Atlanta Falcons announce extensions for Mike Smith, Thomas Dimitroff, Rich McKay

The Atlanta Falcons have announced contract extensions for Team President Rich McKay, general manager Thomas Dimitroff, and head coach Mike Smith.  McKay signed a four-year extension while both Dimitroff and Smith each signed for one more year.

There was some speculation that the Falcons might at least consider replacing Smith after going 4-12 this past season which was nothing short of a disaster.  Injuries and lackluster play from a number of key spots proved to be crippling for the organization and they lost Tony Gonzalez to retirement.  The Falcons held firm on their front office and coaching staff, so they are counting on a bounce back year and these extensions mean more money for Smith and Dimitroff but also work to send the message that they are safe.  If the Falcons have another awful year, McKay could still fire both of them and just pay the extra money.

The team currently sits with the 6th pick in the draft and have an opportunity to land an impact pass rusher or franchise left tackle to protect quarterback Matt Ryan.  The team just finished coaching the North Team in the Reese’s Senior Bowl and announced the hiring of Scott Pioli as their assistant general manager.