Will Bill Belichick Fit With Arthur Blank? Falcons Ex GM Comments
As the Atlanta Falcons continue to search for their next head coach, they’ll have to answer the question of just how much control the eventual hire will have.
Younger coordinators getting the promotion for the first time tend to delegate more tasks, like Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay’s hands-off approach to the defense. Meanwhile, those who have already climbed the mountain have shown a tendency to find more control on the way up.
Of course, no coach has had more control than former New England Patriots shotcaller Bill Belichick. The former head coach and general managers, his six Super Bowls up north turned the Patriot Way into the most feared team in football. However, since Tom Brady’s departure, an inability to find a suitable replacement ended with Belichick and the Patriots parting ways.
Belichick and Blank
Belichick’s relationship with New England owner Robert Kraft is well-documented. His vision, and the control he has to implement it, are likely critical to his decision. Will Falcons owner Arthur Blank be able to give Belichick the assurances he needs?
Former Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff spoke on Up & Adams about what that relationship may look like.
“In my mind, there’s no question that Arthur Blank – I think, still one of the best owners in the league – having all the experience he has and what he gives to the team financially, what he gives to the head coach and provides, that is a big, big deal,” Dimitroff said.
“A lot of people think, ‘Wow, would he really gel with Bill, with all of Bill’s strong opinions about how he wants to come in?’ 100 percent they will.”
Dimitroff squashed these concerns. He would also go on to say Belichick is the best bet to win a Super Bowl with his new team, and that he’s still “on the top of his game.”
“I have no inside information – I want to be very clear about that. What I do know is I’ve worked for both of them,” Dimitroff said. “I know both men have unbelievable knowledge and insight from where they’re coming, one from the head coach position, one from an owner’s position.”
His comments coincide with the consensus that hiring Belichick means thrusting oneself into a win-now window, pointing to the only question bigger than the head coach vacancy. Who will be under center for Atlanta?
A veteran of some kind is the most likely option, but finding the right one – and acquiring him – may prove to be challenging. Given Belichick’s track record with non-Brady quarterbacks in recent years, it’s a fair point of contention to the potential hire.
Whether the fanbase is staunchly opposed or eagerly awaiting the hire, meshing well with Blank likely means the quarterback will be Belichick’s decision to make. At this point, relinquishing that control from the front office to the legendary head coach seems like the cost of doing business.
