After a disappointing loss in the historic Super Bowl LI, Falcons fans and players are still recovering. In the week following the game, two key coaches have moved teams. Kyle Shanahan, offensive coordinator responsible for a scoreless second half, accepted the job offer from the San Francisco 49ers within minutes of the game ending. At his first press conference as the 49ers head coach, he said, “ I did believe we had a very good chance to win that game, especially at the end, and we didn't get it done. In terms of using the words, 'I blew it,' I don't look at it that way. I believe we missed an opportunity. We didn't get it done. I'll go back through every play for the rest of my life." He claims that him and the team ended on good terms and there is a sense of closure. With Shanahan gone, the Falcons’ general manager hired the former offensive coordinator from the University of Alabama, Steve Sarkisian, to replace him. Sarkisian has a history of alcoholism and he was fired as head coach of USC for inappropriate behavior while under the influence.
Marquand Manuel, former Falcons senior defensive assistant, moved up to be the official defensive coordinator. He played in the NFL for 7 years as a safety for six different teams. The team even fired two defensive line coaches named Bryan Cox and Richard Smith. Team representatives have said that the new coaching staff has nothing to do with the Super Bowl loss. Maybe the new coaches can help the team finally “Rise Up” to the franchise’s first ever Super Bowl win next season.
Picture Credits: NFL Spin Zone
