Chargers hire former Falcons DC as LBs coach to finalize staff

The San Diego Chargers' new-look coaching staff is officially set.

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith joined the team as linebackers coach Monday, completing the group that will work alongside head coach Anthony Lynn.

"I am excited to have our coaching staff in place and we are all eager to get to work," Lynn said in a statement. "We have one of the most talented groups of coaches I have ever been around. There is a great mix of coaches with veteran experience and leadership, as well as some very strong, young, and innovative coaches. I am very excited to work alongside these men."

Smith was fired last week after the Falcons allowed the New England Patriots to erase a 25-point second-half lead en route to a Super Bowl LI victory. The Atlanta defense ranked 16th in total yards during the first year under Smith and head coach Dan Quinn before tumbling to 25th in 2016.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley steps in to take over the defense for the Chargers going forward, while Ken Whisenhunt remains on staff as offensive coordinator.