Report: Much-maligned NFC coach unlikely to be fired

Feb 1, 2022; Inglewood, CA, USA; The NFL shield logo is seen at midfield at SoFi Stadium. Super Bowl LVI between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals will be played on Feb. 13, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

One much-criticized NFC head coach appears does not appear to be on the hot seat after all, according to a report.

Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith’s job is believed to be safe, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Fowler adds that it would essentially require a late-season collapse for Smith to be at risk of losing his job.

Smith is in his third season with the Falcons, and the team’s lack of progress this year has been frustrating to some. He has also come under criticism over his use of some of his key offensive skill players, particularly standout rookie running back Bijan Robinson.

After a pair of 7-10 seasons, Smith has the Falcons at 6-7 this year, and they are still in the thick of the playoff race in a very poor NFC South. Ultimately, that all may be enough to ensure that he gets another season.