him, they've never succeeded since they hired Quinn to fix their D. I was surprised he wasn't replaced after this season.

 

[dwmyers]

This is one of those "I bow to the HC's judgment" type of things. He's the one with his butt on the line and seeking a comeback.

I wouldn't hold ATL against him, they've never succeeded since they hired Quinn to fix their D. I was surprised he wasn't replaced after this season.

They went to a Super Bowl in Q's second year, because Kyle Shanahan's offense was great that year. Matt Ryan had a monster season. But Qs handling of his coordinators since
leaves me scratching my head.

 

[lonestar2288]

Truth be told, big Mike nor Nolan were "exciting" hires to me, but I get it. Being in a win now mind set you want experience, and these guys have that in spades, both good and bad. They know by now what works, and more importantly what don't. I do believe McCarthy is a far better HC then Garrett ever will be, and at least Nolan prioritizes what's been missing in big D, i.e. quality S and size at the nose along with an emphasis on turnovers. And if he should struggle?? Tomsula is in house and has an impressive history IMO. I'm willing to wait and see

 

[CouchCoach]

They went to a Super Bowl in Q's second year, because Kyle Shanahan's offense was great that year. Matt Ryan had a monster season. But Qs handling of his coordinators since
leaves me scratching my head.

It's Marvin Lewis, all over again. Hire the DC off the best D to recreate that and they seldom can.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

The truth is, very few coordinators are difference makers, and Nolan isn't one. But that's okay. As long as he's just good, and has talent to work with (he does here), and most importantly is truly on the same page as the HC, things will be just fine.

The problem before was a very weak HC with a Frankenstein of a coaching staff. That won't be the case anymore.

 

[Patrick]

on paper he doesn't look great.

But he's not Rod Marinelli or Kris Richard so I am still excited for the simple fact he's someone new.

 

[JeffInDC]

When looking at Nolan’s track record, the first thing you have to do is look at his defensive personnel. When he’s had talent, he’s had success. Period. His first year at Atlanta, they were 5th in points allowed. When the personnel worsened, so did Atlanta’s stats. Get him some good players, the D will be fine. And, more importantly, will show looks that Dallas’ opponents hadn’t seen from this group in years.

 

[817Gill]

Players..Roster...

Exactly, those Atlanta teams put all their resources in Matt Ryan and the offense. Those defenses were woefully undermanned

 

[dfense]

Players..Roster...

Yeah, everyone and their mother wanted Richard to take over HC just a year ago. Then the Dline collapsed in 2019 and Richard can't find a job now.

Players matter.

 

[speedkilz88]

2012

LDE 93 Edwards, Ray U/Min
LDT 95 BABINEAUX, JONATHAN 05/2
RDT 94 Jerry, Peria 09/1
RDE 55 ABRAHAM, JOHN T/NYJ

SLB 54 Nicholas, Stephen 07/4
MLB 52 Dent, Akeem 11/3
WLB 56 Weatherspoon, Sean 10/1

LCB 22 SAMUEL, ASANTE T/Phi
SS 25 Moore, William 09/2
FS 28 Decoud, Thomas 08/3
RCB 23 ROBINSON, DUNTA U/Hou


2013

LDE 96 Massaquoi, Jonathan 12/5
LDT 95 BABINEAUX, JONATHAN 05/2
RDT 91 Peters, Corey 10/3
RDE 50 UMENYIORA, OSI U/NYG

SLB 54 NICHOLAS, STEPHEN 07/4
MLB 52 Dent, Akeem 11/3
WLB 59 Bartu, Joplo CF13

LCB 22 SAMUEL, ASANTE T/Phi
SS 25 Moore, William 09/2
FS 28 Decoud, Thomas 08/3
RCB 21 Trufant, Desmond 13/1


2014

LDE 71 Biermann, Kroy 08/5
DT 99 Jackson, Tyson U/KC
NT 96 SOLIAI, PAUL U/Mia
RDE 95 BABINEAUX, JONATHAN 05/2

LB 55 Worrilow, Paul CF13
LB 59 Bartu, Joplo CF13

LCB 23 Alford, Robert 13/2
NCB 27 McClain, Robert SF12
SS 36 Ishmael, Kemal 13/7
FS 20 Lowery, Dwight SF14
RCB 21 Trufant, Desmond 13/1

https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/ATL

 

[75boyz]

The only hint of optimism that I could find was this article, lamenting his loss after the impact that he made on the linebacking core in New Orleans.

https://saintswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/16/3-saints-coach-candidates-mike-nolan-cowboys-ben-bloom/

“Since Nolan’s arrival, the unit has put up some of the best performances in recent memory..”

But still, those 3 years in Atlanta should be a huge red flag.

Yep agree. As is often discussed, some guys are just not HC material and are just coordinators. Others are not even good coordinators and just good position coaches.

Marinelli has gone from HC to coordinator to position coach now with the Raiders.
I am definitely skeptical when I see certain trends and evidence on coaches past and recent history resumes.