Whereas Smith’s firing is not in any respect shocking, the timing says it has been on the Falcons’ and proprietor Arthur Clean’s thoughts for some time. Based on Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, shedding 4 of the final 5 video games to shut the season led the staff in a “completely different route.”
In a press release, Clean stated the powerful choice to fireplace a head coach is “by no means straightforward.”
“We’ve profound respect for coach Smith and recognize all of the arduous work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the past three years,” stated Clean by way of Adam Schefter of ESPN. “He has been a part of constructing a superb tradition in our soccer staff, however the outcomes on the sphere haven’t met our expectations. After vital thought and reflection, now we have decided one of the best ways ahead for our staff is new management within the head teaching place.”
On Sunday, Smith and the Falcons dropped an embarrassing 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints within the finale, which could not have helped Smith’s trigger. Nonetheless, after three straight 7-10 finishes, the franchise wasn’t inclined to supply him a fourth 12 months.
The Falcons introduced Smith aboard after he helped mildew the Tennessee Titans offense into the fourth-ranked unit (29.6 PPG) in 2020. Nevertheless, the success did not comply with him to Atlanta, the place the offense by no means ranked greater than fifteenth in factors per sport, ending twenty sixth (18.9) this season.
After an up-and-down first 12 months in QB Matt Ryan’s final with the franchise, Smith couldn’t create a constant and potent offense with Marcus Mariota, Taylor Heinicke and 2022 third-round choose Desmond Ridder.
Whereas it is honest to say Smith did not have one of the best crop of cross throwers to work with, 4 got here and went with out a lot of a change to the scheme or plan of assault.
Moreover, weapons like operating again Bijan Robinson, wideout Drake London and tight finish Kyle Pitts weren’t as giant part of the offense as many believed they need to be, which is one other knock on the now-former head coach.
Total, the Falcons went 21-29 with zero playoff appearances via three seasons below Smith. Whether or not or not the fast set off on his firing means the staff will examine the potential large fish head teaching candidates rumored to be accessible, like Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh or New England Patriots future Corridor of Famer Invoice Belichick, stays to be seen.
Nevertheless, one factor is obvious: 2024 will start a brand new period for the soiled birds.
