The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant change to their coaching staff. Atlanta has fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, the team announced Saturday. Lake was in his first year with the Falcons after following head coach Raheem Morris from the Los Angeles Rams last spring.

Lake’s future seemed tenuous when head coach Raheem Morris was critical of the defensive effort in the season-ending loss to Carolina.

The Atlanta Falcons have fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers following first-year coach Raheem Morris’ sharp criticism of his defense.