Los Angeles (AFP) - The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed a clear-out of the team's defensive coaching staff in the wake of the franchise's historic Super Bowl collapse, it was reported Wednesday.
Defensive co-ordinator Richard Smith and line coach Bryan Cox have both been sacked following Sunday's epic defeat to the New England Patriots, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
The paper said the team denied that the shake-up was linked to the disastrous second-half performance in the Super Bowl, when the Falcons leaked 31 unanswered points as the Patriots secured a dramatic victory.
Smith, 61, was appointed defensive co-ordinator two years ago following a stint with the Denver Broncos.