Update:
The Atlanta Falcons announced Monday that HC Mike Smith has been fired.
“Smitty’s contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous,” owner Arthur Blank said.
Smith took over as the team’s head coach back in 2008. He posted a record of 66-46 (.589) to go along with four playoff appearences.
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Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a league source with knowledge of the situation, reports that the Atlanta Falcons are “absolutely done” with HC Mike Smith.
- Ian Rapoport reports that Smith’s tenure in Atlanta is “on life support.“
- However, Rapoport adds that he would be surprised if the same was true for GM Thomas Dimitroff.
Certainly, this news should come as little surprise, especially considering that owner Arthur Blank has already hired a search firm.
Reports from Sunday mentioned that Smith would need to not only beat the Panthers for the division title, but also win a playoff game or two to save his job.
Rex Ryan has come up a potential option for the Falcons as soon as he’s fired from the Jets, which should come today.
Other candidates for the Falcons job include Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, Broncos OC Adam Gase, Cardinals DC Todd Bowles and Lions DC Teryl Austin.
We’ll have more updates as the news is available.
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