DeBerg Now Falcons' QB Coach

June 1, 1999 / 4:54 PM EDT / AP

Steve DeBerg is no longer a 45-year-old backup quarterback.

He's now a 45-year-old quarterbacks coach, hired Tuesday by the Atlanta Falcons, for whom he finished his career last season.

DeBerg was the oldest player in the NFL when he returned last year after five years of retirement to back up Chris Chandler. He played in nine games and completed 30-of-59 passes with three touchdowns and one interception.

When he started against the New York Jets, DeBerg became the oldest player in NFL history to start a game.

But in the off-season, the Falcons signed Danny Kanell, 19 years younger, after he was cut by the New York Giants. So coach Dan Reeves reassigned DeBerg to the coaching job he held for two seasons under Reeves with the Giants.

DeBerg, whose career began in 1978, was known during his career for preceding the likes of Joe Montana (in San Francisco) John Elway (in Denver) and Vinny Testaverde (in Tampa Bay). He played on six different teams and finishes his 17-year career ranked 13th on the all-time passing yards list with 34,241 yards.

He replaces Jack Burns as the Falcons' quarterbacks coach. Burns now will oversee the passing game and call plays for the Falcons.

"I think this is a great move for us," Reeves said. "I am glad that he decided to make coaching his profession. I think that he has a bright future as a coach."