As the NFL season progresses, coaching changes and staff moves are a natural part of the offseason narrative. One of the more intriguing developments in recent weeks has been the news that Derrick Ansley, the Green Bay Packers’ assistant defensive backs coach, interviewed for the defensive coordinator position with the Atlanta Falcons. For those who may not be familiar with Ansley, this marks a significant moment in his career, as he’s been steadily rising through the ranks in the NFL, and this potential move could represent a major turning point, both for him and for the teams involved.
Ansley, who has spent several years working in various coaching roles, is now reportedly a serious candidate for the Falcons’ defensive coordinator job. The Falcons, who finished the 2023 season with a promising but underperforming defense, are looking to overhaul their defensive strategy as they aim to make a deeper playoff push in 2024. The interview itself is part of a larger trend in the NFL where teams are hiring from within, promoting young, talented coaches to high-profile positions. For the Packers, Ansley’s departure would represent a notable loss, while for the Falcons, hiring a coach like Ansley could be a move to reshape their defense.
### Derrick Ansley: A Rising Star in the NFL Coaching Ranks
Derrick Ansley, 44, is not a name that has dominated headlines in the same way as some of the more established NFL coaches, but his rise through the coaching ranks has been steady and impressive. Ansley, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, began his coaching career at the college level, where he worked as a defensive backs coach at various programs, including the University of Alabama and the University of Tennessee. He quickly earned a reputation as a sharp defensive mind with a particular knack for developing defensive backs and secondary players.
In 2020, Ansley made the jump to the NFL, joining the Los Angeles Chargers as their secondary coach. Under his tutelage, the Chargers’ defensive backs significantly improved, particularly in pass coverage. His ability to develop young talent, such as safety Derwin James, became a point of pride for the organization. His success in Los Angeles didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2022, he joined the Green Bay Packers as the assistant defensive backs coach, continuing his work with the secondary. During his time in Green Bay, Ansley has been part of a defensive staff that has overseen significant improvements in pass defense, despite the challenges of rebuilding an aging secondary.
What sets Ansley apart from other up-and-coming defensive minds is his ability to communicate and build rapport with players. His calm demeanor and coaching acumen have been cited as key reasons why players respond to his style. Ansley’s extensive experience in coaching defensive backs gives him a unique perspective on how to structure a defense as a whole, not just in the secondary.
### The Falcons’ Search for a New Defensive Coordinator
The Atlanta Falcons, led by head coach Arthur Smith, are in the midst of retooling their defense. After a 2023 season where their defense showed flashes of potential but ultimately lacked consistency, the team is looking for a defensive coordinator who can turn that potential into results. The Falcons’ defense, while stout against the run, struggled in pass defense and lacked the game-changing plays that a top-tier defense usually generates.
In 2023, Atlanta’s defense finished 18th in total yards allowed and 27th in passing yards allowed. While the Falcons did well against the run, ranking 7th in rushing yards allowed per game, their inability to consistently stop the pass limited their ability to win crucial games. This is where Ansley’s expertise comes into play. As a defensive backs coach with years of experience coaching against top-tier passing offenses, Ansley could bring a fresh perspective to Atlanta’s defensive strategy.
The Falcons’ decision to interview Ansley signals that they are looking for a coach who can overhaul their pass defense while continuing to solidify their strength against the run. Ansley’s background as a secondary coach makes him a natural fit for this task, but his ability to build a holistic defense—one that can defend both the run and the pass—is what makes him a highly attractive candidate.
### What Ansley Could Bring to the Falcons’ Defense
Should Ansley land the defensive coordinator job in Atlanta, his first priority will likely be to fix the Falcons’ inconsistent pass defense. Atlanta has struggled in this area for years, and Ansley’s experience working with some of the NFL’s top defensive backs could help to identify and develop players who can shut down opposing passing attacks.
One area where Ansley has excelled in his coaching career is player development. With Atlanta’s roster full of young, talented players in the secondary, Ansley would have an opportunity to take the likes of cornerback A.J. Terrell, safety Jessie Bates III, and rookie standout cornerback Clark Phillips III to the next level. Ansley has a proven track record of developing young defensive backs, and with the Falcons’ talented, but raw, secondary, Ansley’s ability to coach them up could be a game-changer.
Ansley’s defensive philosophy would likely lean heavily on the fundamentals of pass defense, focusing on technique, anticipation, and ball skills. His past work with players like Derwin James and Asante Samuel Jr. shows that he is capable of molding defensive backs into playmakers who can turn the tide of a game. By installing a disciplined and aggressive pass defense scheme, Ansley could bring a more cohesive, turnover-generating defense to Atlanta.
Additionally, Ansley’s experience with different defensive schemes and coaching staffs makes him adaptable to various systems. While the Falcons’ defense has traditionally been a 3-4 scheme, Ansley’s versatility in working with multiple alignments would give him the flexibility to adjust the defense to suit the personnel at his disposal.
### Packers’ Perspective: Losing a Key Assistant Coach
For the Green Bay Packers, losing Derrick Ansley would be a blow to their coaching staff. Ansley has played an integral role in the development of the team’s secondary, and his departure would create a gap in a position group that is often at the heart of successful defenses. Under Ansley’s guidance, players like Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas have taken their games to the next level, and his absence would leave a significant hole in the Packers’ defensive coaching staff.
That being said, the Packers’ coaching staff has grown accustomed to turnover, especially in recent years. Head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst will be prepared to make adjustments if Ansley decides to take the Falcons’ defensive coordinator job. While it may sting in the short term, it could also present an opportunity for a new voice to step in and continue developing a talented group of defensive backs.
### A Potential Win-Win for Both Teams
The potential hiring of Derrick Ansley as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator represents an intriguing opportunity for both parties. For Ansley, it’s a chance to take the reins of a defense and make his mark as a leader, not just a position coach. For the Falcons, it’s an opportunity to bring in a coach with a proven track record of developing elite secondary players and a keen understanding of what it takes to build a successful defense.
While the Packers would undoubtedly miss Ansley’s contributions, they will understand the career growth opportunity that comes with such a high-profile position. For the Falcons, Ansley’s coaching could be the missing piece in turning their defense from mediocre to elite—one that can compete at the highest levels in the NFC.
As the interview process continues, NFL fans will be watching closely to see if Ansley’s next chapter involves a move to Atlanta or if he stays in Green Bay, continuing his work on a defense that has the potential to be one of the league’s best. Regardless of where he ends up, Derrick Ansley’s rise through the coaching ranks is a story to keep an eye on in the years to come.