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Falcons to replace Richard Smith at DC

The Falcons are making a few alterations to their defensive staff.

According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, defensive coordinator Richard Smith is being replaced while defensive line coach Bryan Cox is getting let go. Smith could return in a different capacity.

The staff shakeup was first reported by The Sporting News.

Smith, 61, had been the team's defensive coordinator in title since 2015. Before coming to Atlanta, he was the Broncos' linebackers coach.

While most will assume that the moves are the direct result of blowing a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl, Falcons head coach Dan Quinn has apparently been prepping for a change for some time.