In an ongoing effort to fill their defensive coordinator position, the Atlanta Falcons recently interviewed two notable candidates: former San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and Grady Brown, who is currently the secondary coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Grady Brown has spent the past four years coaching the Steelers’ defensive backs, showcasing his expertise at the professional level. Meanwhile, Steve Wilks, who oversaw the 49ers’ defense in 2023, has a diverse coaching background that includes roles as a defensive assistant and interim head coach with the Carolina Panthers in 2022, head coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2018, and defensive coordinator at the University of Missouri in 2021.

The Falcons have been proactive in their search for a new defensive coordinator, having already interviewed six candidates. On Thursday, they spoke with Derrick Ansley, the passing game coordinator from Green Bay, and Lou Anarumo, a former assistant in Cincinnati. The team also met with Jeff Ulbrich, who has served as the interim coach and defensive coordinator for the New York Jets, on Wednesday, and interviewed Michigan defensive coordinator Wink Martindale on Tuesday.

Lou Anarumo was released from his position as defensive coordinator for the Bengals on January 6. He spent six seasons with Cincinnati, where he was responsible for leading their defensive efforts.

The Falcons have ramped up their hiring process following the decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers after finishing the season with an 8-9 record.