Petrino builds Falcons coaching staff

Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino today announced the hiring of several coaches to his staff in addition to retaining three coaches from the previous staff.

Petrino has appointed the following position coaches:

OFFENSE (Years of Coaching Experience)

• Offensive Coordinator –– Hue Jackson (20)
• Quarterbacks –– Bill Musgrave** (10)
• Running Backs –– Ollie Wilson** (32)
• Offensive Line –– Mike Summers (25)
• Wide Receivers –– Paul Petrino (17)
• Tight Ends –– Keith Rowen (32)
• Offensive Assistant –– Derrick Nix (4)
• Offensive Quality Control –– Andy Sugarman (14)

DEFENSE

• Defensive Coordinator –– Mike Zimmer (28)
• Defensive Line –– Kevin Wolthausen (26)
• Linebackers –– Brian VanGorder (26)
• Defensive Backs –– Emmitt Thomas** (28)
• Assistant Defensive Backs –– Joe Whitt, Jr. (6)
• Defensive Quality Control –– Jon Gannon (1)

SPECIAL TEAMS

• Assistant Special Teams –– Tom McMahon (15)

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

• Head Strength and Conditioning –– Evan Marcus (16)

**Signifies a retained coach

• Jackson, 41, will serve as the Falcons offensive coordinator after serving as the wide receivers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals the past three seasons. During his time with the Bengals, Jackson molded wide receivers Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chris Henry into one of the most productive receiving units in Bengals history. In 2006, Johnson (1,369) led the NFL in receiving yards with Houshmandzadeh (1,081) following closely behind, making them the first Bengals teammates to each surpass the 1,000–yard receiving mark. From 2000–01, Jackson served as the running backs coach for the Washington Redskins, where he helped RB Stephen Davis record a career–high 1,432 in 2001. A year later, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Redskins. Prior to coaching in the NFL, Jackson spent 14 years coaching in the collegiate ranks, including two seasons alongside Petrino at Arizona State.

Jackson’s Coaching Background: Offensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Wide Receivers, Cincinnati Bengals (2004–06) | Offensive Coordinator, Washington Redskins (2003) | Running Backs, Washington Redskins (2001–02) | Offensive Coordinator, Southern California (1997–2000) | Offensive Coordinator, California (1996) | Assistant Coach, Arizona State (1992–95) | Assistant Coach, London Monarchs (1991) | Assistant Coach, Cal State–Fullerton, (1990–91) | Assistant Coach, University of Pacific (1987–89).

• Musgrave, 39, enters his second season working with QB Michael Vick as the Falcons quarterbacks coach. In 2006, Vick established career–highs in touchdown passes (20) and rushing yards (1,039).

Musgrave’s Coaching Background: Quarterbacks, Atlanta Falcons (2006–07) | Quarterbacks, Washington Redskins (2005) | Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Jacksonville Jaguars (2003–04) | Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Virginia (2001–02) | Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Carolina Panthers (2000) | Quarterbacks, Carolina Panthers (1999) | Offensive Coordinator, Philadelphia (1998) | Quarterbacks, Oakland Raiders (1997).

• Wilson, 55, enters his sixth season as the Falcons running backs coach. He has directed a unit that has led the NFL in rushing for the past three seasons and set a franchise record last year with 2,939 rushing yards.

Wilson’s Coaching Background: Running Backs, Atlanta Falcons (2002–07) | Running Backs, San Diego Chargers (1997–2001) | Running Backs, Atlanta Falcons (1991–96) | Running Backs, University of California–Berkeley (1983–90) | Offensive Coordinator, Northeastern University (1976–82) | Wide Receivers, Springfield College (1975).

• Summers, 50, will serve as the Falcons offensive line coach after serving in the same capacity under Petrino at Louisville where he helped direct an offensive line that became one of the most consistent units on the squad. Of the seven players selected to the All–Big East first–team this past year for Louisville, three were chosen from the offensive line in seniors Renardo Foster and Kurt Quarterman, and sophomore George Bussey. Upon his arrival in 2003, Summers tutored a group that allowed just 13 sacks after giving up 46 a year prior. He also helped the Cardinals set a school rushing record in 2002, and then again in 2004. Before joining the University of Louisville staff, Summers spent two seasons as Ohio’s offensive line coach and helped the Bobcats rank eighth in the nation in rushing in 2002 and sixth in 2001. He spent the previous 21 years coaching at the collegiate level.

