The Atlanta Falcons didn’t even wait until “Black Monday” to make a move with Arthur Smith.
The Falcons announced on Sunday night that they have fired Smith as their head coach. Falcons owner Arthur Blank and team CEO Rick McKay met with Smith on Sunday to impart the news.
Blank, who has owned the team since 2002, said in a statement that the team’s results under Smith did not meet their expectations.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” said Blank. “We have profound respect for Coach Smith and appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the last three years. He has been part of building a good culture in our football team, but the results on the field have not met our expectations. After significant thought and reflection, we have determined the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head coaching position.”
The Falcons went 7-10 in each of Smith’s three seasons as the team’s head coach, giving him an overall record of 21-30. The team lost four of its final five games this season to seal Smith’s fate. A lopsided 48-17 loss in the season finale on Sunday didn’t help Smith’s case either, which he seemed to recognize.
Smith was a successful offensive coordinator prior to being hired by the Falcons and should be able to find a position as an OC.
The Falcons have not had a winning season since 2017.
