Falcons Fire Coach Mike Smith After Second Consecutive Losing Season

ATLANTA — Mike Smith was fired as the Falcons’ coach Monday, one day after the end of his second consecutive losing season and a 34-3 rout by the Carolina Panthers before booing fans at the Georgia Dome.

The Falcons had a 66-46 regular-season record under Smith and won two NFC South titles. But this season ended at 6-10.

“Smitty’s contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a statement released by the team. “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.”

Smith joined the Falcons with general manager Thomas Dimitroff in 2008. Quarterback Matt Ryan was the new management team’s first draft pick, and the three combined for instant success with five consecutive winning seasons. Before Smith was hired, the Falcons never had back-to-back winning seasons.

Smith immediately raised expectations with an 11-5 finish in his first season. The Falcons won 10 or more games in four seasons under Smith, including 13-3 finishes in 2010 and 2012. Smith reached 50 wins in just 71 games, the third-fastest pace since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

Smith, however, had a 1-4 record in the playoffs. Following a trip to the NFC championship game in 2012, the Falcons have fallen to 10-22 the last two seasons.

Before he was hired by the Falcons, Smith was the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 to 2007. He was a defensive assistant with the Baltimore Ravens from 1999 to 2000.