Mike Smith pleased that Dirk Koetter is staying with Falcons

Atlanta Falcons' head coach Mike Smith voiced his pleasure Wednesday that offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter will be returning to Atlanta next season. Koetter withdrew his name from consideration for numerous head coaching jobs on Tuesday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Koetter reportedly interviewed with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to his decision to withdraw.

"I spoke with coach Koetter last night and am very excited that he’s going to be here with us," Smith said Wednesday. "Continuity is very important. I’m glad. Dirk’s a very good football coach. He’s done a nice job for us. We’ve put that to rest."

In addition his interview with the Chiefs, Koetter was reportedly scheduled to interview with Cleveland and Philadelphia about their recent openings. Under his tutelage, Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan threw for a franchise record 4,719 yards and 32 touchdowns in the regular season. In addition, receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones each had 1,000 yards receiving in Koetter's offense.

Atlanta has a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Falcons will learn their divisional playoff opponent this weekend.