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Dianna Russini of ESPN is reporting that the Atlanta Falcons have offered Arthur Smith their head coaching job:
The Atlanta Falcons have made an offer to Arthur Smith to become their next head coach per sources. Smith has been the offensive coordinator for the Titans the last 2 seasons.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) January 15, 2021
It is no surprise that Smith has been offered a job. He was the hottest name on the coaching market. All eight teams that had an opening at least requested to speak with him. It was just a matter of time.
This isn’t done yet, but I would be shocked if Smith doesn’t end up taking the job. The situation there in Atlanta is a pretty good one to walk into for your first head coaching job.
Mike Vrabel has apparently already started on working on a replacement for Art. Josina Anderson reported yesterday that the Titans were gauging interest in Tony Elliott, who is currently the OC at Clemson:
I'm told the #Dolphins have reached out to Clemson OC Tony Elliott, as did the #Titans--just to gauge his interest--with current OC Arthur Smith interviewing for current HC vacancies. However, Elliott informed both teams he wants to stay at Clemson for the time being, per source.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 14, 2021
Vrabel isn’t afraid to think outside the box. Remember, he wanted to hire Ohio State head coach Ryan Day as the OC here when he first got the job. I love the idea of looking into the college game for an offensive coordinator. Elliott has been at Clemson since 2011. They have had a decent run there.