Arthur Smith Needs 'Strong Performances' to Return as Falcons Coach
The Atlanta Falcons' decision on coach Arthur Smith's job status has grown uncertain in the aftermath of last Sunday's 9-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Leading into the game, ESPN reported Smith's job was safe barring a late-season collapse ... and evidently, scoring one touchdown in a losing effort against a then-one-win Panthers team is enough to get the ball rolling.
According to The Athletic, Smith's job was "thought to be safe," but recent results have generated greater questions - and resulted in a set of goals for Smith from owner Arthur Blank over the season's last three weeks.
"Though I don’t sense panic in Atlanta, Smith needs to show Blank he is the right person to return with strong performances all over the field in the remaining weeks of the season," The Athletic writes. "The owner is 82 years old. He wants to win now.
"If Smith remains in place, the pressure will be on for the Falcons to get it right at quarterback in the 2024 draft."
Sep 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith reacts to a call during the game against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
It's unclear what defines "strong performances," but Blank said Tuesday in an interview with Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Jeff Hullinger the requirement was to have a winning, more competitive team this season.
Atlanta (6-8) needs to win its final three games to finish with a record above .500. Doing so would mark Smith's first three-game win streak as head coach.
The Falcons have gone 7-10 in the first two years of Smith's tenure, and after spending $190 million this past offseason, expected growth both in terms of record and on-field play.
Making the playoffs was never a requirement, said Blank, who conceded this year hasn't been what anybody expected and the returns on his requirements are "mixed."
Blank said he's "committed" to Smith but will let the season play out and evaluate thereafter.
The Falcons return to action Sunday, when they host the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) at 1 p.m. EST inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
This Week 16 affair marks Atlanta's home finale - and without a strong finish, could be Smith's final time walking the sidelines in the stadium as Falcons head coach.
