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"Decisions like this are never easy and they
never feel good," Blank said in a news release. "We have
profound respect for Coach Smith and appreciate all the hard
work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the last
three years. He has been part of building a good culture in our
football team, but the results on the field have not met our
expectations.
"After significant thought and reflection, we have determined
the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head
coaching position."
The Falcons scheduled a press conference for Monday to discuss
the firing as well as their upcoming coaching search.
Smith, 41, went 21-30 in three seasons with Atlanta. The team
went 7-10 in all three campaigns.
The Falcons said Blank and McKay will lead their coaching search
with general manager Terry Fontenot also having input.
Atlanta was mauled 48-17 by the New Orleans Saints on Sunday to
conclude the season with four losses in five games.
The Saints tacked on a rushing touchdown with 1:10 left instead
of taking a knee. After the game, Smith refused to shake hands
with New Orleans coach Dennis Allen and verbally expressed his
disapproval with some curse words.
Atlanta will select eighth in the 2024 draft. The Falcons have a
run of six consecutive losing seasons since last reaching the
playoffs in 2017.
--Field Level Media
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