The Falcons new defensive coordinator Dean Pees met with the Atlanta media for the first time today and had many interesting things to say, but what I want to focus on is a common theme.
Pees was a long-time defensive coordinator for the Patriots, then the Ravens, before joining the Titans staff in 2018. After the 2019 season, he decided to hang it up. Obviously, that didn’t last too long, as he came out of retirement to become the defensive coordinator in Atlanta. When asked why he decided to return, he gave two specific reasons — his love for the game and Arthur Smith.
Dean Pees: "I came out of retirement because I really missed it. And I think the world of Arthur Smith. I loved working with him."
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) January 29, 2021
Pees also said the Atlanta Falcons as an organization played a role.
Dean Pees: "I had the itch but I wasn't going to go out and search for a job. I came here because of the Atlanta Falcons and Arthur Smith."
— Jason Butt (@JasonHButt) January 29, 2021
It was reported that the Titans and Mike Vrabel also attempted to entice Pees out of retirement to return as their defensive coordinator, but he chose Smith and the Falcons instead. That should tell you all you need to know about Smith, who has received glowing reviews from everyone that’s been around him as a coach, including Derrick Henry, as I reported yesterday.
Obviously, kind words from former players and staff members don’t win football games, and being a head coach is much different than being an offensive coordinator. However, it’s becoming clear why Arthur Smith was the hottest coaching commodity on the block.
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