Falcons Targeting Ole Miss Co-DC Patrick Toney for Assistant Role

Toney is being eyed by Atlanta for its new defensive pass game coordinator position.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons are targeting Ole Miss football co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney to be their new defensive pass game coordinator. Toney is entering his first season as Ole Miss's defensive coordinator after previously serving as the Arizona Cardinals' defensive backs coach from 2023 to 2025.

Why it matters

The Falcons are undergoing a complete overhaul of their coaching staff after deciding to make a coaching change and hire former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. Toney's potential departure would leave Ole Miss with co-defensive coordinator Bryan Brown leading the defense.

The details

Toney did not call plays with the Rebels, and that might be a big reason why he is deciding to head to Atlanta. Before joining Ole Miss, Toney spent the 2022 season as the co-DC and safeties coach at Florida under then-Gators head coach Billy Napier, after following him from Louisiana, where he served four years on the Ragin' Cajuns' defensive staff, the last two as coordinator.

  • Toney is entering his first season as Ole Miss's defensive coordinator after being hired in early January 2026.
  • Toney previously served as the Arizona Cardinals' defensive backs coach from 2023 to 2025.

The players

Patrick Toney

Ole Miss football co-defensive coordinator who is being targeted by the Atlanta Falcons for their defensive pass game coordinator position.

Bryan Brown

Ole Miss co-defensive coordinator and head coach of the defense, who would lead the unit if Toney leaves.

Kevin Stefanski

New head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who is overseeing a complete overhaul of the team's coaching staff.

LaTroy Lewis

Former defensive lines coach for the Atlanta Falcons who was recently dismissed after being accused of rape during his time at Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“If Toney decides to leave Ole Miss, the Rebels still have co-defensive coordinator and Ole Miss alum Bryan Brown, whose official title is head coach of the defense, leading the unit, so it will be interesting if they decide to hire another defensive coordinator or keep the defense all to Brown.”

— Jake Faigus, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Atlanta Falcons will need to finalize their offer and negotiate with Patrick Toney to bring him on as their new defensive pass game coordinator.

The takeaway

This coaching move highlights the ongoing changes within the Atlanta Falcons organization as they look to rebuild their coaching staff under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. The potential loss of Patrick Toney would also impact Ole Miss's defensive coaching setup, potentially leading to further changes within their program.