Falcons shake up defense after Super Bowl collapse

New England Patriots’ James White scores the winning touchdown during overtime of the NFL Super Bowl 51 football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017, in Houston. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed a clear-out of the team’s defensive coaching staff in the wake of the franchise’s historic Super Bowl collapse, it was reported Wednesday.

Defensive co-ordinator Richard Smith and line coach Bryan Cox have both been sacked following Sunday’s epic defeat to the New England Patriots, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

The paper said the team denied that the shake-up was linked to the disastrous second-half performance in the Super Bowl, when the Falcons leaked 31 unanswered points as the Patriots secured a dramatic victory.

Smith, 61, was appointed defensive co-ordinator two years ago following a stint with the Denver Broncos.

Cox, 48, had been the defensive line coach since 2014.

The Falcons have also started rebuilding their offensive coaching department after co-ordinator Kyle Shanahan confirmed his move to the San Francisco 49ers.

Shanahan is to be replaced by Alabama college offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.