Falcons thinking about making coaching change with Arthur Smith?

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

There were recent reports suggesting that Arthur Smith’s job as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons was safe. Could that no longer be the case?

CBS Sports reporter Josina Anderson reported via X on Thursday that people around Atlanta are growing dismayed with Smith, especially following the Falcons’ 9-7 loss to the 2-12 Carolina Panthers last weekend.

I’m told sentiments of dismay are rising around HC Arthur Smith in Atlanta particularly after their 9-7 loss to the #Panthers, per source; though no definitive decision has been publicly relayed on his tenure.

We’ll see how it goes. They face the Colts, Bears & Saints next.

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 20, 2023

A report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler last week said that Smith’s job was thought to be safe. Of course, Atlanta was 6-7 at the time and looked likely to get to .500 with a win over the Panthers. However, Atlanta could only muster 7 points in their loss to Carolina and dropped to 6-8.

The Falcons didn’t give up 63 points to a team that got shutout the previous week, but losing to a 1-loss club is almost as embarrassing.

Smith is in his third season as the Falcons’ head coach. The team went 7-10 under him each of the last two seasons.