The Atlanta Falcons have officially found a new head coach, agreeing to terms with Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Friday afternoon.
It was initially reported by ESPN’s Dianna Russini that the team had made an offer to Smith, but a deal didn’t transpire for several hours. Finally on Friday afternoon, the Falcons announced the signing.
We have agreed to terms with Arthur Smith to become our next head coach.
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 15, 2021
Smith, 38, has spent the last decade with the Titans in different roles, including quality control coach, tight ends coach, and eventually offensive coordinator starting in 2019.
Tennessee was a surprise playoff team last season, and again made the postseason in 2020 behind a strong running game and lethal use of play-action passing. Smith helped maximize Ryan Tannehill’s strengths and could have a similar effect on Falcons QB Matt Ryan in 2021.
Atlanta fired its previous head coach Dan Quinn after an 0-5 start to the season that included several blown fourth-quarter leads. Falcons defensive coordinator Raheem Morris took over in Week 6 and the team was noticeably better during a 4-7 run to close out the year.
Morris interviewed for the job prior to the end of the season, and was believed to be a serious contender. Smith got a second interview on Wednesday for the team’s coaching vacancy.
