Arthur Smith mustache: The story and memes behind Falcons coach's 'lifestyle change'

Bryan Murphy

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Arthur Smith mustache: The story and memes behind Falcons coach's 'lifestyle change' image

When people are looking for a lifestyle change, some opt for a new outfit. Others decide to go with a new hairdo. 

For Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, that modification comes in the form of hair right about the lip. That's right — Smith is sporting a new mustache in 2023.

The third-year Atlanta coach has been seen since the start of training with the slick 'stache, a signal of change for Smith. In his two years at the head of the Falcons, the team has finished 7-10 in both seasons, failing to win the AFC South and missing the postseason both years. 

So far, the mustache has worked in Atlanta's favor. Entering Week 4, the Falcons are 2-1, sitting in a tie for first in the division after picking up wins over the Packers and Panthers, while most recently coming off a loss to the Lions. 

The fans in England will be treated to Smith's sensational lip foliage at Wembley Stadium, as the Falcons aim to move to get back in the win column with a matchup against the Jaguars in London. 

MORE: Why Drake London, Kyle Pitts fantasy football value suffers under Arthur Smith

Here is more to know about Smith's mustache and the story behind it. 

The story of Arthur Smith's mustache

Believe it or not, Smith didn't just decide out of the blue to sport a lip sweater. The Falcons head coach cited that the mustache is a "lifestyle change" for him. 

"It’s a lifestyle change," Smith said before the season. "It’s not for everyone."

While the mustache may have had a mixed reaction among fans, the Falcons players have rallied around it. Multiple members of the Atlanta organization have since grown out a mustache in solidarity with their head coach. 

"The mustache sent a message,” wide receiver Frank Darby said. "You look around and see everybody getting it now and think, ‘Should I?’”

"I can’t say what I want to say, but I f—ing love it," running back Cordarrelle Patterson said. “I hope he brings that every year.”

Considering Smith's clean-shaven look in 2021 and his bearded appearance in 2022 did not yield the results the Falcons were looking for, why not try and see if the mustache brings some mojo?

Arthur Smith mustache memes

Of course, when you give out bulletin board material like Smith has with his new look, jokes are going to be made. 

Smith has been the butt end of multiple light-hearted jabs, including from numerous NFL insiders. However, some, like Kyle Brandt, may have been looking to grow one out themselves, and Smith has given them a reason to. 

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.