Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Mike Smith still not worried about his future

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith remains unconcerned about his future despite constant rumors saying his days with the organization are numbered.

Smith's 6-9 team has a chance to take the NFC South title and a fourth seed in the playoffs with a win over the first-place Carolina Panthers (6-8-1) Sunday at the Georgia Dome. A report by CBS Sports suggested Arthur Blank already made a decision not to bring Smith back, even if the Falcons make the playoffs. Blank told ESPN.com he was bothered by the report. He has expressed all along a desire to wait until season's end to make a decision.

For the third time since October, Smith addressed the outside perception about his coaching status. He was asked if the regular season finale against the Panthers could decide his future.

"I know that that's a subject that everybody wants to talk about and I said, I don't know four or five weeks ago -- I hope this is the last time that I have to answer it -- I'm going to prepare just like I've done for the seven years that I've been here," Smith said. "My focus is on winning football games and winning the next football game. And I'm going to continue to do that until Arthur Blank tells me differently."

Smith has a 66-45 overall record but is 10-21 over the last two seasons. If the Falcons win Sunday, it would mark the team's fifth postseason appearance in seven seasons under Smith. The Falcons made it to the NFC Championship game two seasons ago, losing to the 49ers.

Smith, signed through 2015, could make a strong case to stay by making the playoffs and by having a strong performance in the postseason. The Falcons would host a first-round game by winning the division title. And a matchup against a team such as the Cardinals, whom the Falcons already defeated, 29-18, could work in Smith's favor. The Cardinals have issues as quarterback with starter Carson Palmer (ACL) out for the season and backup Drew Stanton (knee) not quite healthy.

The Falcons have played some of their best football against teams already in the NFC playoff field: the Cardinals, Packers, and Lions. They played a superb second half in a 43-37 loss at Green Bay and built a 21-0 lead in the first half against Detroit only to lose, 22-21, in London.

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