Overview
- Multiple outlets report Atlanta is targeting or expected to hire Patrick Toney as defensive pass game coordinator, a move that would end his seven-week stint at Ole Miss.
- Toney joined Ole Miss on January 7 after three seasons coaching Arizona Cardinals defensive backs and a 2022 run as Florida’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
- Pete Golding was already set to handle defensive play-calling, and co-DC Bryan Brown, titled head coach of the defense, is positioned to absorb a larger role if Toney departs.
- The Falcons are reshaping their staff under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, which recently included dismissing defensive line coach LaTroy Lewis two weeks after his hiring following reported allegations tied to his time at Michigan.
- Separately, the NCAA signaled tougher tampering enforcement in a February 23 memo, and reporting notes an unresolved inquiry that could bring significant penalties if violations involving Ole Miss are substantiated.