Black Monday: Atlanta Falcons Fire Coach Mike Smith

Mike Smith went 66-46 in the regular season through seven years with the Atlanta Falcons, but a 10-22 mark over the last two campaigns led the Falcons to fire Smith in a Black Monday move.

Smith wasn't the best game manager despite being the winningest coach in Falcons history, according to Sports Illustrated. But he dealt with a depleted roster the past two years, as the team didn't surround quarterback Matt Ryan with adequate talent.

Who could replace Smith in Atlanta? The Falcons haven't had to make such a search in quite some time. Sports Illustrated reports the team has hired a search firm for help. Some candidates they could be after include New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Case.

Of course, one should also keep an eye on the other coaches fired Monday — Rex Ryan and Marc Trestman — as well as former coaches turned executives or analysts, such as Mike Singeltary, John Gruden and Bill Cowher.

"Smitty's contributions to our club, team and city over the last seven years are numerous," Falcons owner Arthur Blank said in a release to ESPN. "His accomplishments on the field made him the most successful coach in the 49-year history of the Falcons, and we are grateful for the foundation he has laid for us for the future."

Smith will always be linked with Matt Ryan, the team's first major acquisition with Smith at the helm. Ryan immediately led the Falcons to five straight winning seasons, legitimizing them as a southern force once again. But the last few seasons have seen a changing of the guard, as a new, more talented and younger quarterback entered the division.

Cam Newton led the Carolina Panthers to the division crown this season.