Atlanta Falcons hand new deals to management trio

The Atlanta Falcons have announced that they have handed contract extensions to club president Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith.

The club's hierarchy came under criticism for the team's poor performance in the 2013 season as they finished with a 4-12 record, just a year after competing in the NFC championship game.

However, Falcons owner Arthur Blank believes that the team is in the best possible hands and as a result has handed a four-year deal to McKay and one-year extensions for Dimitroff and Smith.

"We are fortunate to have talented key leaders at the Falcons who are dedicated to a common goal of being a league leader on and off the field," Blank told the club's official website.

"I have great respect for the skills and commitment of Rich, Thomas and Smitty, and I look forward to continuing to support and work with them in the years to come."

The trio have been in their respective roles since the 2008 campaign.