Atlanta Falcons Fire Head Coach Arthur Smith After Third Losing Season
The Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Arthur Smith after the NFL team’s third straight losing season, which concluded with a 48-17 defeat to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Jan. 7, according to Washington (AFP).
Smith took charge in January of 2021 and the team finished 7-10 in each of his three seasons, failing to make the playoffs each time.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement. “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.”
The team said the decision to part ways with Smith was made at a meeting between Blank and chief executive Rich McKay. The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
Under Smith, the Falcons still had a chance to make the post-season going into Sunday’s game. They scored touchdowns on their first two possessions and were tied 17-17 at halftime, but were outscored 31-0 in the second half.
The news of Smith’s firing comes after the team ended another disappointing season and failed to secure a spot in the playoffs for the third consecutive year. With the hunt for a new head coach already underway, the Falcons are looking to turn things around for the upcoming season.
