5. Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons (60-36) – After starting his NFL coaching career with a 56-24 record (.700) and 4 playoff appearances in 5 years, including an NFC Championship game appearance in 2012, Smith’s Falcons went 4-12 in 2013. The drop in production was due in large part to the passing game which struggled in the absence of Julio Jones and Roddy White due to injury and the non-existent running game, which was last in the league after Steven Jackson was hurt. However, the defense played terribly as well, ranking in the bottom quarter of the league in all major categories and allowing 30 or more points in 7 games. The team still has QB Matt Ryan, who has been a top 10 passer for four straight years.
The problem with Smith is his lack of playoff effectiveness – going 1-4 in his trips to the playoffs – which would reduce his value for the team if he can’t even get back there. Unless Smith manages to go back to the playoffs, Smith may not be retained in much the same way Bucs HC Lovie Smith was fired by the Bears after 2012.
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