The Atlanta Falcons today announced that Head Coach Mike Smith was released from his contract. A press conference, hosted by Falcons Owner Arthur Blank, will be held today at 11 a.m. at The Arthur M. Blank Family Office, during which Blank will discuss Smith's release and plans for moving forward.
"Smitty's contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous," Blank said. "His accomplishments on the field made him the most successful coach in the 49-year history of the Falcons, and we are grateful for the foundation he has laid for us for the future."
Smith joined the Falcons as its 14th head coach in 2008. During his seven seasons with the Falcons, the team compiled a 66-46 (.589) regular season record and captured two NFC South Division titles. Smith was the first Falcons head coach to put together back-to-back winning seasons, and he went on to add three more for a string of five over his seven years. In his first stint as an NFL head coach, Smith reached the 50-win milestone in 71 games, the third-fastest head coach to accomplish the feat since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
Prior to joining the Falcons, Smith served as the defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars for five seasons (2003-2007). Before joining Jacksonville, he spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens defense (1999-2002) and contributed to the team's first Super Bowl championship in 2000.
