![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/01/1852923009.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The Atlanta Falcons acted swiftly following Sunday’s blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints, firing head coach Arthur Smith just hours after the game ended. Smith’s third consecutive 7-10 season proved to be the final nail in his coffin.
With a roster filled with talent on both sides of the ball and an owner desperate to win, will the team go after another up-and-coming coordinator or look to hire an experienced candidate?
Here’s a look at 13 potential options to fill the Falcons’ head-coaching vacancy.
13
Deion Sanders: Colorado head coach
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2023/09/1640376876.jpg)
12
Lincoln Riley: USC head coach
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/01/USATSI_21945963.jpg)
11
Mike Macdonald: Ravens defensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/01/USATSI_22201709.jpg)
10
Aaron Glenn - Lions defensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/01/USATSI_21497338.jpg)
9
Frank Smith - Dolphins offensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/01/USATSI_21799158.jpg)
8
Bobby Slowik - Texans offensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/01/USATSI_22204451.jpg)
7
Raheem Morris: Rams defensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2020/12/USATSI_15178773.jpg)
6
Brian Callahan - Bengals offensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2020/09/USATSI_14848812.jpg)
5
Brian Flores: Vikings defensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/01/USATSI_21672810.jpg)
4
Ben Johnson: Lions offensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2023/09/USATSI_21445379.jpg)
3
Eric Bieniemy: Commanders offensive coordinator
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2024/01/USATSI_21884323.jpg)
2
Jim Harbaugh: Michigan head coach
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2020/08/usatsi_14722730.jpg)
1
Bill Belichick: New England Patriots head coach
![](https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/56/2021/11/USATSI_17189716.jpg)