The Falcons are in the market for a new defensive coordinator and former Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo and Dolphins defensive coordinator Mike Nolan are leading candidates, according to a report. Atlanta has ranked no better than 20th in the NFL in pass defense since 2008. "Moving forward, this defense needs to continue its growth and evolution as a passionate and fiery defense, one that is going to fly to the football, disrupt, be opportunistic and capitalize on opportunities to turn the game around; flip the game in critical situations," Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said. Dimitroff also said that whomever they hire does not necessarily have to have ties to head coach Mike Smith.