The Atlanta Falcons are entering a new era under head coach Kevin Stefanski and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich-but if you’re looking for sweeping changes across the coaching staff, you might be surprised. Stefanski and Ulbrich chose continuity over overhaul, retaining nearly the entire defensive coaching staff from the previous regime.
That consistency speaks volumes about how the organization views its defensive foundation. Still, one notable name won’t be returning: outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith.
Smith, 35, was the lone assistant not retained by the new staff. Instead, the Falcons promoted John Timu to take over the outside linebackers room-a move that signals confidence in Timu’s development as a coach but also raises eyebrows considering Smith’s solid track record with the unit.
But Smith didn’t stay on the market long. According to reports, he’s finalizing a deal to become the new outside linebackers coach at Texas Tech. For Smith, a Texas native, it’s a return to familiar territory and a chance to continue building his coaching résumé at the college level.
Smith’s coaching journey has been on a steady rise. Before his time in Atlanta, he spent the 2023 season at the University of Texas as an assistant edge coach, where he gained valuable recruiting experience and built relationships across the state. That background should serve him well in Lubbock, where Texas Tech is coming off a College Football Playoff appearance and boasts one of the most disruptive pass rushes in the country.
While Smith may not have been the headline name on Atlanta’s defensive staff, his fingerprints were on the development of some key players. He worked closely with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. this past season-two college OLBs who transitioned to new roles in the pros. Though Ulbrich and defensive line coach Nate Ollie deserve plenty of credit for the Falcons’ defensive progress, Smith’s role in helping those players adapt shouldn’t go unnoticed.
At Texas Tech, Smith steps into a program that’s trending upward. The Red Raiders have a trio of pass rushers-David Bailey, Jacob Rodriguez, and Lee Hunter-who are generating serious NFL buzz. That’s a strong foundation for Smith to build on, and with his NFL experience and recruiting chops, he’s in a position to thrive.
For the Falcons, the decision to promote Timu reflects a belief in internal development. Timu has been quietly rising through the coaching ranks and now gets his shot to lead a position group. It’s a calculated risk, but one that Ulbrich clearly believes in.
As for Smith, this move to Texas Tech is more than just a soft landing-it’s a real opportunity. He’s back in his home state, coaching a talented group, and working within a program that’s gaining national relevance. If he continues on this trajectory, don’t be surprised if we see him back in the NFL soon-this time with a bigger title.