Falcons increasingly likely to make coaching change?

May 25, 2021; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith on the field during Falcons OTA at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

A new report suggests that time may be running out for Arthur Smith in Atlanta.

Smith is seen as increasingly likely to be fired by the Falcons, according to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post. Those that interacted with owner Arthur Blank at the recent league meetings feel that a coaching search is imminent, and at this point it would be “shocking” if Smith is given another year.

Less than a month ago, Smith’s job was reported to be fairly safe unless the end of the season went exceptionally poorly for the Falcons. Atlanta is actually 1-2 since that report surfaced, but they lost in ugly fashion to the lowly Carolina Panthers and got blown out by 20 points against the Chicago Bears. Smith has gone back and forth between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke at quarterback, which does not seem to be helping his case either.

The 9-7 loss to Carolina seems to have been something of a turning point for Smith, and not in a good way. There has also been growing criticism of Smith’s usage of the team’s stable of skill players, so if he is fired, many fans would not be sorry to see him go.

Smith was hired as Atlanta’s head coach prior to the 2021 season, and has gone 21-29 in three seasons.