OT: Arthur Smith to be Atlanta Falcons next head coach
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30718750/arthur-smith-reaches-deal-become-atlanta-falcons-new-head-coach
One more candidate for the Lions off the board, and we'll get some insight into whether Henry or Smith was more responsible for the success of their play-action game.
January 15th, 2021 at 6:39 PM ^
Arthur Smith is the only coach in NFL history whose father has more money than the team owner.
January 15th, 2021 at 8:44 PM ^
My father used to say Laimbeer was the only 1st round pick in the history of the NBA who still made less than his dad.
January 15th, 2021 at 9:10 PM ^
It’s not too often that someone like Arthur Blank worth 5.4 billion hires someone who’s family has more money than him.
I guess FedEx > Home Depot
January 15th, 2021 at 5:49 PM ^
Its already been reported that the Lions will most likely be going with Dan Campbell. Underwhelming to say the least. I'm sure we'll all be back in 3-4 years time to discuss the Lions next head coach. Woof.
January 15th, 2021 at 5:57 PM ^
Campbell played on the 0-16 team so he understands the culture of losing. He should fit right in with how the Ford's want the franchise ran.
January 15th, 2021 at 7:59 PM ^
So I see you played on our team that went 0-16
Yes, ma’am
You’re hired
January 16th, 2021 at 10:47 AM ^
We will be back in a year complaining and discussing new coaching candidates. It’s the Lions way. Or better yet, S O L.
January 15th, 2021 at 5:49 PM ^
I have to say, as a Falcons fan, I’m cautiously optimistic about this hire. Anything is better than Dan Quinn at this point though...
January 15th, 2021 at 6:31 PM ^
I live in Atlanta and while I’m not a Falcons fan (Tampa guy happy to see his team finally relevant for the first time in nearly 15 years), I’ll be very curious to see how Smith develops the Atlanta offense. Their defense might be a mess, but there is little disputing that they have a crap ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Between Julio, Ridley and Ryan they could be a top-5 offense year in and year out if everything just fell into place. Julio just needs to stay healthy, and Ryan has at least another few good years in him. He has at least a few games a year now where he plays at an MVP-caliber level, and he’s not far removed from his MVP season.
This is a good time to get started in that division. Brees is retiring after probably this season, Brady is out probably after next season, neither of those teams have a definite successor waiting in the wings, and the Panthers can’t rely on Bridgewater long term. So while the Falcons will have to probably keep embracing the suck for the next year or two, there is a huge opportunity for them to assert themselves over the next 3-5 years.
January 15th, 2021 at 10:47 PM ^
Im actually more concerned they hired the coach before the gm. It is the falcons after all and no lead is safe
January 15th, 2021 at 5:52 PM ^
Assuming the Lions get Campbell as has been making the rounds today that leaves three openings left. If Bienemy doesn't get one of those it's a bad look for the league. During the season the talk was "Oh he's definitely getting a job. Teams will be competing for him. He's the top candidate out there." I think if Houston were smart they'd go get him. I don't know who'd be happier, Watson or Goodell.
January 15th, 2021 at 6:14 PM ^
I think if Houston were smart they'd go get him.
LOL. You know they failed to ask for an interview during the bye week? Then after they hired Caserio & Watson tweeted "some things never change ...", they think, oh, maybe we should interview Bieniemy. But now they have to wait until after the Super Bowl (or whenver the Chiefs are done, I guess?). I wonder if Bieniemy would take that interview.
January 15th, 2021 at 6:31 PM ^
I’m pretty fascinated at this. The talk here in KC was that he would basically have his pick this year and then it just started fading again like last year. He never says a word about it for the most part. Reid talks about it more than him. I know he had some issues way back, but let’s not act like the NFL really gives a shit. There has to be something we are all missing. Yes, I know he is black. Is that really it? Is it that combined with other stuff? Is he a disaster during interviews?
January 15th, 2021 at 7:02 PM ^
I think that it's probably more that people attribute most of KCs offensive success to Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Especially since Bieniemy doesn't call the plays.
January 15th, 2021 at 8:42 PM ^
Nagy and Pederson say hi.....
January 15th, 2021 at 9:24 PM ^
Bienemy has a little bit to explain about his past.
January 15th, 2021 at 5:57 PM ^
Where does this leave Christian Robinson? Would Harbaugh possibly hire him?
January 15th, 2021 at 5:59 PM ^
I've been wondering the same thing. Maybe a thread is in order.
January 15th, 2021 at 5:58 PM ^
Lions need to team up Bienemy and Watson in Detroit.
January 15th, 2021 at 7:12 PM ^
I know there’s a lot of Lions fans on this board, but if I’m part of Watson’s inner circle, I tell him to stay as far away from Detroit as possible. I don’t care how much money he’s offered.
If he wants just money, then fine. Go where you want. But if he wants to win a Super Bowl, just stay away from Detroit. The Lions will ruin whatever hope you have for that goal.
January 15th, 2021 at 8:43 PM ^
Ha. Yep, the Texans are really known for making good decisions and being a well run org. Hahaha
January 15th, 2021 at 10:30 PM ^
And the Lions are any better? At least the Texans have been able to get to and win some playoff games.
A Lions fan giving the Texans shit about how their org is run is like the pot calling the kettle black.
January 15th, 2021 at 6:05 PM ^
Same old Lions.
Other than M basketball I haven’t seen much good news on this board in quite some time.
* Except Mike Hart.
January 15th, 2021 at 6:07 PM ^
I don't know hour much interest Smith had in the lions, but Detroit canceled his visit before he accepted the Falcons job. Detroit has canceled all visits as speculation of Dan Campbell has risen. They can't officially talk to Campbell until the saints are eliminated.
January 15th, 2021 at 6:12 PM ^
The recruiting and signing of Arthur Smith by the Falcons reminded me of the Lions rock star GM Matt Millen interviewing and hiring Marty Mornhinweig - gave him an offer before he got on the plane to Cleveland. Certainly didn't want to lose a buffoon like that to the Browns...
I think Eric Bieniemy or Dan Campbell are better fits for the Lions.
January 15th, 2021 at 6:53 PM ^
Loins will probably end up with a retread in Marvin Lewis or Todd Bowles ?
January 15th, 2021 at 7:48 PM ^
The Browns - the Browns! - are trending upwards and look like they've planted the seeds for a long term run of competency and not tragicomically shooting their collective dicks off on Sundays.
If we can do it, so can the Lions.
January 15th, 2021 at 11:23 PM ^
*checks remaining Lions candidates*
*stares at wall*
January 16th, 2021 at 1:13 AM ^
Lions are going to promote their DC from this past year. Even though their D sucks! Typical cheap Lions, taking the cheap way out on both the GM and coach!
January 16th, 2021 at 9:07 AM ^
I hear Coach Caldwell is available. Joking, but I was against firing him at the time.