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The Falcons are interviewing Bryan Cox for their defensive line coach opening, the first confirmed interview as the Falcons seek to replace the recently fired Ray Hamilton. Cox spent 2013 as a pass rush specialist on Tampa Bay's coaching staff, though he's gone with Lovie Smith coming in and Greg Schiano out.
Was just told by a reliable source that former Bucs pass rush coach is set to interview for Falcons DL coach opening.
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) January 9, 2014
Bryan Cox
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) January 9, 2014
So what does Cox bring to the table? It's going to depend on how much credit you're willing to give the coach, but the Dolphins put up top ten sack numbers in 2011. The Bucs weren't the best pass rushing team in the league in 2012 and 2013, but they were solid and Cox worked with some young players.He also does has previous experience as a defensive line coach, serving in that capacity back in 2009 and 2010 in Cleveland and doing developmental work there.
Mike Nolan is certainly familiar with him, considering he coached Cox in 2000 and worked with him on staff in Miami back in 2011. No Jacksonville connection, I fear.
Cox is also a tough, capable former linebacker who played 12 seasons in the NFL, racking up 51.5 sacks and three Pro Bowl selections. If you're the kind of football fan who wants their coaches to have played the game and thrived on the field, Cox is your man.
This is just an interview, so I wouldn't get too psyched just yet, but Cox is an intriguing candidate at minimum. What say you?