Arthur Smith’s tenure as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons has come to an end following a disappointing 7-10 season that culminated in the team missing the postseason. Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank made the decision public, emphasizing the difficulty of such decisions and expressing respect for Smith’s hard work and dedication over the last three years. Despite building a good culture within the team, the on-field results did not meet the organization’s expectations, leading to the decision for new leadership.
The announcement, first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, comes in the wake of a season-ending 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints. This game was notable not only for the defeat but also for a postgame confrontation between Smith and Saints coach Dennis Allen regarding a late touchdown. Allen later apologized, noting that the players made the call to score rather than take a knee.
The Falcons, under Smith’s guidance, showed promise with young playmakers like running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts. However, quarterback Desmond Ridder’s lack of progress in his sophomore year, marked by multiple benchings and underwhelming statistics, contributed to the team’s struggles.
Despite being in contention for a playoff spot in early December, the Falcons’ season unraveled with critical losses, including a shocking upset by the Carolina Panthers. Smith’s three-season record with the Falcons was 21-30, with no winning seasons.
Looking ahead, the Falcons face a pivotal offseason. The search for a new head coach begins, and questions linger about the quarterback position. The team’s next moves will be closely watched as they aim to become a competitive force in the NFC South.