Falcons Locker Room Supports Coach Smith as Owner Blank Mum After Loss at Saints

Several players inside the Atlanta Falcons' locker room supported coach Arthur Smith after Sunday's loss to the New Orleans Saints - but Smith spoke in uncertain terms about what's to come, and owner Arthur Blank declined comment postgame.

As the clock hit zero in the Atlanta Falcons' season-ending 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, coach Arthur Smith sprinted to midfield.

In the moment, Smith was focused on giving Saints coach Dennis Allen a piece of his mind following a late touchdown from New Orleans - but there could be deeper implications after Atlanta's defeat, the largest since a 43-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Nov. 2021.

Smith, whose job security entered the day on shaky ground, may have coached his way out of Atlanta. Speaking postgame, the 42-year-old understood the consequences of the loss.

"We know the industry we're in," Smith said. "Love doing what I'm doing, but this is the industry. Love coaching. Obviously wasn't the result we wanted today."

The Falcons have gone 7-10 in each of Smith's three seasons at the helm and earned the No. 8 overall pick in the NFL Draft each year. Their playoff drought extended to six years Sunday.

Atlanta lost four of its last five contests after taking a one-game lead in the NFC South in early December and was outscored 85-34 in its last two games.

Smith, who now holds a career record of 21-30, noted the game had just ended when asked if he'd received any assurances about his status.

Still, he believes he's the right man for the job moving forward.

"In any job, you've got a lot of confidence," Smith said. "I'm not going to give a State of the Union on everything that's happened in the last three years. The season just ended - obviously wasn't the result we needed today. Clearly the second half got out of hand. Credit to New Orleans."

Falcons owner Arthur Blank declined to formally speak with the media postgame, instead telling reporters to take care.

It's possible Smith's irate encounter with Allen will be the last time many see him in Falcons colors - but if it is, it won't be as a result of locker room discontent.

Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith looks on against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome / Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Several players voiced their support for Smith postgame, including a strong endorsement from Pro Bowl right guard Chris Lindstrom.

"Coach Smith is the best coach I've ever had," Lindstrom said. "I absolutely f---ing love him and I think this group and this team does as well."

The Falcons were outscored 31-0 in the second half Sunday, watching as their offense turned the ball over three times and their defense allowed nearly eight yards per play.

Desmond Ridder received the start at quarterback for Atlanta, playing in place of Taylor Heinicke, who was inactive with a left ankle injury.

Ridder started off strong, completing 14 of 16 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. He didn't get a chance to finish the second half as Smith wanted backup Logan Woodside to receive snaps.

Across 14 second half attempts, Ridder went eight of 14 for 60 yards, one interception and a lost fumble amidst miscommunication on the snap with center Ryan Neuzil.

Ridder's inconsistencies were emphasized Sunday and played a key role in Atlanta's disappointing campaign. Still, the 24-year-old backs his coach.

"Coach Art means the world to me," Ridder said postgame. "He's given me every opportunity to go out there and be myself. At the end of the day, that's the biggest thing - he wants everyone to be themselves. He's a great coach, great guy and I'm excited for us."

Ridder, later asked if he'd like Smith to return, doubled down on his belief, but acknowledged the lack of influence he and the rest of the players have on the decision.

"I'd love for coach to be back," Ridder said. "I'd love for everyone to be back on the same team. At the end of the day, that's not in my control. We don't control that. We control what we can control, and that's to show up to work every single day and get better."

Smith is the first professional coach Ridder's had, and the one who turned his dreams of being an NFL starting quarterback into reality. Lindstrom's had just one other professional head coach - Dan Quinn, who was Smith's predecessor.

It's a different story for 37-year-old veteran Calais Campbell, who wrapped up his 16th professional season Sunday.

Campbell said earlier in the week he was unsure if he'd play another season. After the loss to New Orleans, he changed his course, noting he thinks he hasn't played his last game.

And if it were up to Campbell, this didn't mark the last game for Smith and staff on the sidelines, either.

"I hope they come back," Campbell said. "Honestly."

The Falcons' locker room largely stands behind Smith - but there's an avalanche of external dissatisfaction from the fanbase and a three-year track record that illustrates no on-field progress.

'That's F****** Bull***!' Fire Arthur Smith? How Can Falcons Not?

Now, Smith waits ... and is left reflecting on the season that could've been but never was.

"It's such a privilege to work with these guys," Smith said. "They've worked extremely hard all season. We've clearly come up short, but I appreciate the hell out of them, and I love coaching this team."