The Atlanta Falcons announced that head coach Mike Smith has signed a three-year contract extension.

"When we hired Mike Smith in 2008, we believed we had found the total package: a head coach with strong leadership skills and experience and the track record to back it up, and a man of high character and integrity," Falcons owner & CEO Arthur Blank said. "In his three seasons with us, Coach Smith has demonstrated all of these characteristics, and then some.

"We are pleased to extend Smitty’s contract, and we are very proud of the way he represents the Falcons through his coaching of our players, in supporting our club’s business goals, and through his caring for our fans and the community."

Under Smith, the Falcons have had three consecutive winning seasons for the first time in the franchise's history. Atlanta is 33-15 under Smith, including an NFC-best 13-3 record in 2010, the fourth season the Falcons have won their division.

"I am looking forward to continuing to build upon the solid foundation we have in place within our organization and on our football team," Smith said. "I’d like to personally thank both Arthur and (general manager) Thomas Dimitroff for their outstanding support and guidance. We are going to continue to work as hard as we can to bring a championship to Falcons fans and to the city of Atlanta."

The Falcons are expected to sign Dimitroff, who has done an outstanding job reshaping the roster, to a contract extension this off-season, as well.