Bill Belichick Thoughts Revealed After Losing Falcons Coach Job
For several days, it appeared the Atlanta Falcons were on a collision course with recently fired New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.
Atlanta, which fired head coach Arthur Smith on Jan. 7, interviewed Belichick twice - the first on owner Arthur Blank's yacht, which differed from other candidates' first meeting, and the second in Blank's greater Atlanta-area home, the same as other candidates.
But the Falcons ultimately pivoted away from Belichick, who was one of only four candidates to receive multiple interviews.
Atlanta hired Raheem Morris, formerly the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator, over Belichick - but according to ESPN, the 71-year-old coach didn't feel too disappointed.
"Belichick was interested in the Atlanta Falcons job but wasn't necessarily crestfallen that it didn't happen," ESPN writes. "The Falcons had several variables to work through, including the dynamic of retaining general manager Terry Fontenot and the level of involvement from chief executive officer Rich McKay."
Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as they take on the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium.
© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta ultimately removed McKay from football operations, though he's still the team's CEO.
Still, McKay played a key role on the Falcons' search committee, alongside Blank, Fontenot, president Greg Beadles and assistant general manager Kyle Smith, among others.
After interviewing 14 candidates, the Falcons found Morris to be the best fit - and it's possible Belichick didn't see himself as such a fit in Atlanta.
"Belichick was searching for a job for the first time in two-plus decades and was doing his own fact-finding, which was new and required patience," ESPN writes. "I don't get the sense that he was trying to bulldoze a front office. But does he need a structure that gives him some level of power? Sure."
Blank said Feb. 9 that Belichick never asked for full control of personnel, nor was he offered the job.
So, what's next for the six-time Super Bowl winner?
With all head coaching vacancies filled, it's possible Belichick already has his eye towards next cycle, where several historically successful franchises could have openings.
And Belichick, a noted "history buff," per ESPN, may end up drawing looks from the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears.
"All of those are NFL flagships with rich history," ESPN writes. "If (Cowboys coach) Mike McCarthy's contract expires without more playoff wins, Belichick's strong relationship with Jerry Jones could loom large."
Will the Falcons regret not pursuing Belichick? Will Belichick regret not getting the job?
Only time will tell - but for now, both sides appear just fine to have gone their separate ways.
