Photos: Arthur Blank addresses firing of Mike Smith

Sports

Photos: Arthur Blank addresses firing of Mike Smith

Falcons owner Arthur Blank announces dismissal of Mike Smith as Falcons head coach from the offices of the Arthur M. Blank Foundation Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Atlanta.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank reviews his statement as he announces the firing of head coach Mike Smith - after seven seasons - Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at the Arthur M. Blank Foundation offices in Atlanta.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said general manager Thomas Dimitroff (background) would be retained and will be involved in the hiring process of a new head coach, while also addressing other changes that may be necessary.

News media begin to gather for a press conference at the Arthur M. Blank Foundation after the firing of head coach Mike Smith on Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, in Atlanta.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff - alongside team president Rich McKay - addresses questions about his tenure and Mike Smith's dismissal as head coach.

Arthur Blank said, ultimately, he didn't feel Mike Smith could lead the franchise to a Super Bowl. "That's what this is about," he said.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank expressed gratitude for the foundation Mike Smith - the franchise's winningest coach - has "laid for us for the future."

Arthur Blank says firing Mike Smith was one of the hardest decicions he's made as Falcons owner.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank said general manager Thomas Dimitroff would begin interviewing potential candidates as soon as possible - including this week when some playoff teams are on a bye.

1/8

Falcons owner Arthur Blank reviews his statement as he announces the firing of head coach Mike Smith - after seven seasons - Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at the Arthur M. Blank Foundation offices in Atlanta.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Turning Point UGA

PHOTOS: Vice president comes to Athens for Turning Point

guidestones podcast gallery

PHOTOS: On the road with the "Who Blew Up the Guidestones?" podcast

Midtown Green rendering

PHOTOS: Renderings of Midtown Green, a planned Atlanta urban park

Mayor State of City

AJC photos of the month for March

More Galleries

aajc 041126 Masters Round 2 Friday

PHOTOS: Masters 2026 Round 2

aajc 041026 Masters Round 1 Thur

PHOTOS: Masters 2026 tournament starts

Masters Par 3 contest

PHOTOS: Masters Par 3 Contest brings player's families to Augusta National

Masters practice round Tuesday

PHOTOS: Masters Practice Rounds continue