After three 7-10 seasons, the Atlanta Falcons told Arthur Smith to split — sorry for the bowling joke — on Sunday night.
The firing of Smith came after Atlanta gave up the final 31 points of the game in a 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
Smith was 7-10 in each season and never seemed to get the Falcons any traction in the weak NFC South.
The Atlanta Falcons have dismissed Arthur Smith as the team’s head coach following a meeting tonight in Atlanta with Falcons Owner and Chairman, Arthur M. Blank, and the team’s CEO, Rich McKay https://t.co/Qrjuq4klH4
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 8, 2024
The Falcons used a top-10 pick on an offensive weapon in each year with Arthur Smith, selecting TE Kyle Pitts at No. 4 in 2021, Drake London at No. 8 in 2022, and Bijan Robinson at No. 8 in 2023. Atlanta finished with a 7-10 record each season. https://t.co/yUEBFke7Dr pic.twitter.com/XkB67Rvlad
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2024
Smith’s final act as head coach was to yell and curse at New Orleans head coach Dennis Allen. Smith was upset the Saints scored a touchdown late in the game while appearing to be in victory formation.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” Blank said. “We have profound respect for Coach Smith and appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the last three years.
“He has been part of building a good culture in our football team, but the results on the field have not met our expectations. After significant thought and reflection, we have determined the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head coaching position.”