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.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins drops back to pass against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in New Orleans. (Gerald Herbert/AP)

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
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