Unless the Atlanta Falcons qualify for the playoffs and make a serious run, coach Mike Smith is expected to be fired at the end of the season, CBSSports.com reported Sunday.

According to the report, team owner Arthur Blank has told several people that he plans on letting Smith go when the season is over. However, Blank expects to keep general manager Thomas Dimitroff.

Under Smith, the Falcons have gone 9-21 in the past two seasons. Atlanta heads into Sunday’s game against the host New Orleans Saints at 5-9 but with slim hopes of winning the lowly NFC South.

Smith is popular within the organization but the team has not made much improvement over last season’s 4-12 debacle. The Falcons hoped to be Super Bowl contenders after reaching the NFC title game in the 2012 season.

Denver offensive coordinator Adam Gase and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are among the possible candidates to replace Smith. Stanford coach David Shaw could also be considered but he reportedly plans to remain with the Cardinal.