Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris interviewed several candidates for the vacant defensive coordinator role on his new staff - but ultimately decided on a familiar face.
The Falcons announced Monday they hired Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach Jimmy Lake to be their defensive coordinator, replacing Ryan Nielsen, who departed for the Jacksonville Jaguars before Atlanta hired Morris on Jan. 25.
So, who is Lake and why does Morris trust him?
The answer starts first by recognizing the extensive history Morris has with Lake.
Their professional relationship began in 2007, when Morris was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' cornerbacks coach and Lake was his assistant.
They were separated for the next two years, but from 2010-2011, Lake was the defensive backs coach under Morris, who was Tampa Bay's head coach.
In the years that followed, Morris became the defensive backs coach of the now-Washington Commanders before a six-year stint in Atlanta that ultimately concluded with 11 games as the team's interim head coach. He then ventured to Los Angeles for three seasons as defensive coordinator.
Lake, conversely, returned for a second round of college football coaching, serving as Boise State University's defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator from 2012-2013.
He left Boise State for the University of Washington, rising from defensive backs coach to defensive coordinator and, ultimately, head coach.
During his two years as head coach, Lake went 7-6 before being fired Nov. 14, 2021, less than a week after he was suspended for shoving a player out of the way of a brawl. He was not fired for cause and Washington paid his buyout.
The 47-year-old Lake spent 2022 away from football but returned in the spring of 2023, when he joined the Rams as assistant head coach - and was reunited with Morris, still the team's defensive coordinator.
Rams head coach Sean McVay gave credit to Morris for helping form his relationship with Lake, which ultimately played a big part in the Rams' decision to hire him.
"I've known Jimmy for a while through Raheem Morris," McVay said March 10. "Great overall perspective, obviously as a head coach, areas on the defensive side of the ball, but some of the different things he'll be able to provide from a leadership perspective, from an offense to defense, defense to offense will be incredibly valuable.
"It's been great having Jimmy in the building."
Prior to entering coaching, Lake played four seasons as a strong safety at Eastern Washington University, earning honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference in 1998 while being named a team captain.
Despite being a defensive player and spending his entire coaching career defensively focused, Lake was involved in both sides of the ball with the Rams due to his extensive experience.
McVay noted his role was a reflection of the confidence he had in Lake as a leader.
"I think some of the leadership experiences that he's had will serve well," McVay said. "There's a bunch of different roles, but the assistant head coach is a reflection of the respect I have for Jimmy, but then also his involvement on both sides of the football."
Lake also received opportunities to stand in front of the team and communicate messages and presentations throughout the season, further confirmation his leadership presence in Los Angeles.
The Falcons have yet to announce whether Lake or Morris will call defensive plays, but whether Lake handles the traditional defensive coordinator role or not, his pedigree as a strong secondary developer will be valued in Atlanta.
While with the Rams, Lake garnered praise for the growth of second-year cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick and helped implement late addition Ahkello Witherspoon into a prominent role.
Now, Lake will bring his combination of experience, leadership and player development to Atlanta - and could serve as Morris's righthand man in the process.
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