The Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Arthur Smith following a 7-10 season, bringing an end to his tenure after three seasons without a winning record or a trip to the playoffs.
According to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, Smith met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay on Sunday night following their blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints in a game where the Falcons needed a victory to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” Blank said in an official 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. After significant thought and reflection, we have determined the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head coaching position.”
Following the 48-17 loss to the Saints, Smith spoke about his future.
“With any job, you got a lot of confidence,” he said at the time. “I’m not going to give a state of the union right now of everything that’s happened the last three years. The season just ended. Obviously wasn’t the result we needed today and clearly the second half got out of hand. Credit to New Orleans.”
Smith finished 21-30 in his three seasons with the Falcons.
