Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith reportedly has the backing of owners, and is expected to be the head coach in 2024.
According to Jeff Schultz According to The Athletic, Falcons owner Arthur Blank did not give the coach a “win now or else” mandate and instead “supported Smith behind the scenes, even though he is known to expects progress this season.”
Schultz noted that “the only way Smith would not return as the team’s coach in 2024 is if there is evidence that the players are ignoring him (this has not happened), or if the team is completely falling apart (not there yet).”
This is Smith’s third season as Atlanta’s head coach after previously serving as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans.
The Falcons went 7-10 in each of his first two years, and things appear to be trending toward a similar record this year with a 4-6 record through 10 games. Perhaps more concerning than the overall record is the performance of the offense, especially given Smith’s track record as an offensive coach.
Atlanta finished 26th in points and 29th in yards in his first season and 15th in points and 24th in yards in his second season. This year, he is 24th in points and 15th in yards. Desmond Ridder hasn’t exactly looked like a franchise quarterback through 12 career starts, and questions arise about the team’s use of young stars such as Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
“I’m an old lineman, I’m used to getting my ass ripped,” Smith said.
“It used to be enough to write a column. Today there are 7,000 outrage forums. I understand. But you can’t worry about everything around you, things you can’t control .As I said earlier, if you’re worried about these kinds of things, don’t join professional sports.
These criticisms surely become stronger after a third consecutive defeat.
The most worrisome of these came Sunday when the Falcons lost 25-23 to an Arizona Cardinals team that entered the game with a 1-8 record. It was Kyler Murray’s first start, so the Falcons’ version of the Cardinals was better than their record indicated, but it was still a troubling setback.
Atlanta can at least highlight the positive side of playing in the NFC South.
Even with a 4-6 record, they are just one game behind the 5-5 New Orleans Saints, who lead the division. If Smith can harness the comfort of owners’ support for better performance throughout the season, a division crown is within reach.
