Falcons Name Mularky Offensive Coordinator

Discussion in 'Atlanta Falcons' started by WarEagle, Jan 25, 2008.

  1. WarEagle

    WarEagle Team Veteran

    The Atlanta Falcons today named Mike Mularkey the teams new offensive coordinator.

    Mularkey comes to the Falcons with a vast amount of coaching experience in the NFL, which includes two years as a Head Coach (Buffalo Bills) and two stints as an Offensive Coordinator, one with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2001-2003) and the other with the Miami Dolphins (2006).

    I am really excited to have Mike join our staff, said Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith. He is a well respected coach in this League who has had success for many years at a high level as an Offensive Coordinator and Head Coach. We share the same philosophies on the offensive side of the ball and I think he is a tremendous addition to our staff.

    Last season, Mularkey served as the Tight Ends Coach for the Dolphins and guided seven-year veteran David Martin who finished fourth on the team in receptions (34). Before joining Miamis staff in 2006, Mularkey spent two seasons as the Head Coach of the Buffalo Bills. In his first season (2004), he led the Bills to their first winning campaign in five years with a 9-7 record as the club tallied wins in nine of their final 12 games.

    From 1996-2003, Mularkey spent eight seasons on the staff of the Pittsburgh Steelers under Bill Cowher and served as the Offensive Coordinator in his final three years. Under Mularkeys tutelage, the Steelers finished third and fifth, respectively, in the NFL in total offense in his first two years at the post. Pittsburgh also averaged 173.4 rushing yards per game, which led the League in 2001. Mularkey helped the Steelers register a 13-3 record in 2001 on the way to an AFC Central Division championship and an AFC Championship Game appearance. He spent his first five years in Pittsburgh as the Tight Ends Coach and guided the likes of Mark Bruener, who was regarded as one of the best run-blocking tight ends in the League during his tenure.

    Mularkey earned his start in the NFL as a Quality Control Coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1994 and was then promoted to Tight Ends Coach the following season. His first coaching venture came at Concordia College where he spent the 1993 season as the Offensive Line Coach.

    Mularkeys NFL experience also includes a nine-year playing career as a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings (1983-1988) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1989-1991).

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