A few weeks ago, Falcons owner Arthur Blank expressed the team’s commitment to head coach Arthur Smith, mentioning a reassessment at the season’s end. However, following their 37-17 loss to the Chicago Bears, dropping their record to 7-9, Blank declined to provide further comments on Smith or any other team matters. Despite media requests for an interview, a team spokesperson stated that Blank would not be speaking.
The lack of communication from Blank might indicate that, given the team’s recent setbacks and the need for a win in Week 18 against the Saints (coupled with a Buccaneers loss to the Panthers) to secure the division, there is currently little reason for him to address the situation. If Blank chose not to make coaching changes after previous losses that pushed the team to the playoff fringes, it seems unlikely he would make any decisions with just one week left in the season. Regardless of the outcome next week, Blank will face a decision regarding whether to retain a coach with a 21-29 record and a third consecutive losing season in a division that has been up for grabs in the past two seasons.
