Breaking News: Atlanta Falcons Former Coach Arthur Smith Is Back In The Club As A Bench Coach Because…
In an unexpected and somewhat surreal turn of events, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is rejoining the organization—but this time in a completely different capacity. The franchise has announced that Smith will be returning to the team as a “bench coach,” a role typically reserved for those with deep playing experience or specialized knowledge of the game. The announcement, which was made earlier this week, has sent shockwaves through both the sports media and Falcons fanbase.
The question on everyone’s mind is: Why is Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Falcons, returning to the team in such a peculiar, humble role? To understand this move, we need to look at a series of events that led to Smith’s return, the unique nature of his new position, and the potential impact this decision could have on the Falcons’ future.
Arthur Smith’s Departure and the Downfall of the Falcons
Smith, who served as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023, found himself under immense pressure during his tenure. After an initial sense of optimism when he was hired in 2021, Smith’s Falcons quickly became a team in disarray. Despite flashes of brilliance in some individual performances—such as standout seasons from quarterback Desmond Ridder and running back Bijan Robinson—the team as a whole struggled to find consistent success.
The Falcons had a hard time adjusting to Smith’s offensive philosophy, which was heavily run-focused, and many players felt that the play-calling didn’t make the most of their strengths. The offensive line, which had been a consistent problem for years, remained an Achilles’ heel. Meanwhile, defensive deficiencies were never fully addressed under Smith’s regime, leaving the team vulnerable in key moments.
By the end of the 2023 season, the Falcons had failed to make the playoffs again, finishing with a lackluster record of 6-11. Despite a promising start to his tenure, Smith was ultimately let go, with the organization seeking a fresh approach under a new head coach. Fans and pundits alike speculated about what went wrong for Smith, with many pointing to a lack of adaptability and the inability to maximize the potential of key players on the roster.
The Bench Coach Role: What Does It Mean?
The “bench coach” position, often seen in professional baseball or basketball, is a relatively rare role in the NFL. It’s generally associated with a person who has significant coaching experience but is not in the spotlight or leading the team on a day-to-day basis. A bench coach might provide strategic advice, mentorship to younger players, and be a trusted voice in a particular area of the game—whether it’s offensive or defensive strategies, or player development.
For Arthur Smith, a coach with several years of NFL experience, the move to bench coach may seem unconventional. However, insiders close to the Falcons organization have provided some insight into why this decision might make sense.
The Decision Behind the Move
1. A Return to Familiarity
Arthur Smith has a long history with the Atlanta Falcons, having first joined the team as an assistant coach in 2015, before eventually becoming the offensive coordinator. During his time as an offensive coordinator, he was credited with turning around a struggling offense and helping lead the team to the Super Bowl in 2017. Smith has a deep connection with the Falcons’ front office and many members of the current roster, which may have made it easier for the team to bring him back in a different capacity.
There’s also a personal element to this move. Smith has spent much of his career in the Falcons’ organization, and his return in this new, more behind-the-scenes role could be a way to ease back into football while also helping the team rebuild after a difficult period.
2. Mentorship for Young Players
One of the key motivations behind this move is Smith’s ability to work closely with younger players. In his previous role as head coach, Smith was often criticized for not fully developing young talent and not adapting his offensive schemes to make the most of his players’ abilities. However, as a bench coach, Smith will have the time and space to focus on player development, particularly with a roster full of promising young athletes like Desmond Ridder and Bijan Robinson.
Smith has a reputation for being a thoughtful, methodical coach—qualities that could be highly beneficial in a role where patience and attention to detail are paramount. With his experience, Smith could help provide guidance for the Falcons’ young core, giving them the support they need to reach their potential.
3. A More Collaborative Approach
Another possible reason for Smith’s move to a bench coach position is the Falcons’ desire for a more collaborative, team-oriented coaching structure. Head coach’s duties are often focused on game management, leadership, and big-picture strategy, which leaves little time for the intricate, day-to-day development of specific players or units. By returning in a more focused, specialized role, Smith can collaborate more directly with other coaches on player-specific issues and ensure that his knowledge is passed on to those who need it most.
The idea is to build a coaching culture where veterans like Smith can pass down institutional knowledge, while new head coach candidates can bring their own fresh ideas. With Smith serving as a mentor and advisor, the team can balance both innovation and experience in their approach.
4. Rebuilding Trust
After an underwhelming coaching tenure, Smith’s new role could also serve as an olive branch to both fans and players. His tenure as head coach saw tensions rise between him and some players, particularly in the locker room. The bench coach role allows Smith to return in a less confrontational capacity, where he can rebuild his relationship with the team and its fanbase without the pressures of being the top decision-maker. The hope is that he can contribute to rebuilding trust and morale, both internally within the team and externally among supporters who may have grown disillusioned with his time as head coach.
5. Fresh Eyes for the Team’s Needs
Smith’s time away from the head coaching role may allow him to view the Falcons’ roster and coaching structure with a fresh perspective. After experiencing what worked and what didn’t during his head coaching stint, Smith now has the opportunity to contribute in ways he might not have been able to as a head coach. Whether it’s offering advice on personnel, providing input on strategies, or simply bringing a more detached, objective viewpoint to team operations, Smith’s new role could provide valuable insights that the organization might have otherwise missed.
The Future: What Does This Mean for the Falcons?
Smith’s return as a bench coach is certainly an unusual move, but it’s one that could ultimately benefit both the Falcons and Smith himself. For the Falcons, having a former head coach with a deep understanding of the franchise’s inner workings could serve as a stabilizing influence during the rebuilding phase. Smith’s ability to guide the younger players and offer advice to the coaching staff could help the team get back on track and potentially make a playoff run in the future.
For Smith, this could also be a way to reset his career after a difficult stretch as head coach. If he proves successful in his new role, it could open up more opportunities for him to return to a head coaching position elsewhere, either with the Falcons or another team. Some have speculated that this is Smith’s way of proving his worth in a less high-pressure environment before pursuing another head coaching gig.
As for the Falcons fans, the jury is still out on how they will react to this decision. Some may see it as a sign of humility and a commitment to improving the team, while others may remain skeptical, questioning whether this is just a way to ease Smith back into the league after a failed stint as head coach.
One thing is clear: this is a move that no one saw coming, and it’s bound to keep fans and media on their toes for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
The return of Arthur Smith to the Atlanta Falcons organization, albeit in a vastly different role, is a story of redemption, patience, and second chances. As a bench coach, Smith will have the opportunity to impact the team in a more subtle, yet meaningful way. While his time as head coach may not have been marked by success, this new chapter could signal a positive shift for both him and the Falcons as they look toward rebuilding for the future. Whether or not this move leads to long-term success, only time will tell—but it’s certainly a development that has set the stage for an interesting next chapter in the franchise’s history.
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