Falcons’ offensive coordinator Sarkisian to return in 2018

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FILE - In this July 28, 2017, file photo, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian tosses a football during NFL football training camp in Flowery Branch, Ga. The Falcons' offense is misfiring with many of the same key pieces which produced the NFL's top-scoring attack in 2016. That puts the heat on first-year offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, especially with the team trying to snap a three-game losing streak in Sunday's game at the New York Jets. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File) Photo: Associated Press/John Bazemore

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — Former Husky coach Steve Sarkisian will return as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator despite a decline in production in his debut 2017 season.

Meanwhile, Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff says reaching an agreement on a contract extension with quarterback Matt Ryan will be “the number one focus” of the offseason.

Sarkisian has been the target of criticism as the Falcons, who lost at Philadelphia in the divisional round of the playoffs last week, fell short of a return trip to the Super Bowl.

Coach Dan Quinn announced Thursday that Sarkisian will return in 2018. Quinn says Sarkisian doesn’t deserve the full blame for the offense’s struggles. After leading the league in scoring in 2016, the Falcons fell to 15th this season.

Ryan is entering the final year of his six-year, $103.75 million contract.

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