The Falcons recently announced that Joe Lombardi has been named the team's new defensive assistant. He replaces Dennis Allen, who was hired as the defensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints earlier this month.
Joe is grandson of legendary coach, Vince Lombardi, and brother of PackerReport.com columnist John Lombardi.
"Joe brings a great deal of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm to his new role as defensive assistant," said Falcons head coach Jim Mora. "He's been a coach on both sides of the ball and has extensive experience at the collegiate level working with the defensive line. We are excited that he has agreed to become a member of our team."
Lombardi joins the Falcons from Mercyhurst (Erie, PA) College, where he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since 2002. He also served as a recruiting coordinator for the college.
Prior to working at Mercyhurst College, Lombardi coached tight ends and running backs for the XFL's, New York/New Jersey Hitmen. In 2000, he served as the defensive line coach, as well as the strength and conditioning coordinator, at Bucknell University. Bucknell was ranked in the Top 10 in defending the run and in the Top 20 in total points allowed that season.
Lombardi coached both tight ends and tackles at the Virginia Military Institute in 1999. He started his coaching career at the University of Dayton, where he was responsible for the defensive line from 1996 to 1998. The Flyers won 20 straight games and were ranked in the top 25 in Division I-AA twice during his tenure. Lombardi also served as the special teams coordinator at Dayton.
A 1994 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Lombardi earned three letters as a tight end for the school.