With a win against New Orleans today and Carolina next week, the Atlanta Falcons would win the NFC South and make the playoffs. This, despite a best case final record of 7-9.
Even if they do manage to pull off that improbable division title, it looks unlikely that it will be enough to save coach Mike Smith’s job this offseason.
CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reports that barring a strong playoff run, Smith is almost surely going to be fired after the season ends. The seventh-year head coach had led the Falcons to a winning record every year until 2013, where they went a miserable 4-12. Things have not really turned around despite the team's return to health this year, and another losing season has already been assured. Owner Arthur Blank is no longer feeling patient, and with names like Adam Gase, Josh McDaniels, and David Shaw potentially available he seems ready to pull the trigger on changing coaches.
Smith’s overall record (65-45) is solid enough, but his game management and 1-4 playoff record are clearly enough to give his bosses cause to reconsider his employment status.
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[via SB Nation]
