ATLANTA -- Falcons owner Arthur Blank called the firing of coach Mike Smith the toughest decision of his professional career and didn't rule out more organizational changes despite saying Thomas Dimitroff remains his general manager.

Blank addressed the media shortly after the team sent out a news release announcing that Smith had been relieved of his duties with a year left on his contract. Smith compiled a 66-46 record over seven seasons but went 10-22 over the last two. He had a 1-4 postseason record and failed to make the playoffs in consecutive years.

His tenure ended with Sunday's 34-3 loss to the Panthers in the game for the NFC South title.

Blank said the decision would not have been made yet had the Falcons won Sunday's game.

"I would tell you that probably including my 23 years at Home Depot, this was the most difficult decision I've ever had to make," Blank said. "And I mean that very sincerely. It was complicated by the deepest respect that I had, we all had, for Smitty."

Blank said the coaching search begins immediately with plans to submit interview requests later Monday.

The Falcons can begin interviewing coaches from teams currently with byes for the playoffs -- the Seahawks, Packers, Broncos and Patriots -- immediately. League sources told ESPN that the Falcons already have asked permission to speak to Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.