Koetter signs contract extension with Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith says offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has signed a contract extension to stay with the team through next season.

Koetter’s name surfaced this week as a head coaching candidate in Cleveland, Kansas City and Philadelphia.

In his first season with the Falcons, Koetter has overseen an offense that ranks second in third-down efficiency, seventh in scoring and fewest sacks allowed and eighth in total yards.

Smith praised Koetter’s play-calling and game-planning with helping Atlanta earn the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed.

Ryan added that Koetter “does a great job in putting all of our guys in position to succeed.”

Koetter, who was not available to speak with reporters, spent four years with Jacksonville before joining the Falcons last January.

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