The Atlanta Falcons have dismissed head coach Arthur Smith. The Falcons lost 48-17 to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Atlanta finished with a 7-10 record, and their season was disappointing. Quarterback drama, inconsistent performances and questionable coaching plagued Atlanta's campaign.
Smith spent three years in Atlanta. The Falcons finished 7-10 in all three seasons. Now, the focus turns to the potential replacements. Many names will get thrown around. Here is DAZN's list of the five potential candidates.
Ben Johnson - Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
The Lions' hotshot coordinator, Ben Johnson, is arguably the prized candidate of this upcoming hiring cycle. Johnson has helped transform Detroit's offense. The Lions are an innovative, consistent offense. They rank in the top ten for total yards and points scored and can run and pass the ball efficiently.
Moreover, many sources within the league have praised Johnson's leadership, collaboration and detail-obsessed work ethic.
Johnson could quickly turn the offence around with Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Tyler Allgeier, who are all on the Atlanta offense. Johnson turned down head coaching opportunities last season. However, the NFC South is one of the weakest divisions in the NFL, and the Falcons do have some crucial building blocks in place.
Bobby Slowik - Offensive Coordinator, Houston Texans
Bobby Slowik has worked miracles in Houston. Slowik has helped guide CJ Stroud to an incredible rookie season. A product of the San Francisco 49ers school, Slowik is an innovative offensive mind with excellent communication skills.
Furthermore, the Falcons will likely have a new quarterback in tow. Slowik's work with a rookie quarterback is a massive tick in his favour.
Eric Bienemy - Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders
Bienemy has been on the coaching carousel for several years now. Renowned as a detail-orientated coach with a disciplined edge, Bienemy is one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL.
The 54-year-old was the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs' two Super Bowl triumphs. Patrick Mahomes credits Bienemy with much of the success they enjoyed in Kansas City.
Moreover, Bienemy is a former NFL player. He understands locker room dynamics and how players think. However, there is a caveat with Bienemy; he is the current offensive coordinator in Washington. If the Washington Commanders fire Ron Rivera, Bienemy may be the in-house replacement.
Kellen Moore - Offensive Coordinator, LA Chargers
With sweeping change looming in LA, Kellen Moore could become available. A former NFL quarterback, Moore has coordinated offenses for several seasons now.
Marked as an excellent leader with an innate understanding of the quarterback position, Moore has been labelled by many pundits as a future head coach. Again, if the Falcons draft a rookie quarterback or sign a new quarterback, Moore could be the perfect foil.
Dan Quinn - Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys
Never say never, but could Dan Quinn return to Atlanta? The current Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator has coached the Falcons before; he led them to an NFC Championship and an appearance at Super Bowl 51.
Quinn is one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL. His Dallas defenses have routinely been among the best in the league. He is an experienced leader of men with previous head coaching experience.