Falcons fire head coach Smith after three straight losing seasons

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The Atlanta Falcons sacked head coach Arthur Smith after the NFL team’s third straight losing season concluded with a 48-17 defeat to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Jan. 7.

Smith took charge in January of 2021 and they finished 7-10 in each of his three seasons, failing to make the playoffs in each.

“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement.

“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.”

The team said the decision was made at a meeting between Blank and chief executive Rich McKay.

The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.

Under Smith the Falcons still had a chance to make the post-season going into Sunday’s game.

They scored touchdowns on their first two possessions and were tied 17-17 at halftime, but were outscored 31-0 in the second half.