Smith deserved it. Not to take anything away from Sparano, but what happened to the Falcons last year was unbelievable.
They trade Schaub before they realize Vick will be indicted.
Vick gets indicted on Federal charges
Bobby Petrino quits 13 games into the season to go coach Arkansas. Leaves a not on players locker say "Dear Falcon player"
They cut Crumpler, Dunn, Coleman, trade Hall.
Arthur Blank tries to get Parcels to no avail. Cowher turns them down.
So in other words, the Falcons had a horrible season with unthinkable things that happened. It's one thing to turn around a 1-15 team, it's another to turn around a franchise that lost it's franchise quarterback, and had their coach quit mid-season only to see him hours later, on a news conference singing the Razorbacks alumni song.
BTW, first time in 63 years that a rookie QB and rookie coach made it to the playoffs. It is great what Sparano did, but it is remarkable what Smith did.
In the end they both deserve praise!