ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons’ record-breaking pass rush is getting a new architect. Just days after the defense capped off a historic 2025 campaign, outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith is departing for the college ranks to join Texas Tech, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. In a swift response, the Falcons have elevated defensive assistant John Timu to fill the void, ensuring continuity for a unit that just shattered the franchise sack record.
From the NFL to Lubbock: Smith’s New Chapter
Jacquies Smith’s exit comes as a surprise, but his destination makes perfect sense given his resume. The 35-year-old is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the Red Raiders’ new OLB coach. Smith is no stranger to the Big 12 landscape; before his two-year stint under Raheem Morris in Atlanta, he served as an assistant edge coach at Texas in 2023. His recruiting chops in the Lone Star State were a major selling point for Texas Tech.
Smith leaves behind a massive footprint in Atlanta. Under his watch, the Falcons’ outside linebackers morphed into the league’s most feared group. The defense racked up a franchise-record 57 sacks this past season, a total that powered them through the NFC South.
Timu Steps Up: The “Next Man Up” Mentality
The Falcons wasted zero time looking for a replacement. John Timu, who has been grinding in the trenches as a defensive assistant since 2024, gets the well-deserved nod. Timu isn’t just a clipboard holder; he’s been instrumental in the development of Atlanta’s defensive front.
Working in tandem with defensive line coach Nate Ollie, Timu helped orchestrate a breakout season for second-year defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus. The former Oregon Duck exploded for 8.5 sacks in 2025, leading all NFC interior linemen. Timu’s ability to maximize talent—proven during his previous stops with the Chargers and Washington Huskies—suggests the pass rush won’t miss a beat.
Young Guns: The Legacy Smith Leaves (and Timu Inherits)
Timu inherits a gold mine of young talent. The 2025 rookie class was nothing short of spectacular:
- James Pearce Jr.: The relentless edge rusher finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, terrorizing quarterbacks from Week 1.
- Jalon Walker: The fellow first-rounder proved his worth, putting together a disruptive debut season that complemented Pearce’s speed off the edge.
“When you look at what we built, it’s about the standard. Jacquies set that standard high, but John [Timu] has been right there in the mud with us. We aren’t changing the frequency; we’re just turning up the volume.” — Raheem Morris, Falcons Head Coach (via Press Conference)
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
For Texas Tech, landing Smith is a recruiting coup that could reshape their defensive identity. For Atlanta, the promotion of Timu signals a commitment to stability. With Pearce Jr. and Walker entering their second years and Dorlus hitting his prime, Timu’s primary job is simple: keep the pressure on. The Falcons have the pieces to dominate the NFC for years, and now it’s on Timu to ensure the sack record wasn’t a one-hit wonder.