The in 2017 are not going to look the same as the 2016 version. That's not unusual, because football teams change drastically from year to year all the time, but there is significant coaching staff turnover Jamal Crawford Jersey for the 2016 NFC champions. More on Falcons We already know that to be the 49ers head coach (you can ). Steve Sarkisian , which should ease the transition some, but it's still a huge change.Even more changes are coming defensively as well, according to Alex Marvez of the Sporting News Caris LeVert Jersey . Both defensive coordinator Richard Smith and defensive line coach Bryan Cox are set to be let go by the team.Source tells Richard Smith no longer DC & Bryan Cox dismi sed as defensive line coach. Story coming ASAP at Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) On one hand, it's not surprising to see a team that gave up a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl decide to try and improve the defense by making changes. On the other hand, the Falcons defense took a big step forward in the latter part of the 2016 season, with the young defense starting Kevin Durant Jersey to gel and then looking incredible in the first half against the . The defensive line was getting pre sure on , the secondary picked off Brady for a touchdown and they held the high-powered Patriots offense to just three points. Smith may not be done in Atlanta -- according to the reports, he could return in an advisory role. Julius Erving Jersey In terms of replacements, Marvez reports the Falcons are likely to look at in-house candidates. Raheem Morris is a prime candidate, currently owning the title of A sistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers Coach. Morris is traditionally a defensive guy, having served as the defensive backs coach for the (2007-08) before being promoted to head coach and then as the secondary coach for the (2012-14) before making the jump to the Falcons staff.There's also an interesting name on the , with ESPN's Vaughn McClure speculating that could be a potential candidate to help coach the defensive line if he retires. McClure also reports Wilson Chandler Jersey that to current secondary coach Marquand Manuel as the next defensive coordinator. Regardle s, there's a lot up in the air for the defending NFC champs as they start to turn their attention to 2017. They're hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.