Arthur Smith Fired By Atlanta Falcons
On the heels of another disappointing season, the Atlanta Falcons have decided to move on from head coach Arthur Smith, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday evening.
This move comes after a 7-10 season, and getting embarrassed in the season finale 48-17 by the New Orleans Saints. The Falcons went 21-30 during Smith’s three years in Atlanta.
Arthur Blank was quick to act on the firing of Arthur Smith. He released a full quote tonight after the news had been broken.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” Blank said, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, per the team’s press release. “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 writing was on the wall. Arthur Smith was always a bad hire and was never cut out to be an NFL head coach. I called for his job back at the beginning of November, and honestly, I am shocked it took this long.
This Falcons team has too much talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball, to be stuck going 7-10. Guys like Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson are now free. Falcons fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as better times are on the horizon. With the team picking No. 8 in the upcoming draft, things should be looking up for the franchise.
