Atlanta Falcons hire Arthur Smith as head coach

The Falcons have hired Tennessee Titans OC Arthur Smith as head coach

The buzz was out early Friday and it is now a done deal: The Atlanta Falcons have hired Arthur Smith as their head coach.

Smith comes to Atlanta from the Tennessee Titans, where he was the offensive coordinator of a high-powered attack.

Smith has been instrumental in reviving quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s career (he was the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2019) and featuring running back Derrick Henry, who has developed into one of the most productive – and feared – backs in the league.

Under Smith in 2020, the Titans offense finished the regular season ranked No. 3 in the league in total yards per game (396.4) and No. 2 overall in rushing yards per game (168.1) as Derrick Henry rushed for 2,027 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. The Titans were also fourth in the league in scoring, putting up 30.7 points per game.

The Falcons detailed the process that led them to Smith on their website.

Smith replaces interim coach Raheem Morris, who took over when Dan Quinn was fired during the season.

There are four head-coaching openings left after the hiring of Smith, Robert Saleh by the New York Jets, and Urban Meyer by the Jacksonville Jaguars.