The Atlanta Falcons have hired search firm Korn Ferry to identify head coaching candidates if the team fires Mike Smith.

Smith was hired in 2008 after serving as defensive coordinator of the Jackonsville Jaguars.

Smith was asked Monday if the regular-season finale 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."

During his first five seasons at the helm from 2008-12, Smith compiled a 56-24 regular-season record, which was the second-best mark over that time period.