Why the Falcons Fired Mike Smith Now: A Talk with AJC Falcons Beat Writer D. Orlando Ledbetter

WABE

December 29th, 2014

Smith was the most successful coach in Falcons history.

BRIAN BLANCO / ASSOCIATED PRESS

On Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank announced the team had fired head coach Mike Smith, who had been with the team for 7 seasons.

Despite two straight losing campaigns, and a bad loss that eliminated the team from this year’s playoffs, Smith was the most successful coach in Falcons history.

So why did Blank decide to fire Smith now? And what lies ahead for other members of the front office, like general manger Thomas Dimitroff?

WABE’s Denis O’Hayer spoke with D. Orlando Ledbetter, the Falcons beat writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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