VanGorder back to Falcons

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Brian VanGorder left South Carolina

as defensive coordinator today to take the same job with the

Atlanta Falcons.

The 48-year-old VanGorder spent last year as the Falcons'

linebackers coach. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier hired him as

coordinator last month during Week 15 of the NFL season, but

VanGorder worked Atlanta's last two games.

The Falcons hired Mike Smith as head coach yesterday. Smith

replaced Bobby Petrino, who abruptly left the Falcons last month

after just 13 games of a 4-12 season.

VanGorder has held six jobs with four teams over the last five

years.

In 2004, he resigned after four seasons as defensive coordinator

at Georgia. Smith was Jacksonville's defensive coordinator when

VanGorder became the Jaguars' linebackers coach in 2005.

VanGorder moved to Georgia Southern the next season, leading the

Eagles to a 3-8 record as head coach.

Petrino, who left the Falcons for Arkansas, lost his defensive

coordinator today when South Carolina hired him in the same

capacity.

Ellis Johnson left Petrino's staff after just four weeks.