The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed that they have fired head coach Mike Smith following their failure to reach the post-season.
The Falcons lost their NFC South title decider to the Carolina Panthers in emphatic fashion at the Georgia Dome to fall to a 6-10 record in the campaign.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank decided to call time on Smith's seven-year reign at the club as his side's performances dipped over the last two seasons following their defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game in the 2012 campaign.
The 55-year-old led his team to five winning seasons and four appearances in the playoffs during his time in Atlanta.
Blank told reporters: "Smitty's contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous.
"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. [It was] the most difficult decision I've had to make.
"We want that [search] process to play out. It will help us determine if we'll make any other changes to the structure of any other parts. Hiring the coach is the first move but may not be the only move."
Smith posted a 66-46 record during his seven seasons with the Falcons, but a 1-4 record in the playoffs.
Simon Sinclair
