The Atlanta Falcons made an offer to Arthur Smith to be the next coach, according to a report on Friday morning.
Dianna Russini, NFL reporter for ESPN, tweeted that the Falcons “made Arthur Smith an offer to become his next trainer by sources”. On Friday morning, Ian Rapoport reported that “Arthur Smith has been the focus of the Falcons and the two sides are talking, the sources say. His trip to the Lions is over. The Eagles are monitoring, but all eyes are on Atlanta.”
The Falcons interviewed Smith on Monday. On Wednesday, Rapoport reported that Smith had a second interview with the Falcons.
Smith, 38, has been with the Titans organization for 10 years and has spent the last two as the team’s offensive coordinator. Under Smith in 2020, the Titans’ attack ended the regular season ranked No. 3 in the league in total yards per game (396.4) and overall No. 2 in yards per game (168.1) while running back Derrick Henry he ran for 2,027 yards and scored 17 touchdowns. The Titans were also fourth in the championship in scoring, adding 30.7 points per game.
Prior to his promotion, Smith was the Tennessee coach in 2015-18. He also served as the Titans’ tight end assistant coach, attack line / tight end assistant, attack assistant / quality control coach and defense assistant / quality control coach.
Smith began his career in the NFL as a defensive quality control technician in Washington, a role he held for two years, and also gained some experience as an assistant scout at a college during that time. Smith is among the coach candidates who also played the game; he was an offensive striker for North Carolina Tar Heels.