Titans OC will coach Falcons

ATLANTA — The Falcons agreed to terms with Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Friday to become the team’s head coach.

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

The Falcons’ last full-time 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 New York Jets and Detroit Lions. The Jets reached an agreement with Robert Saleh on Thursday night to be their coach.

Smith was 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 and saw Derrick Henry become only the eighth back to rush for at least 2,000 yards.

Atlanta’s choice of Smith was applauded by Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown, who tweeted: “Held me accountable from day 1. Always trying to improve. Atlanta got a good one.”