T.J. Yates

Yates was named as the Falcons’ QB coach last offseason after previously serving as their wide receivers coach (2022-2023) and pass game specialist (2021). The soon-to-be 38-year-old coach has risen rapidly through the ranks in recent years and could be on pace to earn an offensive coordinator gig in 2026 if he’s able to excel in his new role.

Yates was hired by the Falcons as the passing game specialist in 2021 and moved to WR coach in 2022. The former North Carolina quarterback turned fifth-round draft pick spent seven seasons in the NFL as a quarterback and joined the coaching ranks in 2019. Given his experience as a quarterback, it would stand to reason that Yates would be better suited for his new role under new head coach Raheem Morris.

Yates spent that last two years with the Texans as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach. With new HC David Culley bringing in his own staff, he'll resurface with the Falcons, who Yates played for in 2014. Falcons coach Arthur Smith will call his own plays, but Yates will work closely with Smith and OC Dave Ragone.

Yates replaced Savage last week and engineered a couple of long touchdown drives, but it will be a different story Sunday when he faces the league's top-ranked passing defense.