The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly fired coach Arthur Smith following the team’s 48–17 loss against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Smith had been the head coach of the Falcons since 2021. The team finished 7–10 in each of his three seasons at the helm.
Smith ends his tenure in Atlanta with a 21–30 record, having failed to make the playoffs in any of his three seasons.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement regarding the decision to fire Smith, via Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good. 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,” said Blank.
The Falcons indicated that Blank, CEO Rich McKay, GM Terry Fontenot and other front office members will lead the search for the organization’s next head coach.
