The Atlanta Falcons have relieved head coach Arthur Smith of his duties after a three-season tenure marked by the team’s absence from the playoffs and a lack of a winning record.
Following a 48-17 defeat to the New Orleans Saints that sealed a 7-10 season, Smith held discussions with Falcons owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay on Sunday night. Despite having an opportunity to win the NFC South, the Falcons were outscored 31-0 in the second half, leading to their elimination from postseason contention.
Smith’s overall record with the team stands at 21 wins and 30 losses over the three seasons. Blank, expressing the difficulty of the decision, acknowledged Smith’s contributions to building a positive team culture but cited the subpar on-field results as the reason for the coaching change.
In a statement, Blank said, “Decisions like this are never easy, and they never feel good. 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.”
The Falcons are now commencing a search for a new head coach, led by Blank and McKay, with input from general manager Terry Fontenot, who will retain his position. The decision comes after the disappointing loss to the Saints, where Atlanta scored only three points after their initial two touchdowns.
Smith’s tenure as an offensive-minded coach failed to elevate the team’s offensive performance. Despite acquiring young offensive talents in high-first-round picks, such as tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson, the offense struggled to flourish, ranking 26th in scoring in 2021 and 2023 and tying for 15th in 2022.
Inconsistent quarterback play emerged as a significant issue, leaving the question of how to address the position for Smith’s successor. Quarterbacks Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke are under contract for 2024, while Logan Woodside is a restricted free agent.
The Falcons, who hold the eighth pick in the upcoming NFL draft in April, also saw changes in their defensive coordinator position, with Dean Pees and Ryan Nielsen serving during Smith’s tenure. Blank and Fontenot now face the task of finding the franchise’s seventh full-time head coach since 2002, aiming to reverse the team’s fortunes and secure a winning record and playoff berth for the first time since the 2017 season.
