The Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Arthur Smith after just three seasons. They made the announcement to open Black Monday around the NFL, shortly after 12 AM ET.
“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.” Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement.
“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.”
This decision comes after Atlanta was blown out by the score of 48-17 by the division-rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday to conclude the season 7-10.
For his part, Smith made waves on Sunday by getting into it with Saints head coach Dennis Allen after the game. He was unhappy about New Orleans running up the score.
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Smith, 41, concludes his three-year run in Atlanta with a mere 21-30 record. The team won seven games all three seasons, failing to make the playoffs once in the process.
The one interesting piece of information coming from the Falcons’ press release is that general manager Terry Fontenot’s job is apparently safe. Typically, the GM follows the head coach out the door. Instead, Fontenot will help oversee the search to replace Smith.