Brian VanGorder

Biography

Bran VanGorder takes over the Falcons defense with an extensive coaching background that spans over 25 years in the profession, including two 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 and the University of Georgia.

VanGorder joined the Falcons in 2007 as the Linebackers Coach and guided a unit consisting of veteran linebackers such as Keith Brooking and Michael Boley, who both finished number one and two, respectively, on the Falcons tackle charts this past season. Boley set numerous career highs in 2007 under VanGorder’s guidance, including total tackles (125), solo tackles (88) and forced fumbles (3), while setting a franchise record with three sacks in the first half of a Thanksgiving Day game against Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Brooking led the Falcons in tackles for the seventh consecutive season with 127.

“I worked with Brian in Jacksonville and have a tremendous amount of respect for him,” said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith on announcing VanGorder’s hiring. “He brings an aggressive approach that I’m sure will benefit our defense.”

The 2008 campaign will mark VanGorder’s third year in the NFL. 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 new 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 finishes in the final 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 finished 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 final 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 finished 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, 48, was born in Jackson, Michigan. He and his wife, Pollie, have five children: Molloy, Morgan, Mack, Montgomery and Malone.