Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank recently addressed the future of head coach Arthur Smith, expressing commitment but also the need to assess the team's performance at the end of the season. In a video interview with Georgia Public Broadcasting's Jeff Hullinger, Blank acknowledged that the Falcons' 6-8 record this season fell short of expectations. However, he made it clear that he will wait until the conclusion of the season before making any decisions regarding Smith's return in 2024.

Blank emphasized that reaching the playoffs was not a strict requirement for Smith to retain his position. Instead, the owner stated that the team's primary goal for the season was to be more competitive and have a winning record. While recognizing that the Falcons' performance this year has been inconsistent, Blank appreciated Smith's dedication and described him as an excellent mentor and boss.

In response to Blank's comments, Smith expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Falcons and acknowledged his frustration with the team's struggles. He emphasized his love for the challenge of professional football and his dedication to competing at the highest level.

The Falcons are currently in third place in the NFC South and would not qualify for the playoffs if they began this week. Throughout the season, the team has faced challenges at the quarterback position, resulting in the rotation between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. In their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts, Heinicke will be the starting quarterback after Ridder's recent critical interception in the red zone contributed to a loss against the Carolina Panthers.

The Falcons' playoff chances currently stand at 9.9 percent, as projected by The Athletic's model. With three games remaining against the Colts, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints, the team's performance will likely impact the overall assessment of Smith's future.

However, Blank's approach to assessing the situation seems to have evolved over the years. The owner has become less reactive, preferring to let seasons play out rather than making impulsive decisions mid-season. Blank's support for Smith stems from his belief in the coach's and general manager Terry Fontenot's plan to rebuild the team, even though the current season has been a disappointment.

While Smith's job security is not guaranteed, it is likely that he will retain his position based on several factors. Players have not quit on him, and many offensive struggles can be attributed to the constant mistakes made by the quarterbacks. The Falcons are well-positioned salary cap-wise and possess a formidable defense along with promising offensive weapons. With the possibility of drafting a quarterback early in the upcoming draft, the team may only be one key player away from significant improvement.

Blank will carefully consider all these factors and evaluate whether starting over with a new coach is the best course of action for the Falcons. Regardless of the eventual decision, the team's final three games will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the franchise.