While there has been a lot of speculation about the future of Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, a team insider claims he is likely to return in 2024 unless one of two worrisome situations occur.
Former Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is in year three leading the Falcons and it looks to be his worst year yet. After back-to-back 7-10 seasons, the hope was that 2023 would finally be the year when his vision for the roster would deliver a playoff team.
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After 10 weeks, Atlanta is 4-6 and has quarterback drama after second-year man Desmond Ridder was benched a couple of weeks ago in favor of veteran backup Taylor Heinicke. Following a third straight loss this weekend, this time to the Arizona Cardinals, it’s unsurprising that the whispers of a potential head coach change soon have gotten louder.
Atlanta Falcons insider claims Arthur Smith will be back in 2024
Yet, one Atlanta insider believes Smith’s job is safe. On Monday, The Athletic’s Falcons reporter Jeff Schultz claimed that a head coach switch will not be happening any time soon, or in 2024. That is unless one of two specific situations arose that were a clear sign the 41-year-old had lost the team.
“There has been no ‘Win now, or else’ mandate from Falcons owner Arthur Blank to coach Arthur Smith in recent days,” Schultz wrote. “There won’t be. There shouldn’t be. Smith is not going to get fired this week, next week, or anytime soon. In fact, the only way Smith isn’t back as the team’s coach in 2024 is if there’s evidence players are tuning him out (which hasn’t happened), or the team completely unravels (not there, yet).”
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Smith replaced Dan Quinn after five and a half seasons leading the team. In his 44 games as head coach since 2021, Smith has an 18-26 record. Atlanta returns in two weeks to face the Saints on Nov. 26.