Bill Belichick Would've Been 'Happy' Working with Falcons GM Terry Fontenot
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank spoke publicly Friday, marking the first time he's done so since hiring head coach Raheem Morris on Jan. 25.
The Falcons put together an extensive 14-candidate search, culminating in a reunion with Morris, who spent six seasons in Atlanta and finished the 2020 campaign as the team's interim head coach.
But before they settled on Morris, Blank appeared steadfast on perhaps the greatest coach in NFL history - Bill Belichick.
After parting ways with the New England Patriots following a 24-year tenure headlined by six Super Bowl titles, Belichick was left looking for work. Blank was interested.
The Falcons met twice with Belichick - the first came one-on-one between he and Blank on the latter's yacht, while the second featured the entirety of Atlanta's management group, including general manager Terry Fontenot, CEO Rich McKay and several others.
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot.
Falcon Report SI
Belichick's first interview was excellent, Blank said, stemming from the perspective and historical knowledge he's accumulated through 49 years of professional coaching.
Blank was infatuated by Belichick's success in New England. His 266-121 record and three AP Coach of the Year honorees speak for themselves.
Subsequently, Belichick was considered the favorite early in the process - but Blank was reportedly moved away from Belichick by the other leaders.
Why?
Blank said it had nothing to do with Belichick trying to acquire full control of personnel, as others have indicated. The 71-year-old was inclusive and collaborative in conversations about his plan.
Perhaps most importantly, upon meeting Fontenot in the second interview, Belichick felt the two could have a cohesive relationship.
"He sent me a private text which I eventually shared with Terry that he was happy working with him," Blank said.
Instead, Atlanta opted for Morris. Blank said it wasn't any of the candidates against Belichick but rather a group competition against one another.
Morris impressed Blank with his understanding of the importance of having a collaborative relationship with the front office and the need to continually replenish the coaching staff, both lessons learned over the past three years while he was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator.
Blank stressed the Falcons never offered Belichick the job, shutting down rumors that arose earlier in the week.
And so, despite the preconceived notions about why the Falcons didn't hire Belichick that Blank felt the need to quell, Morris simply won the competition.
"I think it was a very good series of interviews with (Belichick)," Blank said. "Our folks were impressed with him. I was impressed with him, as I was with a number of the candidates. We felt, all things considered, for a variety of reasons, that Raheem Morris was clearly the best choice for us.
"It’s not a criticism of Bill."
Blank added the opportunity to interview such an extensive list of candidates has value for the organization, as each coach offers an in-depth analysis of the roster.
Belichick's wisdom impressed Blank and staff ... but in the end, Morris's energy, charisma and leadership proved the deciding factor, leaving Belichick without a head coaching job for 2024.
"From our standpoint, we just felt like we had come to the point we had made up our minds that this was the right fit for us going forward, made the most sense," Blank said. "We totally believed in his vision."
