Head coach Arthur Smith has been dismissed by the Atlanta Falcons after a three-season tenure marked by the team’s failure to secure a playoff spot or achieve a winning record, have a look at his net worth, salary and contract
The decision was made following a meeting between Smith, Falcons owner Arthur Blank, and CEO Rich McKay on Sunday night, shortly after a 48-17 defeat to the New Orleans Saints concluded a disappointing 7-10 season.
Arthur Smith Atlanta Falcons salary, contract details and net worth in 2024 as he’s fired
Despite an initial chance to clinch the NFC South, the Falcons were outscored 31-0 in the second half. Smith, who compiled a record of 21-30 during his time with the team, faced criticism for the team’s on-field performance.
Smith has had moments of brilliance in Atlanta, but struggled to find both the public command and consistent success owner Bank had envisioned when he signed Smith to a six-year contract in 2021.
Arthur Smith made around $500,000 annually with the Atlanta Falcons and before his coaching career began, Smith played on the offensive line and was team captain at Georgetown Preparatory School.
Despite being one of the heirs to a multi-billion-dollar fortune, Arthur has amassed a net worth of £4.95m ($6m).
Falcons owner Arthur Blank acknowledged the difficulty of such decisions in a statement, expressing respect for Smith’s efforts in building a positive team culture. However, the lack of on-field success prompted the organization to seek new leadership.
A search for a new head coach will be initiated immediately, led by Blank and McKay, with input from general manager Terry Fontenot. Smith’s final game against the Saints highlighted the team’s struggles, with a strong start followed by a significant collapse and a heated postgame exchange between Smith and Saints counterpart Dennis Allen.
Falcons dismiss Arthur Smith as head coach. pic.twitter.com/NEois8xhmc
— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2024
Smith, hired in 2021 for his offensive expertise, failed to elevate the Falcons’ offense despite the presence of young talents like Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson.
Inconsistent quarterback play has been a notable issue, and the team faces key decisions regarding the position for the upcoming season. With Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke under contract for 2024 and Logan Woodside as a restricted free agent, the Falcons must navigate the quarterback situation under new leadership.
The team holds the eighth pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Smith’s tenure also witnessed changes in defensive coordinators, with Dean Pees and Ryan Nielsen playing significant roles.
As Blank and Fontenot embark on the coaching search, they aim to reverse the fortunes of a franchise that has struggled to achieve a winning record or make the playoffs since the 2017 season.
The upcoming hire will be the seventh full-time coach under Blank’s ownership since 2002.