The Atlanta Falcons have a made a move that everyone was expecting. The team falling to the Carolina Panthers and losing the chance to win the NFC South and host a playoff game. This comes a year after the team managed just four wins on the season as well. Head coach Mike Smith has officially been fired from the Atlanta Falcons and now the team heads into the offseason with uncertainty.
The team announced Monday that Smith would not return as head coach for the Falcons. Owner Arthur Blank made the announcement while also stating that general manager Thomas Dimitroff would return to his role in the coming season.
"Smitty's contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous," Blank said in a release. "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 for the future."
Smith's tenure was highlighted with the 2012 NFC Championship game which the Falcons lost to the San Francisco 49ers. The head coach finishes with 1-4 record in the postseason which was a big cloud hanging over his head. The Falcons finished 6-10 this season which was once again riddled with playcalling inconsistencies and injuries. Now, the Falcons prepare to start a new coaching search while several players know their futures are in the air.
Julio Jones is the priority of the offseason outside of the coaching search. The wide receiver will be reaching the final year of his deal in 2015 after having his fifth-year option picked up and the Falcons are expected to negotiate a new deal this year. The wide receiver is expected to sign a very large extension with the Falcons. Both sides have expressed their desire to remain in a relationship, now they just have to get the numbers worked out.
The Falcons have several free agents who are not expected to return. Running back Steven Jackson is not expected to get offered a contract extension after he had two years mauled with injuries. Jacquizz Rodgers is facing the same issues. Lineman Sam Baker is expected to get released while defensive players like Sean Weatherspoon and Kroy Biermann need more money as well.
The Falcons have a lot of work to put in the offseason while also having a top-ten draft pick to work with. While they have cornerstone pieces that will remain on the roster, it is up in the air who else gets to return as a new staff gets put into place.
