Things have been better for the Atlanta Falcons than they are now, but is there still time to right the ship under the current regime?
Arthur Smith is in his third season as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach, and he is 18-25 in that time, including a 4-6 start to the 2023 season with another quarterback controversy looming. Smith is an offensive mind with a background as an NFL offensive coordinator, but his Falcons offense has only averaged 18.9 points per game this season, which, as previously stated, is due in part to the lack of a consistent quarterback.
That begs the question of whether the Falcons can do better.
The answer is probably “yes,” but it is probably too early to end Smith’s tenure, at least for the time being. Despite its poor record, Atlanta is still in contention for a playoff spot this season, so letting things play out as they are is the safe bet. If and when the Falcons are eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn’t hurt to make a change at the helm, even if it’s in the middle of the season.
Otherwise, you’ll run into some issues.
Coaching changes in the middle of the season are difficult to pull off. If the Falcons want to make the playoffs (which I’m sure they do), consistency will be crucial. It may not happen, but if you want to give yourself the best chance of keeping that hope alive, keeping Smith for the time being is probably the best move.
However, the clock is ticking.
The Falcons have not made the playoffs since 2017, which is unacceptable in a football-crazed city like Atlanta. If Smith cannot get Atlanta over the hump this season, it is time to let him go. Simple as that.
It’s still his job until then, but time is running out if some changes aren’t made.
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