Atlanta Falcons' Arthur Smith Preparing For Homecoming vs. Tennessee Titans

Arthur Smith spent 10 years on staff with the Tennessee Titans. Now, the Tennessee native returns to his home state as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Atlanta Falcons will look to continue some positive momentum this week when they travel to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, and this is somewhat of a homecoming for head coach Arthur Smith.

The Titans obviously play in Nashville, but Smith is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and he spent 10 seasons on staff as an assistant for the Titans. The Falcons head coach discussed the upcoming game and his emotions on a return to the state.

“I am from Memphis," Smith said. "I was fortunate to be there for 10 years, but it’s going to be about the players for us and the Titans on Sunday. A lot of good friends and colleagues that I was fortunate to work with. Some of them are still on the coaching staff. A lot of people, the equipment and support staff, just thankful for my time there.”

Oct 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith shown reacting during the game against the Washington Commanders during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports / © Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Titans were idle last week, so they have had some extra time to prepare for Atlanta who faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday. Tennessee has a bit of an issue at quarterback as starter Ryan Tannehill is still nursing an ankle injury. According to reports, Will Levis is expected to be the primary signal caller for the Titans this week against the Falcons.

“They’re coming off a bye week," Smith said. "[Head coach Mike Vrabel] will have them ready to go. Regardless of who plays quarterback, I promise you. They will be ready. We have to be ready to roll. This will be our toughest challenge, going on the road, game we need to win. 

"Obviously, a game they will be ready for, and we’ll have to continue to play better. They will make you earn everything, and I know this, like I said, this will be our best challenge because they play hard as well. It will be a tough, physical game. We have to minimize our mistakes and be ready to go execute.”

Kickoff between Tennessee and Atlanta is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS.