Lanier Goethie was named Atlanta Falcons defensive front specialist on Feb. 27, 2023 after spending two seasons (2021-22) as a defensive assistant on Atlanta's staff.

In 2022, Atlanta's defense led the league in fewest penalties per game (1.06) and limited opponents to the second-fewest second half points per game this season allowing only 7.9 points per game after halftime. 

Prior to joining Atlanta's staff, Goethie served as the linebackers coach at Duke University from 2018-20. In 2020, linebacker Shaka Heyward led the Blue Devils with 80 total tackles. The year prior, Goethie coached senior Koby Quansah to third-team All-ACC honors after tallying 105 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and three passes defensed. In his first season at Duke, Goethie coached Joe Giles-Harris to first-team All-ACC honors, while Ben Humphreys received All-ACC honors.

Prior to his tenure at Duke, Goethie served as the linebackers coach for two seasons (2016-17) at Louisiana Tech. During his time there, the Bulldogs made an appearance in the 2016 Conference USA championship game and won consecutive bowl games over Navy and SMU.

From 2012-15, Goethie worked on the staff at Delta State (Miss.) University, coaching linebackers and serving as the program's recruiting coordinator. In 2014, the Statesmen posted an NCAA Division II-high 119 tackles for loss.

Goethie spent the 2011 season coaching outside linebackers and serving as the recruiting coordinator at North Greenville (S.C.) University. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Mississippi working primarily with the defense from 2009-10.

A native of Baxley, Ga., Goethie played four seasons (1999-2002) at the University of Mississippi under head coach David Cutcliffe. He totaled 178 total tackles and was named a team captain as a senior in 2002. Goethie, who graduated from Ole Miss in 2003 with a degree in marketing and later earned a master's degree from the institution in higher education administration, is married to the former Keonna Starks.