I’m leaving if he isn’t dismissed.

I’m leaving if he isn’t dismissed.

Georgia’s Flowery Branch (AP) — After being dismissed late on Sunday night, Arthur Smith returned to the Atlanta Falcons’ practice facility on Monday morning for his last meeting with his players.

Despite the teammates’ backing, Smith was unable to avoid a third straight 7–10 result. The gathering on Monday served as a farewell as the coaching change was declared after midnight.

Zach Harrison, a rookie defensive lineman, stated on Monday, “Most of us already knew.” “Just getting the chance to have him come up there, speak to us, and say the final few things he wanted to say before he left.” His act of standing there, looking each of us in the eye, and told us a few things.

Harrison said, “He’s a guy you know will have your back.”

Kaleb McGary, an offensive tackle, stated, “I’m just bummed for him.”

Although Harrison admitted he was unprepared for the firing, most veterans did not find it shocking as Atlanta finished with six straight losing seasons following back-to-back crushing defeats to Chicago and New Orleans.

After his 16th NFL season, 37-year-old Calais Campbell stated, “I knew it was a possibility because I’ve been in this game a long time, but I was hopeful.” “Coach Smith has my utmost respect. He is such a nice man.

Grady Jarrett, a different seasoned defensive lineman, expressed that he was “a little bit” shocked to hear that Smith had been let go. “Just because it was midnight or something,” Jarrett remarked. “You never know what to anticipate,”

At a press conference on Smith’s termination, Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated that he has “nothing but appreciation” for the player, but he also remarked, “I feel pained by the decision but I actually feel at peace, truly at peace.” We fell very short of our goals this year… by a wide margin.

Blank stated at the beginning of the season that Smith was in the third year of a three-year plan, and it was evident that the coach had an unfulfilled obligation to demonstrate progress. Following a Sunday, the ultimate decision to terminate Smith was taken.

During the news conference on Monday, Blank and Falcons CEO Rich McKay conducted it without General Manager Terry Fontenot, which led to numerous inquiries over the GM’s responsibilities. According to Blank, Smith and Fontenot reported to McKay, and he anticipates that the new coach won’t do the same.

Blank added that Fontenot will have input, but he and McKay will spearhead the hunt for a new coach. There is no schedule for hiring Smith’s replacement, according to Blank.

“I know that in the end, I will make the final decision, but I will work with others to get there,” Blank stated.

Fontenot will play “a central role” in the coach search, according to McKay, who also mentioned that no decision has been made regarding the search agency that might be employed.

Smith’s a few hours after a 48-17 defeat in New Orleans, the firing was declared. Smith’s three seasons has seen three worse losses, with a 43-3 drubbing against Dallas in 2021 ranking second. The Falcons have lost their previous four games and both of Smith’s final two outings—37-17 at Chicago one week ago—have seen them completely outclassed.