After three disappointing years, the Atlanta Falcons have fired Head Coach Arthur Smith. Smith joined Atlanta in 2021, taking over from Raheem Morris. The 41-year-old previously spent 10 years with the Tennessee Titans, where he started his NFL coaching career.
Sources: The #Falcons are firing coach Arthur Smith after three seasons, with the struggles at the end of the year leading to the decision. After losing four of their last five, owner Arthur Blank decides to go in a different direction. pic.twitter.com/IIsg7yXGai
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2024
Atlanta Falcons Fire Arthur Smith
Smith’s Falcons entered 2023 with some expectations. The team boasted some of the most intriguing young talent, such as rookie Bijan Robinson, wideout Drake London and do-it-all tight end Kyle Pitts. New additions Calais Campbell and Jessie Bates III also bolstered the side.
Despite this, Smith was always going to be on the hot seat with Desmond Ridder named as the full-time starter at quarterback. Ridder, a third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, showed promise in the back end of 2022 but naming him the full-time starter was always a risk.
While Atlanta certainly had deficiencies entering the season, they appeared as though they would be able to compete in a weak NFC. However, it was not to be.
When Smith joined Atlanta in 2021, he inherited a declining team that was set for a rebuild. The legends of the 2010s exited, with Julio Jones traded away in 2021 and Matt Ryan in 2022.
With a clean slate, Smith had an opportunity to cultivate a new brand of Falcons football. The project could be coupled with rookie General Manager Terry Fontenot’s vision. However, despite the team loading up on young talent, Smith was unable to cultivate a winning football culture.
The misuse of key offensive playmakers such as Pitts, Robinson, and London were among the biggest red flags. Embarrassing losses to the Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders and Arizona Cardinals were a testament to the disappointing performances.
2023 condemned Smith and the Falcons to another losing year, meaning Smith has never managed a winning record for Atlanta. Being stuck just below the .500 mark through the last three years has shown a lack of progression, which has contributed to Smith’s axing. Smith leaves Atlanta having never made the playoffs.
Main Photo: Dale Zanine – USA Today Sports
