NFL Black Monday Head Coach Tracker

Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith on the sideline against the Carolina Panthers at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons: Head Coach Mike Smith has been fired, per Adam Schefter.

This move is not a surprise in Atlanta. The Falcons have finished with a losing record in the last two seasons and owner Arthur Blank was ready to make a change at the positin.

"“Smitty’s contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous,” Blank said in a release. “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.” ESPN"

The Falcons finished the season with a 6-10 record. The team was a disappointment in the NFC South, but they still had a chance at the division in the final game of the season. Before the final game, the Falcons had retained search firm Korn Ferry about a potential head-coaching search. Tough news to hear from the current head coach with a big game on the line. The Falcons ended up losing the game 34-3. That is some poor practice by the Atlanta Falcons organization.

Smith took the Falcons to the playoffs in 4 seasons and was only able to win one game in the post season. The expectations were high in Atlanta after he had brought the team back-to-back winning seasons in 2008 and 2009. The team had some talent on offense with Matt Ryan leading the charge.

"“The seven years I have been here, he has been first class,” Matt Ryan said. “He shows up every day. He works really hard, he is incredibly consistent. You know where you stand with him as a player and I think the guys respect that. I have nothing but a lot of respect for Mike.” – ajc.com"

Smith will be looking for a new landing spot. With the league always looking for fresh blood in the coaching ranks, Smith likely will be looking to catch onto a team as a coordinator somewhere.

Next: Marc Trestman and Phil Emery Fired in Chicago