The NFL offseason is a time of transition and speculation. As the league’s playoff picture starts to take shape, teams that miss out on the postseason turn their focus to the future—particularly on the all-important role of head coach. One such team that could be making a change at the top is the Atlanta Falcons, led by head coach Arthur Smith. According to recent reports, Smith is scheduled to interview for head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets after the Falcons were eliminated from playoff contention following a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Smith’s impending interviews with these two franchises have set off a firestorm of speculation and questions about his future in Atlanta, as well as the direction both the Bears and Jets are considering for their organizations. While Smith’s tenure with the Falcons has been a mix of highs and lows, the fact that he is being courted by other teams shows that his coaching abilities have garnered respect throughout the league.
In this post, we’ll break down Arthur Smith’s journey as a head coach in Atlanta, analyze the reported interviews with the Bears and Jets, and discuss what the future might hold for both Smith and the teams involved.
### Arthur Smith’s Coaching Journey with the Falcons
Arthur Smith was hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, taking over a franchise that was in the midst of a rebuilding phase. Smith, who had previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, brought with him a reputation for developing strong offenses, particularly a run-first, play-action-heavy attack that had helped quarterback Ryan Tannehill thrive in Tennessee.
In his first season with the Falcons, Smith faced several challenges. The team’s roster was in transition, and quarterback Matt Ryan, while still capable, was nearing the end of his career. Atlanta finished 7-10 in 2021, showing some promise, but ultimately falling short of a playoff spot. Despite the record, Smith’s offense showed flashes of potential, particularly with running back Cordarrelle Patterson, who thrived in the unique offensive system Smith employed.
The 2022 season was a critical one for Smith, as the Falcons had the opportunity to further build on their foundation. Despite a still-rebuilding roster, the Falcons showed improvement and finished 8-9, coming up just short of a playoff berth. Atlanta’s offense, again led by Smith’s system, took strides, with quarterback Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder (who started the final few games of the season) showing glimpses of competence. The defense, however, remained a weak point, and the team’s inconsistency throughout the year kept them from competing at the top level of the NFC.
By the end of the 2023 season, Smith’s Falcons had made progress but were still facing questions about their ability to take the next step. Their playoff hopes were dashed with a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which led to Smith’s elimination from postseason contention. While the Falcons’ offense remained productive, Smith’s tenure in Atlanta has been marked by an inability to consistently put the pieces together for a deep playoff run. This has left the Falcons with difficult questions about their future and whether Smith is the right coach to lead them back to postseason glory.
### The Bears and Jets: Two Franchises Looking for a New Direction
The news that Arthur Smith is set to interview for head coaching positions with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets comes at a time when both teams are looking for new leadership.
**Chicago Bears**
The Bears, who have struggled for decades to find consistent success, are also in a period of transition. After a disappointing 2023 season that saw them once again fail to make the playoffs, the Bears parted ways with head coach Matt Eberflus, marking yet another coaching change in a long line of instability for the franchise.
In Chicago, the key question is how to develop second-year quarterback Justin Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency and staying healthy. The Bears have one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league, but Fields’ growth has been stunted by lackluster offensive support and a defense that has been unable to keep games competitive. Arthur Smith’s experience with developing young quarterbacks and running a dynamic offensive scheme could be a compelling fit in Chicago.
**New York Jets**
The Jets are in a similar situation, with their playoff hopes dashed in 2023 following a disappointing campaign that saw quarterback Zach Wilson fail to take the necessary steps to become a franchise leader. After a solid start to the season, the Jets’ offense faltered, leaving their defense to carry the team. Ultimately, the Jets missed the playoffs once again, leading to speculation that they would move on from head coach Robert Saleh.
The Jets’ coaching search is complicated by the need to find a leader who can help turn around Wilson’s development, or alternatively, bring in a veteran quarterback who can provide stability. Like the Bears, the Jets have some promising pieces on their roster but are in need of a quarterback whisperer who can make the offense functional and elevate the team as a whole. Arthur Smith’s background in constructing offenses and working with quarterbacks could make him an intriguing candidate for New York.
### Why Arthur Smith?
The fact that Arthur Smith is drawing interest from these two organizations speaks to the respect he’s gained for his ability to develop offenses. Although the Falcons have not been a dominant team under Smith, his offensive acumen is undeniable. Smith’s background with the Titans’ top-ranked rushing attack has made him a sought-after coach for teams looking to improve their offensive systems.
Smith’s play-calling has been consistently creative, blending run-heavy formations with a strong play-action component. He’s been able to make the most of his personnel in Atlanta, particularly utilizing Patterson in unique ways and fostering a solid running game. His ability to adapt and work with quarterbacks, whether it’s a veteran like Matt Ryan or a young player like Desmond Ridder, demonstrates his flexibility and coaching prowess.
The major drawback for Smith in Atlanta has been the Falcons’ overall lack of success. Despite having a good offensive mind, Smith’s inability to fully round out his team—particularly on defense—has been a source of frustration. However, in a situation like Chicago or New York, where the primary goal is to build around a young quarterback and establish offensive balance, Smith’s skillset could be exactly what these teams need.
### What’s Next for Arthur Smith and the Falcons?
With the news that Arthur Smith is set to interview for head coaching positions with the Bears and Jets, it’s unclear whether the Falcons will retain him for the 2024 season. If Smith does indeed leave Atlanta, the Falcons will have to turn to another candidate to build on the team’s development.
For Smith, these interviews could be his opportunity to land a job with a team that is looking to rebuild in his image—one that emphasizes a strong offensive system and the development of a young quarterback. Whether or not he takes the next step in Chicago or New York remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Arthur Smith’s coaching journey is far from over.
In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, change is a constant, and for Smith, these interviews represent a pivotal moment in his coaching career. As the Bears and Jets search for a new direction, they may find in Smith the leader who can help guide them back to prominence. Whether it’s in Chicago, New York, or elsewhere, Arthur Smith’s future in the NFL will be closely watched in the months to come.