Both Ian Rapoport and Jason La Canfora are reporting that the Falcons would not only have to beat the Panthers this afternoon, but also win in the postseason for Mike Smith to keep his job.
According to Rapoport, owner Arthur Blank has been dissatisfied with the team’s performance this season, which fits with numerous reports over the last few months.
Interestingly enough, La Canfora mentions that Blank could clean house of the Falcons lose to the Panthers, which means firing GM Thomas Dimitroff.
La Canfora reports that “there is a growing thought around the league that Rex Ryan ends up in Atlanta.”
Blank is reportedly looking for a personality he can sell and market as he tries to sell personal seat licenses to the new stadium being built.
However, sources have told La Canfora that allure of television is “very real” for Ryan.
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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