Mularkey was Miami's tight ends coach in 2007.
On Thursday, Smith hired Brian Van Gorder as defensive coordinator. Smith also announced Thursday Emmitt Thomas will remain on staff as assistant head coach and again coach the secondary. Thomas was the Falcons' secondary coach this season who was 1-2 as interim head coach following the sudden resignation of Bobby Petrino.
Mularkey, a former head coach with Buffalo, also has worked as offensive coordinator with Miami (2006) and Pittsburgh (2001-03).
Smith made the hire only one day after he was introduced as Atlanta's head coach.
``He is a well-respected coach in this league who has had success for many years at a high level as an offensive coordinator and head coach,'' Smith said. ``We share the same philosophies on the offensive side of the ball and I think he is a tremendous addition to our staff.''
Mularkey coached under Bill Cowher at Pittsburgh from 1996-2003, including the final three years as offensive coordinator.
Mularkey is expected to emphasize a power running game in Atlanta, a philosophy Smith said Thursday he plans to follow.
Mularkey was a quality control coach for Tampa Bay in 1994 and coached the Buccaneers' tight ends the following season.
Mularkey played nine years in the league as a tight end with Minnesota (1983-88) and Pittsburgh (1989-91).
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/1/206215