Falcons Request to Interview Cowboys Assistant Aden Durde For Defensive Coordinator Opening

New Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris is wasting no time in assembling his staff.

Less than 24 hours after his hiring, new Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris is getting straight to work in assembling his staff.

First up on the docket is finding a new defensive coordinator, and Morris has a clear candidate in mind. According to ESPN, the Falcons have requested to speak with Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde.

Durde, 44, does have previous experience with the Falcons. He came aboard as a defensive quality coach in 2018 coach before being promoted to outside linebackers coach in 2020. That was the same year that Morris became the Falcons' defensive coordinator and eventual interim coach after the firing of Dan Quinn, so it's safe to assume that Morris and Durde have a strong relationship.

Durde followed Quinn, whom the Cowboys hired as defensive coordinator, to Dallas in 2021, serving as the team's defensive line coach.

Durde is also notable for being one of the few international coaches in the league, hailing from Middlesex, England. He has worn his British roots with pride, being a prominent figure in the formation of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program and serving as the head of football development at NFLUK.

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If Morris and the Falcons want to hire Durde, they'll have some stiff competition. ESPN reported that the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams have also requested to speak with Durde. 

Additionally, Quinn is still a contender for the league's final two coaching vacancies, those belonging to the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks, and Durde could be his top choice for defensive coordinator if Quinn gets one of those jobs, or even replace him in Dallas.