Things are heating up between Bill Belichick and the Falcons. Thursday before noon, Ian Rapoport reported that the two sides would meet for a second interview after Arthur Blank and Belichick initially met one-on-one.
Sources: Former #Patriots coach Bill Belichick will have a second interview with the #Falcons brass this weekend after meeting with owner Arthur Blank 1-on-1 this past week. Things are ramping up with the greatest coach of all time… pic.twitter.com/UR8LnJcYSS
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2024
It appears that Belichick is Blank’s top target, and the fact that Atlanta’s owner is meeting with candidates alone — he met with Jim Harbaugh one-on-one too — tells me that he isn’t delegating any part of this search for a new head coach.
However, according to Rapoport, Blank’s top subordinates — Falcons CEO Rich McKay and general manager Terry Fontenot– will be in the room for his second interview with Belichick.
There are a ton of layers in this scenario of Belichick coming to Atlanta that are intriguing. McKay and Fontenot’s fate may be currently hanging in the balance as their boss seems infatuated with who many consider to be the greatest coach of all time.
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a source within the team predicts that “Belichick would take the job only if McKay is completely frozen out of football operations.” The pair clearly have a past as Florio pointed out.
“As one team executive remarked once the Belichick-to-Atlanta chatter emerged, McKay likely won’t be inclined to support it. Belichick, per the source, and McKay have been at odds in the past over rules changes, given McKay’s role as chair of the Competition Committee.”
Falcons fans are well aware of Rich McKay’s role in the organization, and they may finally get their wish with Belichick forcing McKay out. Though that may be a silver lining, there are downsides as well.
Terry Fontenot’s role is subject to change with the hire, as McKay pointed out during the Falcons press conference following Arthur Smith’s termination. Atlanta’s GM doesn’t have typical general manager powers and very well could have what’s left of his responsibilities taken away from him with Belichick coming to town.
The former Patriots head coach was New England’s de facto GM for more than two decades. He had complete autonomy under Robert Kraft, and Arthur Blank is clearly desperate, making him vulnerable to succumbing to Belichick’s demands.
Though Fontenot and McKay are going to be in the room, I suspect it’s more to be interviewed by Belichick than to do the actually interviewing.
—
Photographer: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.