The Atlanta Falcons have drawn the consequences of another disappointing season. Head coach Arthur Smith has been fired.

The Atlanta Falcons are entering the 2024 season with a new head coach. As the team announced shortly after the resounding 17:48 defeat in the final game of the season against the New Orleans Saints, the previous head coach Arthur Smith has been fired after three seasons.

“Decisions like this are never easy and never feel good,” owner Arthur Blank is quoted as saying. He had “great respect” for Smith, who had “helped build a good culture in our football team, but the results on the field did not meet our expectations”, Blank continued.

The 41-year-old Smith moved from the Tennessee Titans to Atlanta for the 2021 season, where he enjoyed great success as offensive coordinator and made a name for himself across the league. However, success did not materialize with the Falcons.

All three seasons of the Falcons under his leadership ended with a record of seven wins and ten defeats, with no discernible progress. This also applied to the quarterback position. Desmond Ridder, drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft, was unable to recommend himself for a permanent position as starting quarterback.

The Falcons also announced that the search for a new head coach would begin immediately. This will be led by Blanj and CEO Rich McKay, with General Manager Terry Fontenot and other Blank confidants also involved.