ATLANTA --- Mike Mularkey could be just what the Atlanta Falcons need in an offensive coordinator.

Working with players disappointed by a 4-12 finish last year, Mularkey brings several assets to new coach Mike Smith and a bedraggled offense that entered Week 17 with the NFL's lowest scoring average.

Mularkey, 46, spent his past 23 years in the league, including two as a head coach in Buffalo, four as a coordinator with Pittsburgh and nine as a tight end with Minnesota and the Steelers. But his new players might respect Mularkey for another intangible: the ability to endure turmoil.

The Falcons felt betrayed after Smith's predecessor, Bobby Petrino, resigned suddenly in December and disappointed by quarterback Michael Vick, who landed in federal prison for dogfighting.

Mularkey has some stories, too.

"Some of the circumstances kind of dictated what happened," he said Monday. "Some were out of my control, some were not. In my last two moves, there were some risky things on both ends, but you live and learn and move on."

None of the lessons came easily. After leading Buffalo to a 9-7 finish as a first-time head coach in 2004, Mularkey struggled through a 5-11 season the next year. He resigned after Bills owner Ralph Wilson fired general manager Tom Donohoe.

Moving to Miami to become the Dolphins' coordinator, Mularkey spent one year on the job before Nick Saban resigned and left for Alabama. Cam Cameron, who replaced Saban, led the Dolphins to a 1-15 record last year.

"I don't know if you get used to so much change or not," Mularkey said. "It's hard to describe, but I feel fortunate to be here and I'm glad it worked out that the Falcons wanted me."

Smith hired Mularkey last week, but the team still has several spots open on the staff. Mularkey said he needs more time before he can watch film of players. He is helping Smith interview coaching candidates at offensive line and tight end. Until that process is finished, Mularkey doesn't plan to contact players or watch them on film.

The Falcons have many concerns on the offensive line, which lost starting tackles Todd Weiner and Wayne Gandy to season-ending injuries and had a disappointing rookie season from left guard Justin Blalock, a second-round pick.

"I still need to have a good feel for these guys, so there's no way I can write a fair evaluation of them," Mularkey said. "There's also a lot of stuff I have to unpack."

The only experience Mularkey and Smith have together came during the annual Senior Bowl workouts in Mobile, Ala.

"I know of his work, and he knows of mine. I think there's mutual respect," Mularkey said."