Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
It is a shame to say that head coach Mike Smith is on the hot seat in Week 9, especially because of the amount of success he has brought to the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, the NFL is a league in which the only importance is what a player, coach or executive has accomplished lately. Since the Falcons have posted a dismal 6-18 record in the last season and a half, Falcons owner Arthur Blank is about ready to pull the plug on Smith.
“Arthur has an angry side to him,” an inside source said, according to CBS Sports. “He can turn on someone and he can turn quickly. He’s not nearly as mellow as his public perception would make you think.”
The correct assumption is that Blank is incredibly frustrated with the product the Falcons have put on the field since the beginning of 2013, and rightfully so. Therefore, if Smith does not lead Atlanta to an impressive record in the second half of the season, there is a great chance he will be fired. Once that happens, expect Blank to bring in an elite head coach to lead Atlanta to the promise land.
The Falcons have never won the Super Bowl, losing in their lone appearance in 1998. For that reason, many expect Blank to do whatever it takes to bring Atlanta a championship. One can only assume money will not be an object.
Also, Blank could also give the new head coach plenty of power within the organization, including allowing that person to help put together a new executive team. That means Smith will not be the only person to be let go if the Falcons continue down their horrid path.
Atlanta has the talent to win. The big issue is major holes at important positions, with the most glaring problem being the offensive line. Despite quarterback Matt Ryan getting put on his back more than a majority of signal callers in the league, he still manages to put up great numbers.
It is that reason that Blank feels the need to bring in new people to take the talent the Falcons have and mold it into something special.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
