Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports is reporting that Falcons owner Arthur Blank has become “increasingly frustrated” and “irate” about the team’s performance this season.
According to La Canfora, HC Mike Smith is unlikely to be back with the team next season and talk regarding his job security is a “regular topic of conversation” in Atlanta.
Blank is reportedly considering making a run at a big-name head coach to takeover the team and usher in the Falcons’ new stadium that is being constructed.
“Arthur has an angry side to him,” said La Canfora’s source. “He can turn on someone and he can turn quickly. He’s not nearly as mellow as his public perception would make you think.”
La Canfora doesn’t list any specific coaching targets for the Falcons next year, but he points out that Jon Gruden and Jim Harbaugh are mentioned as options for any team that could be looking for a new head coach.
It would be a mistake to pin all of the team’s issues on just Smith. The Falcons just don’t have enough depth and their defense continues to be a major weakness.
General manager Thomas Dimitroff has been named the NFL Executive of the Year on multiple occasions, but he’s clearly responsible for the current state of their roster.
The Falcons do have a winnable game against the Buccaneers coming up, but they will have a hard time getting anywhere near a 500 record with teams like Cardinals, Packers, Steelers Saints and Panthers on their schedule.
Since taking the job in 2008, Smith has a record of 62-42 (.596) to go along with two division titles and one playoff victory.
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