Summers’ Coaching Background: Offensive Line, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Offensive Line, Louisville (2003–06) | Offensive Line, Ohio (2001–02) | Tight Ends, Oklahoma State (1999–2000) | Offensive Coordinator/Asst. Head Coach, University of the South (1996–99) | Offensive Coordinator/Asst. Head Coach, Oregon State (1991–95) | Offensive Coordinator, Northern Illinois (1985–90) | Graduate Assistant, Texas A&M (1982–85) | Restricted Earnings, Kentucky (1979–82).

• Petrino (Paul), 40, will serve as the Falcons wide receivers coach after spending the past four seasons as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Louisville. The Cardinals became one of only two NCAA Division I–A teams to rank in the top 10 nationally in total offense for the past four consecutive seasons, with Texas Tech being the other. In 49 games at Louisville, the Cardinals scored 60 or more points in seven contests under Petrino, and only put up less than 10 points on one occasion. The team also scored at least 40 points in more than half of their games (28 of 49). In 2006, Louisville ranked second in total offense (476.8 ypg), seventh in passing (286.5 ypg) and third in scoring (38.9 ppg). Petrino has experienced two stints coaching the Cardinals, with his first taking place from 1998–2000 when he was the wide receivers coach alongside his brother, Bobby, who served as the quarterbacks coach at Louisville. In his initial season, the Cards set records in numerous offensive categories. Prior to his first stint with Louisville, Petrino spent nine years coaching at the collegiate level.

  Petrino’s Coaching Background: Wide Receivers, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers, Louisville (2003–06) | Quarterbacks, Southern Mississippi (2000–02) | Wide Receivers, Louisville (1998–2000) | Wide Receivers, Utah State (1995–97) | Wide Receivers, Idaho (1993–94) | Running Backs and Special Teams, Idaho (1992) | Offensive Coordinator, Carroll College (1989–91).

• Rowen, 54, will serve as the Falcons tight ends coach after spending the past season and a half as the offensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals. He returns to Atlanta after spending four years with the team in different capacities from 1990–93. In 2005, Rowen helped guide the Cardinals to the top ranked passing offense in the NFL for the first time in team history as the team established several franchise records along the way. With 32 years of coaching experience, Rowen came to the Cardinals after spending the previous six seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs as the tight ends coach. The Chiefs ranked in the top five in league in points scored and total offense from 2002–04. Rowen had an opportunity to coach one of the top tight ends in the NFL in Tony Gonzalez, who enjoyed six consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, all of which came under Rowen’s guidance. Prior to joining the Chiefs, Rowen served in different capacities for several NFL teams, which included coaching tight ends, special teams, running backs and the offensive line. The New York native began his pro career as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the USFL’s Boston/New Orleans Breakers from 1983–84. Rowen spent the first eight years of his coaching career at the collegiate level, starting out as the assistant defensive line coach at Stanford before coaching the offensive line at Long Beach State and the University of Arizona.

Rowen’s Coaching Background: Tight Ends, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Offensive Coordinator, Arizona Cardinals (2005–06) | Tight Ends, Kansas City Chiefs (1999–2004) | Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line, Oakland Raiders (1997–98) | Offensive Line, Minnesota Vikings (1994–96) | Tight Ends/Special Teams/Offensive Line, Atlanta Falcons (1990–93) | Tight Ends/Special Teams, New England Patriots (1989) | Offensive Line/Special Teams, Indianapolis Colts (1985–88) | Running Backs, Cleveland Browns (1984) | Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line, Boston/New Orleans Breakers (USFL) (1983) | Offensive Line, University of Arizona (1979–82) | Offensive Line, Long Beach State (1977–78) | Assistant Defensive Line, Stanford (1975–76).

• Nix, 26, will serve as the Falcons offensive assistant after spending the past four years coaching at Southern Miss. Nix, who is one of the best–known players to ever wear a Southern Miss uniform, began his coaching career in 2003 as a defensive graduate assistant for the Golden Eagles. He then coached the tight end position in 2004 before coaching running backs the past two years. In 2006 under Nix’s direction, his running backs totaled 2,378 rushing yards and scored 23 touchdowns, marking the first time the Golden Eagles ran for over 2,000 yards since 1987. Nix helped mentor true freshman Damion Fletcher, who ran for 1,388 yards and scored 11 touchdowns on his way to earning first–team All–Conference USA honors and Freshman All–American honors from five different organizations. Prior to coaching, Nix was a record–setting running back throughout his playing days at Southern Miss as he became the first player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards or more in three seasons.

Nix’s Coaching Background: Offensive Assistant, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Running Backs, Southern Miss (2005–06) | Tight Ends, Southern Miss (2004) | Defensive Graduate Assistant (2003).

