Concerns about the futures of the head coaches in the NFC South are still present. Arthur Smith’s job security in Atlanta seems to have changed on several occasions in the recent past.
Due in major part to the team’s offensive difficulties, the third-year head coach was first believed to be under fire in November. This year, there have been several quarterback changes, and Desmond Ridder, a 2022 third-round pick, has not been able to establish himself as a viable starting option. In spite of this, a study published last month suggested that Smith will be kept on for at least another year.
In his first two seasons, the Falcons finished 7-10, and he is poised to have a similar result in 2023. The team that has the best chance of overtaking the Bucs for the top slot in the NFC South is New Orleans, and Atlanta will play them in the final game of the regular season. But in order for that to happen, Tampa Bay would have to lose to Carolina, and the Falcons are not eligible for a wild-card slot.
Owner Arthur Blank has refrained from publicly stating whether or not to keep Smith, given that Atlanta’s postseason drought is probably going to last seven years. The latter’s employment situation will probably depend on how the Falcons perform in the end, although some in the league believe his fate is already decided. Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post was informed by two general managers that Smith would be let go following the conclusion of the current campaign.
Midway through the season, three head coaches were fired, and several more firings are probably going to happen on or around Black Monday. If Smith were released, it wouldn’t be shocking because the Falcons’ offense has struggled despite having a potent offensive line and consistently allocating draft resources to quality players. First round selections went to wide receiver Drake London in 2022, running back Bijan Robinson in 2023, and tight end Kyle Pitts in 2021.
The Falcons score 19 points per game, which ranks 26th in the league, largely due to poor play behind the arch. That will undoubtedly result in an offseason search of a quarterback, but it also might force the addition of a fresh face to the coaching staff. After the regular season concludes on Sunday, Smith will have one more chance to make his case for the 2024 spot.
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