The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith right after the clock struck midnight to begin Black Monday. It was an expected outcome after Smith compiled a record of 21-30 across three campaigns.
Smith's Falcons entered Sunday's regular-season finale with the New Orleans Saints with a slim chance to win the NFC South. Instead, they were handily defeated 48-17 by an arch-rival. Smith's failure to appropriately prepare his team for the biggest game of the season was the final nail in the coffin. Smith never got the most out of talents like Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, a pair of top-10 draft picks he approved.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank will now spearhead the search for Atlanta's next head coach. The Falcons need to find a franchise quarterback, but this roster is appealing. We've identified three potential coaching candidates.
RYAN NIELSEN, FALCONS DC
In-house promotions rarely excite fan bases, but I expect Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to receive an opportunity to interview for the vacancy. Nielsen did an outstanding job in his first year as Atlanta's DC. Under Nielsen's tutelage, the Falcons improved their passing defense from 25th (231.9) last season to eighth this season (202.9).
Nielsen also possesses long-lasting ties to general manager Terry Fontenot, who will assist Blank in the search. Nielsen and Fontenot spent four campaigns (2017-20) together with the Saints before reuniting in Atlanta. Fontenot influenced Nielsen's appointment onto Smith’s staff. Expect Nielsen to receive support from within the locker room, including from veteran safety Jessie Bates III.
MIKE MACDONALD, RAVENS DC
Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald may be the third-hottest name throughout this coaching carousel after Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Macdonald has captured league-wide attention with the job he's done for John Harbaugh this season. The 36-year-old Macdonald is quickly rising through the coaching ranks, coaching for both Harbaugh brothers while building a reputation for himself.
The Ravens claimed the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Their defense ranks first in points allowed (16.5) per contest, sixth in passing yards (191.9), and 14th in rushing yards (109.4). Macdonald has Baltimore's defense firing on all cylinders. Expect head coaching interest to arrive in waves.
RAHEEM MORRIS, RAMS DC
After swinging and missing on a first-time head coach like Smith, I wouldn't be shocked if the Falcons appointed a stabilizing figure. Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris fits the bill. Few coordinators have done a better job this season than what Morris is doing in Tinseltown.
The Rams' defense has seriously outperformed expectations despite relying on rookies like Kobie Turner and Byron Young to start on the defensive line. General manager Les Snead couldn't afford to provide Morris with proven talents, but regardless of the circumstances, the job is being done at a high level. Morris is also maximizing a bunch of relatively unknowns in the secondary. Morris deserves a second opportunity to prove he's a quality head coach in this league.
