Former Bears Coach Kicked to Curb by New Team After Disappointing Season

The Chicago Bears are one of five remaining NFL teams still searching for a new head coach after underperforming in 2024. That said, even the teams that didn't make sweeping changes by firing their head coach have made changes to their coaching staff. The Atlanta Falcons are one such team.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Falcons fired both their defensive coordinator, Jimmy Lake, and defensive line coach, Jay Rodgers, on Saturday. Rodgers previously served as the Bears' defensive line coach from 2010-2015.

Falcons Fire Former Bears Defensive Line Coach Jay Rodgers

During Rodgers's stint with the Bears, Chicago had one of the best defenses in the NFL. Although every level of the group was dominant, the defensive line led the way. In five seasons with Rodgers as the defensive line coach, the Bears notched 179 sacks and 251 tackles for loss.

Furthermore, during those five seasons, the defensive line never had less than 20 sacks and only had less than 40 tackles for loss once. So, it stands to reason why the Falcons hired him as their defensive line coach, especially with their aspirations to make the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the Falcons defense, including their line, underperformed this season. In 2024, the Falcons defensive line gathered just 23 sacks and 51 tackles for loss.

Although the Falcons' defensive line had more tackles for loss than any Bears defensive line under Rodgers did, the team tied the Bears' lowest sack total. The Falcons' lack of pass rush production in 2024 severely hurt their secondary, making their defense look worse than many expected it to.

Even though fans should never cheer for a coach or player losing their job, Rodgers definitely had grounds to be fired after the 2024 season ended.

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