• Sugarman, 35, will serve as the offensive quality control coach for the Falcons after spending this past year out of the NFL. From 2004–05, Sugarman coached tight ends for the Detroit Lions under Steve Mariucci after serving one season as an offensive assistant for the team in 2003. Sugarman arrived in Detroit after spending five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, including three years as an offensive assistant and two seasons as an offensive quality control coach. Priot to joining the 49ers, Sugarman spent seven years as an assistant to the offensive and special teams coaching staff at the University of California–Berkeley. He worked under four head coaches while at Cal, including Bruce Snyder, Keith Gilbertson, Mariucci and Tom Holmoe.

Sugarman’s Coaching Background: Offensive Quality Control, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Tight Ends, Detroit Lions (2004–05) | Offensive Assistant, Detroit Lions (2003) | Offensive Assistant, San Francisco 49ers (2000–02) | Offensive Quality Control, San Francisco 49ers (1998–99) | Offensive and Special Teams Assistant, University of California–Berkeley (1991–97).

• Zimmer, 50, will serve as the Falcons defensive coordinator after spending the last 13 seasons coaching in different capacities for the Dallas Cowboys, which includes serving as the team’s defensive coordinator for the last seven years. In his time in Dallas, Zimmer established himself as one of the league’s top defensive minds, guiding seven teams to postseason play. He has earned respect and recognition from around the NFL as he adapted his defense to the Cowboys changing rosters, successfully overseeing the transition from the club’s base 4–3 defense to a 3–4 system. Seven times in his 13 seasons with the Cowboys, the team finished the year ranked in the top 10 in total defense. In 2006, Zimmer coordinated a defense that finished ranked 13th in total defense and 10th in rush defense. Zimmer assumed the Cowboys defensive coordinator position in 2000 after directing a secondary that was one of the league’s best throughout the second half of the 1990’s. Before joining the Cowboys staff, Zimmer spent five seasons as the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Washington State. From 1981–88, he was an assistant coach at Weber State, which includes coaching alongside Bobby Petrino from 1987–88. Zimmer began his coaching career as a part–time assistant on defense at the University of Missouri.

Zimmer’s Coaching Background: Defensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys (2000–06) | Defensive Backs, Dallas Cowboys (1995–1999) | Defensive Assistant, Dallas Cowboys (1994) | Defensive Coordinator/Secondary, Washington State (1989–93) | Defensive Coordinator/Secondary, Weber State (1985–88) | Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Weber State (1983–84) | Linebackers, Weber State (1981–82) | Assistant, Missouri (1979–80).

• Wolthausen, 49, will serve as the Falcons defensive line coach after spending the past four seasons coaching in different capacities at Louisville. This past year, he added co–defensive coordinator responsibilities to his role as defensive line coach. While at Louisville, Wolthausen developed one of the top defensive line prospects in Elvis Dumervil, who went on to post 8.5 sacks in his rookie year with the Denver Broncos this season. During his coaching career, Wolthausen has helped lead 16 teams to post–season bowl games and has collegiate coaching experience dating back to 1980.

Wolthausen’s Coaching Background: Defensive Line, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Co–Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line, Louisville (2006) | Defensive Line, Louisville (2004–05) | Linebackers, Eastern Michigan (2002) | Fullbacks/Linebackers, Arizona Rattlers (2002) | Defensive Line, Arizona State (1995–2000) | Defensive Line, Oklahoma (1993–94) | Defensive Line, Southern California (1987–92) | Defensive Line, Arizona (1986) | Linebackers, Arizona (1985) | Graduate Assistant, Arizona (1983–84) | Graduate Assistant, Humboldt State (1980–82) | Student Assistant Coach, California–Northridge (1980).

• VanGorder, 47, has been appointed as the Falcons linebackers coach after serving as the head football coach at Georgia Southern University in 2006. He brings more than 25 years of coaching experience to Atlanta. In 2005, VanGorder coached linebackers for the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team finished the season ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense. From 2001–04, he served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at the University of Georgia. During those years, the Bulldogs posted a 42–10 record, won one Southeastern Conference title, two SEC East Division titles, won three consecutive bowl games and posted three straight finishes among the ?Top 10’ in the country. Prior to Georgia, VanGorder was the defensive coordinator during the 2000 season at Western Illinois University, where he coached current Falcons linebacker Edgerton Hartwell. From 1998–99, he served as the defensive coordinator at Central Michigan University following a three–year stint at the University of Central Florida. VanGorder had his first head coaching opportunity at his alma mater Wayne State University, where he led the team to its first winning record in more than a decade. He started his coaching career in 1981 as an assistant coach at West Bloomfield (MI) High School. He served as the head coach at three high schools in the state of Florida, posting a record of 52–16.

