Whether or not you agree with Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s decision to bench (and likely release) quarterback Russell Wilson, losing games in the NFL tends to be costly for all parties involved. If Denver doesn’t turn things around, Payton will likely be next up on the chopping block.
That brings us to Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. After nearly three seasons in Atlanta, Smith has an overall record of 21-28. With a 7-8 record through the first 15 games, the team must win out in order for Smith to avoid his third consecutive losing season.
In Week 17, the Falcons take on the Chicago Bears on the road before heading down to New Orleans to close out the season against the Saints. Atlanta has a road record of 2-5 this season, so winning both games will be no easy feat.
If the team fails to win out, what would that mean for Smith’s future? Despite numerous reports of the Falcons head coach being safe or unsafe, team owner Arthur Blank will more than likely let the season play out before making his decision.
It honestly doesn’t benefit Blank to rush to a decision at this point. If Smith leads this team to a 9-8 record and an NFC South title, his return would seem likely. If he goes down in flames over these final two weeks, it will be easier for Blank to move in another direction.
In the same league where former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores was fired after two consecutive winning seasons, it would be hard to justify bringing back a coach who has yet to produce one winning season in three years.
The NFL is a brutal business and if Smith wants to stick around, he simply needs to win some football games.
