"After suffering an embarrassing playoff loss for the third time in four seasons, the Falcons began a team makeover on Monday, signaled by the departure of Brian VanGorder to the college ranks.

VanGorder, 52, Atlanta's defensive coordinator the past four seasons and linebackers coach for one season, left the team to accept the defensive coordinator position at Auburn.

Neither Falcons coach Mike Smith nor VanGorder offered reasons for the change. While it appeared VanGorder might have been made a scapegoat, Smith would not address any specifics."