With news of Bill Belichick and the Patriots parting ways, the Falcons are one of eight clubs searching for a new head coach this offseason in what should be one of the most entertaining and competitive carousels in recent memory.
The Chargers with Justin Herbert will certainly be an attractive job, while the Commanders hold the rights to the No. 2 overall pick with plenty of resources to build around Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. The Falcons aren’t even the only NFC South team in the market as the Panthers currently look for the third head coach in the David Tepper era.
It’s set to be an eventful offseason, so let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of the gig in Atlanta.
Pro: Skill position group & offensive line
With the league continually trending in an offensive direction, it’s never been more valuable to have a great skill position group and solid offensive line. Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London will get any offensive minded candidate’s attention, and the front five should all be returning in 2024. The Falcons have the bones in place for a quarterback to immediately make this one of the most prolific offenses in the league.
Con: No QB
But they do need a quarterback. While other opportunities in Los Angeles and Washington either have a quarterback or are in a position to draft a franchise quarterback, Atlanta isn’t necessarily in that position. Now, that’s not to say the Falcons can’t move up and acquire one in the draft, sign one in free agency, or trade for a veteran. They have the means to do so, but if a candidate prefers the signal caller position to be figured out, it’s certainly a negative aspect of the job.
Pro: No QB
On the other hand, instead of being forced into an arranged marriage, the Falcons lack of a quarterback could be seen as a positive. The new head coach gets his choice of who he wants to partner with instead of the player being chosen for him.
Con: Management structure
When Arthur Smith was hired, Rich McKay was said to be not involved in day-to-day operations. That was a lie. In the press conference following Smith’s termination, Falcons fans found out that Terry Fontenot and Smith reported to McKay, and that structure will continue with the new head coach. Candidates coming from a traditional owner-GM-head coach structure could find this unappealing. I know I would.
Pro: Cap space & draft assets
While the Chargers have a mess of the salary cap and the Panthers lack draft capital, the Falcons have both in spades. They could have as much as $50 million in cap space this offseason and currently hold the 8th overall pick. The roster isn’t barren of talent, and the new head coach will have ample resources to build out the roster even more as they see fit.
Con: Fan base
This could be a pro and con. With one of the longest playoff droughts in the NFL, Mercedes Benz Stadium can oftentimes look empty. The Falcons fan base has been through a lot but has never been of the die-hard variety. If the team is winning, Atlanta vehemently supports the Falcons. If they aren’t, which has been the case since 2018, Sundays are for recovering from college football Saturdays.
Pro: Supportive owner
Arthur Blank has his faults. He meddles in football business too often, overstepping in some instances. However, he’s willing to put his money where his mouth is. He’ll give the new head coach whatever resources needed to succeed. Money for staff, amenities at Flowery Branch, and everything in between that a candidate could possibly want.
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Photographer: Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire
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