The Falcons could be in the market for a head coach this offseason.
A loss to the coachless, lifeless 1-12 Panthers could be characterized as a the “late-season collapse” needed to spark job security questions around Arthur Smith. It seems there’s a legitimate possibility that Arthur Blank will move on this offseason.
When asked about the future of 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.”
Moreover, it seems there’s been an internal shift. According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, there are “sentiments of dismay” around the Falcons’ head coach.
If the Falcons do move on from Smith this offseason, there will be no shortage of suitors for the gig in Atlanta. There’s a lot to like about the potential opening. The club’s salary cap sheet is rather healthy with a competent offensive line, an arsenal of weapons, and a much improved defense.
The only thing missing is a quarterback, but the Falcons have all of their draft capital and plenty of financial room to make a move to acquire a franchise signal caller. One of those candidates is making waves.
Some owners around the NFL reportedly have been told that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is looking for at least or around $15 million to leave Detroit and become a head coach, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.
I'm told personnel around the league are discussing their awareness that some Owners have been told #Lions OC Ben Johnson's asking price is at least or around $15M/year for a head coach job, per source. pic.twitter.com/uhX3eqsNQR
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 21, 2023
Johnson is considered one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds and is on the verge of becoming a head coach. He interviewed with the Texans and Colts last offseason but ultimately decided to return to Detroit this season. Many league sources consider Johnson the most coveted candidate in this hiring cycle.
With that much demand, he should ask for a ridiculous price like $15 million per year or more because one of these owners will pay him, including Arthur Blank. The 81-year-old Falcons owner has never been one to be frugal when giving his team the resources needed to win games.
Look at Johnson’s work with Detroit’s various weapons. Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sam La Porta, and Amon-Ra St. Brown are all having career years. Now, look at the Falcons’ vast set of skill position players and think what a mind like Johnson’s could do with Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson. It’s certainly enticing.
However, Ben Johnson will have to come in and help in the search for a franchise quarterback.
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Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
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