Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith reacts to the play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 34-3. Reuters

Mike Smith of the Atlanta Falcons has been fired by the team, officials confirmed on Monday. The announcement was made by Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who said that it was one of the most difficult decisions in his career,

"Hiring the head coach is the first move but may not be the only move we need to make," Blank said via the league’s official website on Monday. "Only time will tell. The process will dictate that as we dive more into these issues."

Blank’s statement has opened speculations that other top officials may be headed out the door in Atlanta although the owner said that Thomas Dimitrof will be staying as the general manager for the meantime. Interviews for the available head coaching spot will begin immediately according to Blank. According to ESPN sources, among the targets are Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. All three teams have qualified for the 2015 NFL Playoffs.

"Smitty's [Mike Smith] contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous," Blank added in a press release. Smith was the coach of the Falcons from 2008 to 2014 and led the club to a 66-46 win loss record making the postseason four of six seasons. Smith’s best performance was in 2012 when they made the NFC Championship game but lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Before landing with Atlanta, Smith served as assistant to a bunch of college football teams and in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Atlanta missed the playoffs this season after losing to the Carolina Panthers, 34-3 last Sunday. The Falcons went 6-10 for the 2014 NFL regular season. Under Smith, they also struggled last season going just 4-12 and has now missed the postseason in back-to-back years. The coaching change in Atlanta is one of the many firings so far this season. Also getting the boot are Marc Trestman (Chicago Bears), Rex Ryan (New York Jets) and Jim Harbaugh (San Francisco 49ers), who is reportedly on his way to Michigan in college football.

To reach the author of this article, email j.gloria@ibtimes.com.au.

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