NFL notes: Falcons fire defensive coordinator, line coach

After squandering a 25-point lead in the Super Bowl, the Atlanta Falcons are shaking up their defensive staff.

The team said Wednesday that coach Dan Quinn has dismissed coordinator Richard Smith and defensive line coach Bryan Cox, though there's a chance Smith could stay with the Falcons in an advisory role.

The changes mean the NFC champions will have two new coordinators next season. Kyle Shanahan left to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and was replaced as offensive coordinator by Steve Sarkisian.

Also, the Falcons promoted Keith Carter to running backs coach with Bobby Turner reportedly leaving to join Shanahan's staff in San Francisco. In addition, they will need a new quarterbacks coach; Matt LaFleur is expected to be named offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams.

Smith likely will be replaced by a coach already on staff. The Falcons are considering defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel, linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich and defensive passing game coordinator Jerome Henderson.

Manuel interviewed for the defensive coordinator post in Jacksonville last season.

Under Smith, 61, the Falcons showed significant improvement over the second half of the season and two playoff victories with a unit that often started as many four rookies and four second-year players.

The Patriots piled up 546 yards and a staggering 37 first downs while running more than twice as many plays as Atlanta, 93-46. Brady, the game's MVP, completed 43 of 62 passes for 466 yards and two TDs. In addition, New England made two straight 2-point conversions to force the first overtime game in Super Bowl history.

• Coming off a 1-15 season, the Cleveland Browns have lowered the price of many tickets.

The Browns said reducing ticket prices "was the right thing to do for our fans."

Tickets will be decreased in 40 percent of FirstEnergy Stadium.

Prices will drop from $5 to $15 per game, depending on location.

• The Eagles released cornerback Leodis McKelvin, saving $3.2 million in salary cap space. McKelvin started 12 games in his only season in Philadelphia. He had two interceptions, including one returned 29 yards for a touchdown.

• The Panthers re-signed backup linebacker and versatile special teams player Ben Jacobs to a two-year contract.

• The Jets signed free agent offensive tackle Jeff Adams, who spent the past three seasons with the Texans. … The Jets also hired Jeremy Bates as their quarterbacks coach. Bates had that job with the team in 2005.