Jason La Canfora reports that Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank has informed multiple parties that he plans to move on from HC Mike Smith at the end of the season.
According to La Canfora, “it would take a shocking playoff run to alter that scenario.”
There has been some question as to whether or not GM Thomas Dimitroff would be retained for another season given the state of the team’s roster, but La Canfora mentions that Blank has told some confidants that, for now, he expects to Dimitroff to remain with the team.
La Canfora adds that Blank could always revisit Dimitroff’s job security during the hiring process.
Blank reportedly believes “significant changes” are necessary, so even if the Falcons were to win the NFC South with a losing record, the team will ultimately be going in a different direction.
As for candidates who could replace Smith, La Canfora mentions Broncos OC Adam Gase, Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, and Stanford HC David Shaw.
Others have said that Jets HC Rex Ryan could be someone to watch when/if he’s fired from his current job.
We’ll have more updates regarding Mike Smith and potential replacements as the news is available.
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