VanGorder’s Coaching Background: Linebackers, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Head Coach, Georgia Southern (2006) | Linebackers, Jacksonville Jaguars (2005) | Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, University of Georgia (2001–04) | Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Western Illinois University (2000) | Defensive Coordinator, Central Michigan University (1998–99) | Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, University of Central Florida (1997) | Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator, University of Central Florida (1995–96) | Head Coach, Wayne State University (1992–94) | Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Grand Valley State University (1989–91) | Head Coach, Boca Raton Community High School (1988) | Head Coach, American Heritage High School (1984–87) | Head Coach, Boca Raton Academy (1982–83) | Assistant Coach, West Bloomfield High School (1981).

• Thomas, 63, enters his sixth season with the Atlanta Falcons. In 2006, CB DeAngelo Hall was one of two Falcons to earn Pro Bowl nods.

Thomas’ Coaching Background: Defensive Backs, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Senior Defensive Assistant/Secondary, Atlanta Falcons (2004–06) | Secondary, Atlanta Falcons (2002–03) | Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings (2000–01) | Defensive Coordinator, Green Bay Packers (1999) | Defensive Coordinator, Philadelphia Eagles (1995–98) | Secondary, Washington Redskins (1987–94) | Wide Receivers, Washington Redskins (1986) | Wide Receivers/Tight Ends, St. Louis Cardinals (1981–85) | Secondary, Central Missouri State (1979–80) | Defensive Coordinator, Central Missouri State (1979).

• Whitt Jr., 28, will serve as the Falcons assistant defensive backs coach under Emmitt Thomas after spending the past four seasons coaching cornerbacks and serving as a recruiting coordinator at Louisville. During his time with the Cardinals, Whitt transformed the Cardinals recruiting efforts, bringing the program onto the national scene. On the field, Whitt tutored CB William Gay, who recorded a team–high six interceptions in 2006 and was selected to the All–Big East first–team. In 2002, Whitt served as the wide receivers coach at the Citadel, where all of the receivers under his guidance produced career–high numbers. He started his coaching career as a student assistant at Auburn for two seasons.

Whitt’s Coaching Background: Assistant Defensive Backs, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Cornerbacks, Louisville (2003–06) | Wide Receivers, The Citadel (2002) | Student Assistant, Auburn (2000–01).

• Gannon, 23, will serve as the Falcons defensive quality control coach after serving as a defensive graduate assistant at Louisville in 2006. A former safety at Louisville, Gannon suffered a severe injury that ended his playing career in 2002.

Gannon’s Coaching Background: Defensive Quality Control, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Defensive Graduate Assistant, Louisville (2006).

• McMahon, 37, will serve as the Falcons assistant special teams coach after spending this past season coaching outside linebackers and special teams at Louisville. Similar to Bobby Petrino, McMahon is a native of Helena, Montana, and attended Carroll College. He spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach at Utah State, coaching alongside Petrino from 1995 to 1997. McMahon coached the defensive line for his final five seasons with the Aggies after serving as the special teams coordinator for two seasons. He originally started his stint at Utah State as a graduate assistant coaching defensive ends, serving in that capacity for three seasons. McMahon began his coaching career at his alma mater of Carroll College as the secondary coach after concluding his four–year playing career.

McMahon’s Coaching Background: Assistant Special Teams, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Special Teams Coordinator/Linebackers, Louisville (2006) | Defensive Line, Louisville (2001–05) | Special Teams Coordinator, Utah State (1998–2000) | Graduate Assistant, Utah State (1995–97) | Secondary, Carroll College (1994) | Assistant Coach, Bozeman High School (1993) | Secondary, Carroll College (1992).

• Marcus, 39, will serve as the Falcons head strength and conditioning coach after spending the past four seasons as the head strength coach at the University of Virginia, where he was also responsible for overseeing the McCue Center weight room. Marcus spent the previous three years with the New Orleans Saints as the assistant strength and conditioning coach, helping the head strength coach in all phases of physical development, including strength, conditioning, flexibility, nutrition, agility and speed improvement. Prior to joining the Saints staff, Marcus spent a decade as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at various colleges.

Marcus’ Coaching Background: Head Strength and Conditioning, Atlanta Falcons (2007) | Head Strength Coach, Virginia (2003–06) | Assistant Strength and Conditioning, New Orleans Saints (2000–2002) | Assistant Strength and Conditioning, Louisville (1998–99) | Assistant Strength and Conditioning, Texas (1995–97) | Assistant Strength and Conditioning, Maryland (1994) | Assistant Strength and Conditioning, Rutgers (1993) | Assistant Strength and Conditioning, Arizona State (1991–92).