Jerry Glanville, the coordinator of the league-leading 1977 Falcons defense, indicated that he would be unavailable due to his contractual ties to the Houston Oilers. The offensive coordinator position was filled by Jimmy Raye, a former Bennett assistant who had been holding the same position with the Rams. Offensive line coach Kim Helton and linebackers coach Howard Tippett were the only assistants to be retained by the new regime. Rams assistant Vic Rapp was brought in as the running backs coach. Former Michigan Panthers defensive coordinator Dick Roach was brought in as the defensive backfield coach. Longtime trainer Tom Oxley was replaced by former Falcon trainer Jay Shoop.