NFL

Falcons defensive coordinator Pees ends 50-year coaching career

By Sports Desk January 09, 2023

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees has called time on his 50-year coaching career.

Pees announced his retirement on Monday after the Falcons failed to make the playoffs, finishing the season with a 7-10 record.

The 73-year-old worked for seven college programs and four NFL franchises, finishing in Atlanta after spells with the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans.

Pees is one of eight defensive coordinators in NFL history to coach in a Super Bowl with two different teams, playing his part in New England and Baltimore's runs to one of the biggest events in sport.

His retirement comes less than a month after he was taken to hospital ahead of the clash against the New Orleans Saints after being involved in an on-field collision.

Pees had been with the Falcons since coming out of retirement following the hiring of Arthur Smith two years ago.

Falcons head coach Smith said of Pees: "You appreciate all the work and the sacrifice.

"We all get paid to do this and we're lucky as hell, but there are sacrifices you have to make. Dean's a guy who has coached at every level and had success.

"He has impacted a lot of lives and he has impacted the game."

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