Marquand

Manuel

According to Archer, Manuel is scheduled to interview with the Cowboys on Thursday. He is currently the Jets’ safeties coach and was previously the Falcons’ defensive coordinator from 2017-2018. The 44-year-old played for Mike McCarthy in 2006 with the Packers, forming a connection with the current Cowboys head coach. The Cowboys are continuing to explore options at defensive coordinator, Manuel being the latest scheduled interview.

Manuel was Falcons DC in 2017 and 2018, and was in the mix for the Carolina defensive coordinator job before they snagged Ejiro Evero. The Texans are only beginning their DC search under DeMeco Ryans but have started with Manuel and Chris Harris.

Manuel “made a strong impression” in his interview with the Panthers earlier this month. The Jets’ secondary allowed the second fewest passing yards and third fewest points this year under Manuel, a former safety who played for the Panthers in 2007. Manuel would be a retread hire if he lands in Carolina after serving as defensive coordinator for Dan Quinn’s Falcons from 2017-2018.

Manuel has been coaching in the NFL in some capacity since 2012. He earned a short-lived stint as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator a few years ago before joining the Eagles and then the Jets. New York’s secondary was elite this year, ranking second in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed. Manuel’s interview could be a sign that interim head coach Steve Wilks and his staff are on their way out. Al Holcomb is currently the interim defensive coordinator, though Manuel is set to interview for that job soon.

Still only 41, Manuel will bring defensive coordinator experience to Robert Saleh’s staff. He was the Falcons’ defensive boss from 2017-18. Manuel has been coaching NFL defensive backs in some capacity since 2012.

Manuel is a former NFL safety and has defensive coordinator experience with the Falcons, so it’s a nice addition for Philly. He’ll be replacing Cory Undlin, who recently left the Eagles to join the Lions as their defensive coordinator. The Eagles had a down 2019 season largely because of their secondary, one that needs offseason reinforcements.

Philadelphia is seeking a replacement for Cory Undlin, who recently defected to Detroit, where he’ll serve as Matt Patricia’s defensive coordinator. The Eagles also conducted a sit-down with Browns DBs coach DeWayne Walker, though Manuel appears to be the favorite and could be hired as soon as Friday, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. A former safety who played for the Bengals, Seahawks, Packers, Panthers, Broncos and Lions across his eight NFL seasons, Manuel spent last year out of the league following a two-year stint as Atlanta’s defensive coordinator.

Manuel was fired when the Falcons cleaned house following the season, but Atlanta’s struggles on defense in 2018 had more to do with injuries than the coordinator. Manuel would be a solid, experienced hire for an organization which has already watched Dom Capers and Jack Del Rio pass on the job. Pelissero also mentions Texas A&M DC Mike Elko, Florida DC Todd Grantham, Saints DBs coach Aaron Glenn, and Rams DBs coach Aubrey Pleasant as candidates to join Cincinnati’s staff.

Atlanta also fired OC Steve Sarkisian and ST coordinator Keith Armstrong. Manuel’s firing appears to be a case of coach Dan Quinn wanting to take on a bigger role on defense. “I believe [Manuel] should have the opportunity to call plays for a defense,” Quinn said, “so we have decided to allow his contract to expire so he can explore those opportunities.” Atlanta’s defense was a bottom-five unit in 2018, but injuries played a big role in their struggles. Manuel should land on his feet.

Roman, the incumbent starter, is expected to share first-team reps with Manuel, the free agent signing from Seattle, in training camp.