Some have wondered whether Mike Smith might get the axe if the Atlanta Falcons doesn't have a good season, but Falcons owner Arthur Blank cut out any of that speculation. Blank said plainly in a Q&A with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that both Smith and Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff were safe.
"He's not on any hot seat," Blank said. "Coach Smith, he and Thomas, I particularly feel really blessed -- and I don't use that word every day, all day long -- I feel blessed having them both in place."
The Falcons have been good in the regular season under Smith, but have not had any postseason success. Apparently Smith will still be in charge even if that continues, at least if you believe Blank.
Smith signed a three-year contract extension last year and starts this season in Kansas City, where his Falcons will take on the Chiefs. While Blank may have given Smith a vote of confidence, you can bet that the pitchforks will come out if the team gets off to a slow start.