Atlanta Falcons fire head coach Mike Smith after seven seasons

The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Mike Smith after seven seasons.

The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Mike Smith after seven seasons, the team announced Monday.

Smith, 55, had a 66-46 record in his tenure, along with a 1-4 mark in the playoffs. The Falcons reached the NFC Championship game in 2012.

It was reported over the weekend that the Falcons hired a search firm to help identify potential head-coaching candidates.

"Smitty's contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous," Falcons chairman Arthur Blank said in a press release. "His accomplishments on the field made him the most successful coach in the 49-year history of the Falcons, and we are grateful for the foundation he has laid for us for the future."

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The Falcons ended their season at 6-10 on Sunday after getting blown out 34-3 at home by the Carolina Panthers with a chance to win the NFC South and clinch a playoff berth. The season was also mired by a five-game losing streak and a pass defense that gave up 280 yards per game, worst in the NFL.

The defense, which gave up 26 points per game, was also ranked last in the NFL.

- Scooby Axson