|
 Smith has been in charge since 2008 and took the team to the
playoffs four times. Atlanta won the NFC South twice including in
2012 when they reached the NFC Championship game before losing to
the San Francisco 49ers.
"His accomplishments on the field made him the most successful coach
in the 49-year history of the Falcons and we are grateful for the
foundation he has laid for us," said owner Arthur Blank in a news
release.
Despite a poor season the Falcons had a chance to win their division
on Sunday but were crushed 34-3 by the Carolina Panthers, ending the
campaign with a 6-10 record.
"This is a business about winning football games and that is how you
are judged," said Smith after the defeat. "I understand that and
I'll leave it at that."
(Reporting by Simon Evans, editing by Tony Jimenez)
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