Report: Falcons 'strongly considering' promoting Manuel to DC

The Atlanta Falcons are "strongly considering" promoting secondary coach Marquand Manuel to defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN's Vaughn McClure.

The 37-year-old would replace Richard Dent, who reportedly won't return as defensive coordinator for the 2017 season, though he could be retained in another role.

Manuel played eight seasons in the NFL at safety and came to Atlanta with head coach Dan Quinn in 2015.

Quinn reportedly took more responsibility for the play-calling during this season, so Manuel's lack of experience in this area is unlikely to be an issue.