Falcons name new defensive backs coach

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons today named Alvin Reynolds the team’s new defensive backs coach. Reynolds, a 15-year NFL coaching veteran, will work with Falcons assistant head coach/secondary Emmitt Thomas.

Reynolds joins the Falcons after spending the past five seasons with Atlanta Head Coach Mike Smith with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the defensive backs coach (2003-2007). He guided a secondary that ranked fourth in the AFC after totaling 20 interceptions (tying a team record) this past season, led by rookie safety Reggie Nelson’s five picks. In 2006, cornerback Rashean Mathis led the club with a team-record eight interceptions as the Jaguars set a franchise high with 20 interceptions.

Prior to his coaching stint in Jacksonville, Reynolds served as a defensive assistant for the Carolina Panthers from 1999-2003. He was in Baltimore for the first three seasons of the Ravens franchise (1996-1998) as the secondary coach. Reynolds began his NFL coaching career with the Denver Broncos as a defensive assistant from 1993-1995 and worked with defensive backs Steve Atwater and Dennis Smith.

In 1982, Reynolds joined his alma mater Indiana State as a graduate assistant. He was named the team’s secondary coach in 1983 and served in that capacity before becoming an assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator in addition to coaching the secondary in 1990. He coached two All-America players, including former NFL star Venice Glenn.

Reynolds was a standout strong safety at Indiana State (1978-1981) and received two votes for the Heisman Trophy as a senior. He totaled 225 career tackles while adding 21 passes defensed, five fumble recoveries and five interceptions.

Alvin Reynolds’ Coaching Background