Hours before the Falcons (6-9) were set to face the Carolina Panthers (6-8-1) for the NFC South title it was reported by ESPN that the team has retained search firm Korn Ferry for a potential head-coaching search.

Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported that Korn Ferry, an international firm with an office in Atlanta, was hired to help with a potential coaching search. Owner Arthur Blank has denied The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s request through a team spokesman to talk about Smith’s status.

Korn Ferry has been involved with several NFL job searches and in college football, including the University of Michigan’s search for a new head coach.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (left) fights for the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ryan Miller watches during the second half of an NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Atlanta. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)