Should we stick with Arthur Smith or not? That’s the question Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and the front office, led by Terry Fontenot, will have to weigh over the next few weeks.
The outcome of Atlanta’s pivotal Week 18 matchup with the New Orleans Saints will surely play a large factor in whether Smith gets a fourth season to coach the Falcons. He’s led the team to a 21-29 record across three seasons, but surprisingly, a playoff spot and the NFC South division crown are still in play this year.
Some might suggest Smith has outperformed expectations in Atlanta, especially considering the quality of their quarterback room since he’s been in town. A 36-year-old Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, and Desmond Ridder – Doesn’t exactly spell success.
Has Smith been given enough to work with? That’s up for debate and likely is a big part of the conversation of whether to move on or not.
Arthur Blank, Atlanta Falcons have tough decision to make on Arthur Smith
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, team owner Arthur Blank continues to be indecisive about the job security of his head coach. With the Falcons going 3-3 across their past six games, it’s easy to see why.
The belief is that Blank likes and respects Smith as a head coach, but this is the NFL, where you’re judged on results.
With the Falcons still not sure of what they want to do at head coach this offseason, the team has reportedly already been dipping a toe into the coaching candidate waters.
The idea is at least this way, Atlanta will be prepared to make a move, should they decide to move on from Smith once Atlanta’s season concludes. The good news is, there are plenty of qualified candidates, but now the Falcons have to determine whether any of them will get better results than Smith has.
Related: Atlanta Falcons coaching candidates to replace Arthur Smith