The Atlanta Falcons are looking for a new head coach. On Sunday night, the team fired Arthur Smith after three straight 7-10 seasons at the helm of the organization, all of which found them on the outside looking in for the playoffs. Although the Falcons haven’t finished better than third in the NFC South in each of the last four seasons, this has to be considered a pretty attractive opening for potential contenders.
Over the past few seasons, Atlanta has used high draft capital to sign high-ceiling players at skilled positions, like Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. On top of that, the team invested heavily in the defensive side of the ball last offseason and allowed just 5.0 yards per play in 2023, which ranks in the top 10 in the league. Part of Smith’s demise was due to the inability to get those offensive weapons operating at full capacity, and that will be a key priority for whoever decides to bring Arthur Blank aboard.
The Falcons also have the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which could be a key tool in finding their franchise quarterback and making him an even more attractive landing spot. As for who could replace Smith, let’s take a look at some of the best options.
1. Bill Belichick
Current position: Head coach of the New England Patriots
As it stands, as of Monday morning following Week 18, Bill Belichick is still a member of the New England Patriots. However, if Robert Kraft decides to part ways with the legendary head coach, he instantly becomes the top dog in any head coaching search, including here with the Falcons. In fact, Diana Russini of The Athletic reported Monday that Atlanta is a team that would be interested in Belichick if he goes wild.
One aspect that has been brought up whenever Belichick’s arrival to a new team is discussed is the control he will have over personnel. Right now, Terry Fontenot is the Falcons general manager, but I don’t think that will deter Belichick. He told reporters Monday that he open to giving up player personnel duties in New England, so it stands to reason that he’d be okay with not having it at his next stop either.
Belichick would have instant credibility coming to Atlanta and, as long as he can recruit a stable QB, he would be a legitimate threat in the 2024 division race.
Current position: Offensive coordinator, Detroit Lions
Johnson is the hot young name in this recruiting cycle and for good reason. He helped make Detroit a division champion for the first time since 1993 and led an offense that ranked among the NFL’s best in recent seasons. Johnson can also tip his hat to Jared Goff’s development and stabilization of his career after completing a trade with the Rams. Putting the 37-year-old at the helm of an offense featuring players like Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts would be an exciting duo, and perhaps a tempting situation for Johnson. Given what Johnson has done with Goff, the Falcons should have tremendous confidence in his ability to maximize the player they draft at quarterback, whether it’s a rookie with the No. ° 8 or a veteran.
3. Jim Harbaugh
Current position: Head coach, University of Michigan
Harbaugh, who is competing for a national championship with Michigan on Monday night, has flirted with a return to the NFL over the past few years and that picked up a bit this cycle with the reported hiring of agent Don Yee. Similar to Belichick, Harbaugh’s arrival would give the Falcons instant credibility and a coach who has experience coaching on a big stage, including a Super Bowl appearance when he was with the 49ers. The question is whether Harbaugh sees Atlanta as the right place for his next jump to the NFL, which could depend on what they have at quarterback. If the Falcons could pair Harbaugh with a serviceable quarterback, they could arguably be division favorites to start the 2024 campaign.
4. Bobby Slowik
Current position: Offensive coordinator, Houston Texans
Slowik only has one year of offensive role under his belt, but I would bet he will be among the hottest candidates this cycle, especially for what he was able to do with CJ Stroud. The Texans OC was able to help Stroud have one of the most prolific rookie seasons in league history as Houston won the AFC South. If the Falcons decide to go young at quarterback and take high in the draft, Slowik could be a great pairing as he has already shown he can maximize a rookie from day one. He would also fit in well with the young overall core that the Falcons have developed on the offensive side of the ball.
5. Frank Smith
Current position: Offensive coordinator, Miami Dolphins
Smith doesn’t call offensive plays for the Dolphins, which could hurt his candidacy in some cases. That said, his head coach, Mike McDaniel, did not have playing duties when he was offensive coordinator in San Francisco and has proven to be one of the brightest young coaches in the league, that is not so is not really a problem. Smith has helped lead one of the most electrifying offenses in the league when Miami is fully healthy and could be someone who can maximize the Falcons’ unique talent on offense with Robinson, Pitts, etc.
