ATL Standard

The Atlanta Falcons have announced the completion of an interview with Grady Brown for their open defensive coordinator position. This makes Brown the fifth candidate interviewed by the team this week. The Falcons previously interviewed Don "Wink" Martindale, Jeff Ulbrich, Lou Anarumo, and Derrick Ansley.

Brown's most recent role was as the secondary coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2021 to 2024. During his tenure, the Steelers were known for a strong defensive presence. In 2024, they ranked first in turnovers and eighth in points allowed. The secondary recorded 17 interceptions that year, placing third in the league.

Before joining the NFL, Brown spent two decades coaching at the college level. His roles included being a defensive coordinator at McNeese State University in 2020 and co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Old Dominion University in 2019. He also served as a defensive backs coach at the University of South Carolina from 2012 to 2015.

Despite these credentials, Brown has not yet called plays or been a defensive coordinator at the NFL level. His professional experience is limited to his time with the Steelers. At the collegiate level, he held sole defensive coordinator positions only twice.

The Falcons are considering whether to take another chance on a candidate without prior NFL play-calling experience after having done so with Jimmy Lake last season.