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Atlanta Falcons reportedly mulling coordinator changes at season's end

Steve Sarkisian and Marquand Manuel have only been directing the Falcons offense and defense for three combined seasons.

ATLANTA — At 5-9 overall and devoid of any playoff prospects, the Atlanta Falcons are a long way from the 2016 squad which captured the NFC title and missed out on Super Bowl glory in excruciating fashion (up 28-3 in the third quarter ... you know the rest).

In that vein, few should be surprised if the Falcons do a little housecleaning during the offseason.

How much? This lingering question got some clarity on Tuesday, with NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero hinting it's a 'strong possibility' the club terminates offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Marquand Manuel in the coming weeks.

Regarding the fates of head coach Dan Quinn (34-28 overall over four seasons, including two playoff berths) and longtime general manager Thomas Dimitroff, they're likely safe, according to Pelissero, a reflection of their three-year contract extensions from last summer.

However, that's not to say the pair would survive another season of middling results.

That urgency might have been amped-up in recent weeks, coinciding with owner Arthur Blank experiencing championship exhilaration with his Atlanta United (Major League Soccer champions).

The Sarkisian-led Falcons offense got off to a blistering start this season, rolling for 30-plus points five times in the first eight games. 

There was also a prolific stretch where QB Matt Ryan and the Atlanta offense converted 11 consecutive red-zone trips into touchdowns.

But alas, the Falcons were painfully mediocre during their recent five-game losing slide, averaging just 17.6 points for this anemic period.

Manuel has been directing the Falcons defense for just one season; but 2018 also marks his third year with the club. What's more, Atlanta ranks 29th overall in scoring defense.

As a general rule, when NFL head coaches are given shape-up or ship-out mandates for the following season, the last act of self-preservation typically involves staff changes at the coordinator slots.

The Falcons will conclude this injury-wrecked campaign with road trips to Carolina and Tampa Bay.

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