The Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Arthur Smith, NFL Network reported shortly after midnight on Monday. Smith, who went 7-10 in each of his three seasons with the team, leaves with an overall record of 21-30.
Just hours after Atlanta's season-ending loss, Arthur Blank has made his decision: Arthur Smith is out after three seasons and the search begins for another coach. https://t.co/DC4jPl27jc
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 8, 2024
Despite getting out to a 2-0 start this season, the Falcons squandered a wide-open division and one of the easiest schedules in the entire NFL. Team owner Arthur Blank was reportedly conflicted but felt it was time to go in a new direction.
Sunday’s 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints was the final straw for Smith. The team released a statement confirming Smith’s firing shortly after the news broke.
Full statement from Falcons owner Arthur Blank on the release of Arthur Smith as Atlanta’s head coach. pic.twitter.com/unhc9zUyoh
— Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) January 8, 2024
Smith, the former Titans offensive coordinator, initially succeeded at transforming the Falcons into a more physical football team, but he was unable to live up to his reputation as a great offensive mind.
The team was supposed to finally take the next step this season with an upgraded defense and offense full of play-makers. Atlanta ignored the quarterback position in three straight drafts to build around a tight end, running back and wide receiver.
Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson are extremely talented players, but without a great quarterback, the team was never going anywhere.
Other teams like the San Francisco 49ers may have success without a highly touted quarterback, but that’s not a model that most teams can replicate.
The good news for Falcons fans is that this team does have some serious talent on both sides of the ball, and it will undoubtedly be an attractive job for whoever takes over in 2024.
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