Arthur Smith’s job security has been the topic of discussion since the Falcons’ humiliating loss to the Panthers on Sunday. Coming into the week, it seemed a long shot that Arthur Blank would be searching for yet another coach after firing Dan Quinn just three years ago, but a lifeless effort against a 1-12 team can change things quickly.
The Falcons owner was one of the few people in attendance for Atlanta’s 9-7 loss, and while some were hoping for him to comment on the result, he didn’t feel it was the right time. That changed in an interview with Jeff Hullinger on Georgia Public Broadcasting. He sat down with Blank, who clearly isn’t thrilled with the direction of the team.
When asked about the future of Arthur Smith, Blank said, “We’re gonna play these last three games; we play ’em to win ’em. And we’ll let the season play out and go from there. Obviously this has not been the kind of year we expected.”
Blank also included that playoffs were never going to be the deciding factor. Although, one can assume that if the Falcons do make the playoffs, as unlikely as that may be at this point, Smith will be the head coach in 2024. Blank’s main focus was on progress, which there hasn’t been much of this season compared to the previous two when the roster was in a lot worse shape.
#Falcons owner Arthur Blank to @jeff_hullinger1 on HC Arthur Smith's future:
"We're gonna play these last three games; we play 'em to win 'em. And we'll let the season play out and go from there. Obviously this has not been the kind of year we expected."
Blank said it was… pic.twitter.com/W4XkpRU68T
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 20, 2023
For those who assume Smith’s job is safe, Blank’s comments make it seem that couldn’t be further from the truth. He may not be eager to go through another regime change, but these last three games seem like they could be do or die for Smith.
Everyone in the building should be assuming their head coach is playing for his job. How they respond to that against the Colts, Bears, and Saints will likely determine if Smith retains his position or not. Despite how poorly the Falcons have looked at times, this is still a decent roster. With the more experienced Taylor Heinicke under center, there’s no reason the Falcons can’t win at least two games down the stretch, if not all of them.
But if they come out lifeless, Arthur Smith will likely be filling out job applications in a month.
—
Photographer: David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.