Atlanta, Georgia – Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank expressed disappointment in his team’s lack of competitiveness and improvement throughout the 2023 season. As a result, Blank made the decision to fire coach Arthur Smith after three seasons. The decision came after the Falcons’ crushing 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints, which dashed their hopes of a playoff berth.
Although Blank is typically patient with his coaches, giving them multiple seasons to prove themselves, Smith’s inability to lead the team to a winning record or the postseason ultimately led to his dismissal. Under Smith’s leadership, the Falcons struggled with inconsistency, never winning more than two consecutive games and enduring multiple losing streaks.
One of the main issues during Smith’s tenure was the unstable quarterback situation. In his three seasons as head coach, the Falcons had four different starting quarterbacks. The decision to rely on Desmond Ridder, who showed a tendency for turnovers and critical mistakes, proved to be detrimental to Smith’s tenure.
In addition to the quarterback problems, Smith’s playcalling and decision-making were also called into question at times. A conservative game plan against the one-win Carolina Panthers resulted in a crucial loss for the Falcons, further jeopardizing their playoff hopes.
Despite the team’s struggles, Falcons players voiced their support for Smith and the coaching staff. They appreciated his handling of accountability and his emphasis on shared responsibility. However, the lack of consistency and improvement ultimately led to Smith’s departure.
The focus now shifts to the future of the Falcons’ quarterback position. While the new coach will have a say in the decision, it is evident that neither Ridder nor Taylor Heinicke are the long-term answers. Atlanta may choose to pursue a veteran starter or consider a rookie in the upcoming draft.
As the Falcons embark on a coaching search, they have a desirable position to offer. With offensive talent, reasonable cap space, and promising young players on defense, the new coach will enter a favorable situation. The team’s performance in the coming seasons will depend on the ability to find a suitable leader and resolve the lingering issues at quarterback.
In conclusion, Arthur Smith’s firing as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons comes after a disappointing season marred by inconsistency and a lack of improvement. Despite support from players, the decision-makers felt a change was necessary to propel the team forward. The search for a new coach and a solution at quarterback will be crucial for the Falcons as they aim to turn their fortunes around.