The Atlanta Falcons announced on Friday afternoon that they had come to terms with Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to become the next head coach.
Smith represents the third head coach hired since Arthur Blank bought the Falcons from the Smith family.
The previous coaches, Mike Smith (no relation) and Dan Quinn, were both defensive coordinators before taking the reins in Atlanta. Smith represents a change in philosophy.
The 38 year old Smith had an immediate impact with Tennessee. The Titans were 25th in total offense when he took over after the 2018 season. The Titans finished 12th in 2019 and third last season.
The Falcons still have plenty of weapons on offense including former MVP Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Calvin Ridley, but it will be a necessary for Smith to improve the Falcons dreadful running game which finished 27th last season. The inability to run the ball when it mattered most has been a big factor in the Falcons penchant for blowing late leads.
With the head coaching position now filled, attention will turn to the vacant general manager position, but all signs point to Terry Fontenot of the New Orleans Saints. Expect it to be quiet on that front until the Saints finish the playoffs. In this case, silence speaks loudly.
