Tennessee assistant Atlanta’s new coach

The Atlanta Falcons have chosen offense and youth as the calling cards of their new coach.

Atlanta agreed to terms with Tennessee offensive coordinator Arthur Smith Friday to become the team’s head coach.

Smith, only 38, has no experience as a head coach.

The Falcons’ previous fulltime hire, Dan Quinn, had a background as a defensive assistant. He was fired after an 0-5 start in his sixth season with the team, and Raheem Morris completed the 4-12 season as interim coach.

Smith held a virtual interview with the team Monday, and he also interviewed with the Jets and Lions. The Jets reached an agreement with 49ers assistant Robert Saleh Thursday night to be their coach.

Smith has served on Tennessee’s staff for 10 seasons, including two as offensive coordinator. The Titans finished this season tied for second in the NFL in total yards.

Under Smith’s leadership, the Titans finished behind only Kansas City in total offense with 396.4 yards a game. They had the NFL’s second-best rushing offense as Derrick Henry became only the eighth back to rush for at least 2,000 yards.

Chiefs

Kansas City wants to start fast against Cleveland Sunday to reach its third consecutive AFC championship, something it failed to do in falling behind by double figures in each of their playoff games a year ago. “Yeah, our coaches brought it up. We just have to come out and have the same energy we’ve had all year,” wide receiver Tyreek Hill said.

Browns

All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett acknowledged, “I’m due” after going without a sack in consecutive weeks against the Steelers. He finished sixth in the league with 12 sacks in the regular season. “You just have to know that your time will come. I got close a couple times, but like I said before, I’m due.” Garrett hopes to return to his game-changing ways when he faces quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Bears

The NFL suspended defensive linemen Mario Edwards Jr. for the first two games next season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. Edwards is not under contract for 2021.