ATL Standard

The Atlanta Falcons have announced the completion of an interview with Derrick Ansley for their open defensive coordinator position. This marks the fourth interview conducted by the team since they began their search earlier this week. Prior to interviewing Ansley, the Falcons spoke with Don "Wink" Martindale on Tuesday, Jeff Ulbrich on Wednesday, and Lou Anarumo on Thursday.

Ansley is currently serving as the passing game coordinator (defense) for the Green Bay Packers. His coaching resume includes a stint as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2023 season, after previously working as their secondary coach in 2021 and 2022. He also served as a defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach at the University of Tennessee from 2019 to 2020 and was a defensive backs coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2018.

As a former defensive back at Troy University from 2001 to 2004, Ansley has built his career around coaching positions he once played. His work at Tennessee is particularly notable; under his guidance in 2019, the Volunteers ranked among the top-25 defenses in total defense and No.16 in passing defense.

Describing his coaching style after being promoted to defensive coordinator for the Chargers in 2023, Ansley stated: "I'm whatever our players need me to be... I'm adjustable. Whatever the players need from me, that's I'll do."

Despite his title with the Chargers, Ansley did not serve as play-caller during that season; Brandon Staley held that responsibility. The Chargers ended that year with a top-10 finish in NFL sacks but struggled overall with a record of 5-12.

Given these circumstances and considering they recently parted ways with Jimmy Lake—a first-time professional play-caller—the Falcons face questions about whether they are willing to appoint another candidate with limited experience at this level.