Falcons and Kris Richard: Cowboys & Saints Ex Coach to Atlanta?

The New Orleans Saints parted ways with co-defensive coordinator Kris Richard, giving the Atlanta Falcons another potential coaching hire to consider.

The Atlanta Falcons filled an important vacancy at defensive coordinator by hiring former New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. But could that be just the first Saints coach changing sides in the NFC South and joining the Falcons? 

According to a report by the NFL Network on Wednesday night, the Saints parted ways with Kris Richard, their other co-defensive coordinator (and secondary coach), who worked hand-in-hand with Nielsen at the top of the New Orleans' defense. 

That was … an unusual setup. Was the relationship such that a reunion.would be sensible?

 Richard, 43, was once seen as a coach on the rise after spending time with the Seattle Seahawks as the defensive coordinator (2015-17) before moving to the Dallas Cowboys as the defensive backs coach and passing-game coordinator; there, Richard was looked at as a potential replacement for then-Cowboys coordinator Rod Marinelli. 

With Richard back on the open market and Atlanta already looking to surround their young play-caller with veteran position coaches, as they did by hiring former Packers defensive backs coach Jerry Gray, Richard could be an intriguing candidate for an opening. 

Gray's official title in Atlanta is as assistant head coach/defense, which means he will not necessarily coach a position; Nielsen will host the coordinating duties and be in charge of the defensive line. 

Hiring Richard would reunite Nielsen with his former coordinating partner and fill a possible vacancy on staff. … if Richard remains available and if the relationships are right.

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