The Atlanta Falcons are looking for a new defensive coordinator for the fifth time since 2020. Ironically, current head coach Raheem Morris held that position at the time. After Morris came Dean Pees, Ryan Nielsen and, last season, Jimmy Lake.

Under Lake, the Falcons ranked 23rd in scoring defense, 31st in sacks and 20th in yards per play, while Atlanta posted an 8-9 record.

Morris has given up on the proverbial wanted poster and is hoping the next defensive play-caller can finally help the Falcons end their seven-year playoff losing streak.

While the search was still ongoing, Falcons editor Tori McElhaney compiled five names to consider for the team’s next defensive coordinator.

The first is Steve Wilks, former defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers and interim coach of the Carolina Panthers.

“The long-time defensive end has been associated with the Falcons for some time, having attended practices during training camp,” McElhaney wrote. “Although he did not work in the league during the 2024 season, Wilks is still a highly valued coach who should receive some attention as the coaching carousel continues.”

Wilks also interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching job last season.

Jeff Ulbrich was the next possible option, having spent time as an assistant with Atlanta from 2015 to 2020. He was named co-defensive coordinator in 2020 when Morris became interim head coach.

“Would the Falcons want to strike back with Ulbrich?” McElhaney asked. “It feels a bit like history repeating, but a lot has changed since then for both the men and the organization. Regardless of how deep Ulbrich’s connection to the organization and the boss in charge is, this should be a considered possibility.”

Former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley was another. Staley also served as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams for one year in 2020.

“As the current assistant head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, it will be interesting to see what other coaching opportunities Staley considers this offseason, as a coordinator position could be viewed as a lateral move,” McElhaney wrote. “However, he is familiar with the same defensive systems that Atlanta used in 2024. The Falcons also already have an assistant head coach. That would be Jerry Gray.”

Rams senior defensive assistant Sean Desai is another option. Desai was the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.

“During the last five years of his coaching tenure, Desai did not stay in one place for very long, making it difficult to truly assess the impact he could have as a game manager,” McElhaney wrote. “Although his time as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator didn’t end on the right foot, Desai is still someone worth exploring if there is any growth to be seen within him at all.”

Finally, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is a potentially far-fetched candidate considering he is interviewing for a head coaching job.

“It is very likely that Saleh is the hottest name on this list,” McElhaney wrote. “There are quite a few teams that want Saleh on their team, and it seems a foregone conclusion that Saleh will be putting on a headset and defining defensive players for a team in 2025. It just depends on who sells it the most” about what he’s going to work with. Could this be the Falcons? Even though the 2024 season ended for the unit, there is potential for success in Atlanta. It was seen in spurts after the bye week, highlighted by the league-leading 21 sacks in Weeks 13-17. The key will be making the potential commonplace, and the Falcons need a coach who can express that. Could Saleh be the guy? Does he see the potential?”

In the end, Morris couldn’t attack any of the names on that list. But these are some notable options that could very well breathe new life into a unit that struggled mightily in 2024.