Former Husky Coach Lake Joins Falcons as Defensive Coordinator

: Jimmy Lake’s Redemption Story: From UW Coach to Atlanta Falcons’ Defensive Coordinator

Jimmy Lake, the former University of Washington football coach, is in the process of rebuilding his reputation after being hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator, marking a significant step in his career redemption journey. Lake, aged 47, joins the Falcons following his stint with the Los Angeles Rams, where he worked alongside Raheem Morris, the newly appointed Falcons’ head coach, as defensive assistant and defensive coordinator under Sean McVay’s leadership during the previous season.

Lake’s professional relationship with Morris dates back to their time together in Tampa Bay, where Lake served as the defensive backs coach under Morris’ tenure as the Buccaneers’ head coach in 2010-11. The familiarity and mutual respect between Lake and Morris have played a crucial role in Lake’s transition to his new role in Atlanta.

Lake’s coaching trajectory took a tumultuous turn during his tenure at the University of Washington, where he faced challenges ranging from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to a sudden decline in the program’s performance. Despite these adversities, Lake has swiftly rebounded and reignited his coaching career.

Lake initially joined the Huskies’ coaching staff in 2014 as part of Chris Petersen’s coaching staff. Following Petersen’s departure after the 2019 season, Lake was promoted to head coach. However, his tenure as head coach was marred by difficulties, including navigating the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic.

In the 2020 season, Lake guided the Huskies to a promising start with a 3-1 record, positioning them atop the Pac-12 North Division. However, their momentum was halted by a COVID outbreak that affected the team’s offensive linemen, resulting in the cancellation of crucial games, including the conference title game and bowl opportunities.

The 2021 season proved to be particularly challenging for Lake and the Huskies. Despite entering the season with a veteran team ranked No. 20 in the preseason, the Huskies suffered a shocking upset in their opener against Montana, setting the tone for a disappointing season marked by underperformance and off-field controversies.

One such incident occurred during a game against Oregon, where Lake was caught on camera shoving reserve linebacker Ruperake Fuavai during a sideline altercation. This incident, combined with the team’s underwhelming performance, led to Lake’s suspension and subsequent termination as head coach, culminating in his departure from the Huskies after coaching just 13 games.

While the specifics of Lake’s departure from Washington were not explicitly stated, it is widely believed that his treatment of players, coupled with the team’s underachievement, contributed to his dismissal. The Huskies finished the 2021 season with a disappointing 4-8 record, further tarnishing Lake’s coaching legacy.

Following his departure from Washington, Lake took a hiatus from coaching in 2022 before joining the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff 11 months ago, where he worked closely with Morris. Lake’s tenure with the Rams provided him with an opportunity to rebuild his coaching credentials and demonstrate his value as a defensive strategist.

Now, as he embarks on his new role as the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator, Lake is poised to revitalize his coaching career and make a meaningful impact in the NFL. His experience, expertise, and determination to overcome past challenges position him as a valuable addition to the Falcons’ coaching staff, offering a fresh start and an opportunity for redemption in the competitive landscape of professional football.