Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith may be the Raiders' next defensive coordinator

The Atlanta Falcons needed to part ways with former head coach Mike Smith. It was time. But that doesn't mean Smitty lacks in the talent department. He's a respected coach, with plenty of experience coordinating defenses. Give him an entire team to run and things can get shaky.

As I'm sure you've heard, the Oakland Raiders hired former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio yesterday.   Oakland Raiders beat writer Steve Corkran believes Del Rio will likely want Smitty to be his defensive coordinator.

If Jack Del Rio gets hired as #Raiders coach, fired Falcons head coach Mike Smith is Del Rio's top choice as defensive coordinator.

— Steve Corkran (@CorkOnTheNFL) January 14, 2015

Remember, Smitty was Del Rio's defensive coordinator from 2003-2007 in Jacksonville. There's that familiarity, and notwithstanding his critics, Smitty can contribute in a support role. Or the train wreck that is Raiders football could get even worse. Meh.

Your thoughts?