ESPN UPDATE: Arthur Blank torn on Arthur Smith’s future with the Falcons as Arthur Blank names a legitimate and ideal replacement for Arthur Smith

Perhaps more importantly than Atlanta potentially entering the playoffs with a win on Sunday, it appears Arthur Smith will either be reinstated or fired as a result of the team’s performance against the Saints.

That may sound absurd (and it is), but according to various stories from national reporters, the team owner has yet to make a decision. Blank, in my opinion, is seeking for a justification to keep Smith. However, he will be unable to sell tickets if the squad fails to finish on a high note. In fact, all of these claims corroborate what Mike Garafolo told Steve Wyche just a few days ago. Smith is in if he wins. He’s out if he loses.

This weekend, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the first rumor, which stated that Blank is at a loss on what to do.
The comments, like many Falcons rumors and stories from national reporters, are quite favorable to the team. The above will cover the Falcons for whatever decision they make, including that they done their due research in exploring for coaching prospects across the league. If the Falcons maintain Smith, that’s fantastic because he’s a fantastic coach and everyone here adored him.

Most of Schefter’s opinions are echoed by Diana Russini of The Athletic, who recently had some bad news on Atlanta’s interest in the trade market. With one extra nugget.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank and head coach Arthur Smith have always had a good working relationship. They’ve been together for three years, and they have a chance to make the playoffs with a win over the New Orleans Saints and some help from the Carolina Panthers on Sunday…. If Blank moves on from Smith, expect him to take a huge swing for Belichick as well.

First and foremost, both Schefter and Russini, whether in the statement above or in their larger story, state unequivocally that the Falcons must acquire a quarterback. Blank can’t sell tickets for another season with top weaponry thwarted (in Blank’s opinion) by the quarterback situation. Some may point the finger at the head coach, but Blank wants to see a new quarterback.

The reports from Schefter and Russini may also coincide with interest in Bill Belichick. According to Schefter, Blank is investigating other alternatives, while Russini makes a more direct connection to Belichick. Whether that job starts a dynasty or ends in disaster in three to four seasons, trading for Belichick would certainly suit Blank’s theme. Blank has regularly made bold moves, including publicly courting Bill Parcells to manage the team’s football operations. Of course, Parcells pulled a Deshaun Watson and left Atlanta scrambling for eventual GM Thomas Dimitroff. Blank has also regularly obtained his presumed top picks, but he is likely expecting to locate a senior coach with success rather than gambling three to four years on an unproven team leader.

A lot could hinge on Smith’s victory over the Saints on Sunday, as getting dismissed becomes much more difficult if the team makes the playoffs. A lot may also rely on how much New England wants in a trade for Belichick. A lot could also depend on Smith’s ability to persuade Blank that he can turn things around with a new quarterback.

We don’t know much except that Blank hasn’t made a decision yet. We can guess further, but the ultimate decision will be made in a matter of days.