The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith after missing the playoffs and failing to secure a winning record for a third consecutive season. Initially brought in as an offensive-minded coach, Smith largely disappointed during his three seasons with the Falcons, finishing with a 21-30 record.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said of the decision to dismiss Smith. “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.” Blank, together with CEO Rich McKay, will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.
Atlanta ended the season with a 7-10 record after slumping to a 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Although they went into the game with an outside chance of clinching the NFC South, they were unable to claw their way back from a 31-0 deficit at halftime.
