Brian VanGorder

Biography

Brian VanGorder settles into his second season as the Falcons Defensive Coordinator after ascending to his current post following a successful campaign as the club’s Linebackers Coach in 2007.

In 2008, VanGorder started the retooling process of transforming the Falcons defense into a unit that plays with intensity, passion, aggression and toughness. VanGorder’s fi rst season as Defensive Coordinator was spent fi nding, teaching and molding his players into carrying that mindset into each practice and consequently every game. His troops responded by making steady improvements along the way and proved downright stingy when it came to surrendering points. The Falcons under VanGorder’s leadership fi nished 11th in the NFL in points allowed at just an average of 20.3 per contest.

With VanGorder’s guidance, young players, such as MLB Curtis Lofton and CB Chevis Jackson, played pivotal roles for a developing defense. Lofton earned a starting spot in the middle of the defense as a rookie, garnering NFL All-Rookie accolades by Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly, fi nishing fourth on the team in tackles and second in the entire League among all rookies
(according to Stats, Inc.) with 108 stops. Jackson’s rookie season saw him grow into an important nickel back, which was highlighted by a 95-yard interception return for a touchdown against New Orleans in Week 10 to seal the win in high fashion and keep the playoff push alive.

VanGorder’s defense also witnessed some key veterans making strong contributions in the form of DE John Abraham, DT Jonathan Babineaux, and S Erik Coleman. Abraham broke the team record for sacks in a season with 16.5 and personifi ed VanGorder’s idea of passionate play on every single down. Babineaux emerged as a disruptive force in the Falcons interior, making tackles behind the line, and consistently forcing double-teams. Coleman, a key free agent acquisition, fi t in nicely, galvanizing the secondary on his way to a careerhigh 127 tackles, second-best on the team, with three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

VanGorder took over control of the Falcons defense with an extensive coaching background that boasts over 26 years in the profession, including three seasons in the NFL trenches and four years as a highly successful Defensive Coordinator at arguably the toughest conference in the nation in the Southeastern Conference at the University of Georgia.

Prior to serving as the Head Coach of the Georgia Southern Eagles in 2006, VanGorder spent the 2005 season coaching the linebackers for the Jacksonville Jaguars under Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. Jacksonville ranked sixth in the NFL in total defense that season with VanGorder’s help.

From 2001-2004, VanGorder was in charge of the defense as Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach at Georgia. The Bulldogs posted a 42-10 record over his four seasons at UGA, won one SEC title, two SEC East Division championships, captured three Bowl games and ended up with three straight top 10 fi nishes in the fi nal national polls, In 2003, VanGorder received the Frank Boyles “Assistant Coach of the Year” award by the NCAA, which honors the nation’s top assistant coach, and also the Southern Sports Tonight’s assistant of the year in 2002 by the media.

In his last season in Athens (Ga.) in 2004, the 10-2 Bulldogs and seventh ranked team in the nation garnered a defense that ranked eighth overall and ninth in scoring defense. VanGorder’s 2003 defensive unit fi nished third nationally in scoring defense, fourth in total defense, and sixth in passing defense. In 2002, UGA’s stout defense allowed only 31 points during the fi nal seven games, propelling the Bulldogs to a Sugar Bowl win over Florida State (26-13) and a number three ranking overall in the polls. His strong defense also led the SEC in scoring defense and fi nished fourth nationally.

VanGorder also had coaching stints at Western Illinois (2000), Central Michigan (1998-99), the University of Central Florida (1995-1997), Wayne State (1992-1994) and Grand Valley State (1989-91).

VanGorder, 50, was born in Jackson, Michigan. He and his wife, Pollie, have fi ve children: Molloy, Morgan, Mack, Montgomery and Malone.

Brian VanGorder's Coaching Background

• 2008-2009 -- Defensive Coordinator // Atlanta Falcons
• 2007 -- Linebackers // Atlanta Falcons
• 2006 -- Head Coach // Georgia Southern
• 2005 -- Linebackers // Jaguars
• 2001-2004 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Georgia
• 2000 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Central Michigan
• 1998-1999 -- Defensive Coordinator // Central Michigan
• 1997 -- Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator // Central Florida
• 1995-1996 -- Linebackers/Special Teams Coordinator // Central Florida
• 1992-1994 -- Head Coach // Wayne State
• 1989-1991 -- Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers // Grand Valley State