Following Arthur Smith’s early dismissal as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, oddsmakers are already predicting the potential candidates for his replacement with the next new coach odds out
For those unversed, the oddsmaker Adam Thompson has provided speculative odds for the next head coach which are as follows.
Atlanta Falcons next new head coach odds and favorites candidates names list for 2023-2024
- Frank Smith (Dolphins OC) +350 (22.2%)
- Eric Bieniemy (Commanders OC) +400 (20%)
- Kellen Moore (Chargers OC) +650 (13.3%)
- Ben Johnson (Lions OC) +750 (11.8%)
- Bobby Slowik (Texans OC) +1200 (7.7%)
- Dave Canales (Buccaneers OC) +1200 (7.7%)
- Kliff Kingsbury (USC AC) +1500 (6.3%)
- Chip Kelly (UCLA HC) +1800 (5.3%)
- The Field +300 (25%)
Thompson emphasized Bieniemy’s potential candidacy, stating, “The former OC of the powerful Chiefs, Bieniemy has been a runner-up on several head jobs over the years. This could be the best chance, and the Falcons are likely to go with an offense-first candidate.”
Johnson, Smith, and Moore are also under consideration for various coaching vacancies, with Thompson raising the question of whether the Atlanta job is more appealing than others with teams like the Chargers, Raiders, Commanders, or Patriots.
The Atlanta Falcons need a new HC
Who would you like to see as the next HC?#DirtyBirds pic.twitter.com/hSfqDliweF
— 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙚 (@ATLFalconsMuse) January 9, 2024
Meanwhile, reports from BetGeorgia concurs with Bieniemy being a top contender:
- Eric Bieniemy, Commanders OC +500 (16.7%)
- Brian Callahan, Bengals OC +700 (12.5%)
- Raheem Morris, Rams DC +700 (12.5%)
- Brian Flores, Vikings DC +900 (10%)
- Bobby Slowik, Texans OC +900 (10%)
- Ben Johnson, Lions OC +1000 (9.1%)
- Jim Harbaugh, Michigan HC +1200 (7.7%)
- Bill Belichick, Patriots HC +1200 (7.7%)
- Other +400 (20%)
The recent firing of Ron Rivera as head coach of the Washington Commanders adds to the speculation, with Bieniemy possibly being in contention for that position as well.
The decision to part ways with Smith comes after a disappointing season for the Falcons, concluding with a 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Smith, who served as head coach for three seasons, failed to achieve a winning record in any of them, posting identical 7-10 records each year. The search for a new head coach is set to begin immediately.
Who is Arthur Smith?
Arthur William Smith, born on May 27, 1982, is an American football coach. He recently concluded his tenure as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL), overseeing the team during the 2021 to 2023 seasons.
Prior to leading the Falcons, Smith served as an assistant coach for the Tennessee Titans, where he held the position of offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, on January 8, 2024, Atlanta decided to terminate his coaching role.