Falcons lure Pees out of 2nd retirement to be DC

Veteran defensive coordinator Dean Pees will end his second retirement to join the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced Thursday.

Pees, who will take on the same role in Atlanta, retired one year ago following his second season with the Tennessee Titans. The 71-year-old also retired after the 2017 campaign while he was with the Baltimore Ravens.

Pees will work under Arthur Smith, whom the Falcons tabbed as their new head coach. Smith and Pees were on the same staff in Tennessee.

Atlanta also hired Chicago Bears passing game coordinator Dave Ragone as its offensive coordinator. Smith previously said he'll call plays for the Falcons, just as he did for the Titans.