EDITOR'S NOTE: Brian VanGorder was officially named Falcons defensive coordinator the evening Jan. 25, 2008.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Former linebackers coach Brian VanGorder, who left the team at the end of 2007 to become defensive coordinator at the University of South Carolina, is expected to return to the Falcons as defensive coordinator on new Head Coach Mike Smith's staff.
Various media reports confirmed VanGorder's return Thursday evening.
VanGorder is the third assistant to be added to Smith's staff.
During his introductory press conference Thursday afternoon, Smith announced the team would retain former interim head coach Emmitt Thomas as an assistant head coach. Thomas has been with the Falcons for six seasons coaching defensive backs. Reports also have Bill Musgrave staying on board as quarterbacks coach.
VanGorder coached with Smith in Jacksonville from 2004 to 2006. The highly-successful college coach has also held post as defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia and as head coach at Georgia Southern. He has more than 25 years of coaching experience.
Thursday, Smith hinted the team was close to finalizing a deal with VanGorder.
As linebackers coach for the Falcons, VanGorder oversaw the development of linebacker Michael Boley. Boley narrowly missed a Pro Bowl invitation in his third season after notching 125 total tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles.
Stay with AtlantaFalcons.com for more information on the team's search for assistant coaches
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