Brian VanGorder left South Carolina to take the same job with the Atlanta Falcons.VanGorder spent last year as the Falcons’ linebackers coach.  Steve Spurrier hired him as co-ordinator last month during Week 15 of the NFL season.The Falcons hired Mike Smith as head coach on Wednesday. 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.Petrino lost his defensive co-ordinator on Thursday when South Carolina hired him in the same capacity.Ellis Johnson left Petrino’s staff after just four weeks.

 Mike Tomlin announced that defensive end Aaron Smith might be out for the season because of a torn bicep muscle.  Tomlin’s initial suspicions were confirmed correct later. First came a 21-point defeat to the New England Patriots. A lot has been said about Pittsburgh’s offensive running game and how it dictates the team’s performance.  the Steelers were third in the NFL in rushing ‘D’ in 2005 and ‘06, and they were first in ‘04.  Pittsburgh was once again third in the NFL in that department.  And Aaron Smith was a major reason why.