Falcons to begin search for next head coach immediately

The Atlanta Falcons don’t plan to waste any time in beginning their search for a new head coach. Shortly after confirming the dismissal of Arthur Smith, the team announced it would begin looking for Smith’s replacement immediately.

Team owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay will lead the search with input from general manager Terry Fontenot, according to Falcons digital editor Scott Bair.

Falcons say their coaching search begins immediately. Arthur Blank and Rich McKay will lead it with input from Terry Fontenot and others from the Falcons and AMB Sports and Entertainment.

— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) January 8, 2024

Atlanta released a statement on Smith’s dismissal, thanking him for his hard work and explaining the team’s reason for moving on. Blank said the product on the field wasn’t meeting expectations. Smith produced the same 7-10 record for all three seasons as head coach.

During his first two years, some even praised Smith for being competitive with a subpar roster. But in 2023, expectations were raised and the team’s play ultimately failed to live up to them. We won’t have to wait long to see if the team’s rumored interest in Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was real or not.