Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TeamProg

(6,328 posts)
Mon Jan 8, 2024, 02:13 AM Jan 2024

Falcons fire Arthur Smith as head coach after three seasons

https://www.nfl.com/news/falcons-fire-arthur-smith-as-head-coach-after-three-seasons




The Arthur Smith era is over in Atlanta after three seasons.

The Falcons fired the head coach late Sunday night after missing the postseason for the sixth consecutive season -- the third under Smith -- the team announced.

"Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement, following a meeting with team CEO Rich McKay in which they decided to dismiss Smith. "We have profound respect for Coach Smith and appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the last three years. He has been part of building a good culture in our football team, but the results on the field have not met our expectations. After significant thought and reflection, we have determined the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head coaching position."
7 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

TeamProg

(6,328 posts)
3. Hard to watch Smith cussing out Dennis Allen after NO's "rub it in" TD.. I thought it was classless to see Smith
Mon Jan 8, 2024, 02:42 AM
Jan 2024

lay in with the 'What the hell are you doing? F*** You!' when teams meet in the field and shake hands.. That was weird.

Smith doesn't need any future NFL jobs, he's from some mega ultra-rich corporate family.



RockRaven

(15,062 posts)
4. I don't have a great opinion of DA, but apparently he called for a kneeldown
Mon Jan 8, 2024, 03:21 AM
Jan 2024

and Jameis Winston et al. ran a real play despite that to get that player a TD for whatever reason. Winston had a back and forth with reporters after the game about it and was very unrepentant, so seems pretty clear Allen didn't deserve the "FU" (except to the extent that his players don't respect him enough to follow their directions).

RockRaven

(15,062 posts)
2. 7-10 three years in a row will do that to you...
Mon Jan 8, 2024, 02:28 AM
Jan 2024

Especially when you don't have a reservoir of better prior years' outcomes to buffer it.

True Dough

(17,358 posts)
5. The Falcons have quite a few issues
Mon Jan 8, 2024, 06:28 AM
Jan 2024

and I think coaching was one of them. As you say, he had his three years to try to right the ship. They can do better than Smith.

Submariner

(12,513 posts)
6. Don't worry. Bill Belichick just quit the Patriots and will coach for you,
Mon Jan 8, 2024, 07:12 AM
Jan 2024

He will bring back Tom Brady, have Tom steal Taylor Swift from that runt with the Chiefs, and then win next years SUPERBOWL!

Have your people PM my people and we’ll get the Falcon’s back in the news.

You’re welcome.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Football»Falcons fire Arthur Smith...