It is no longer a rumor; Arthur Blank is seriously interested in bringing Bill Belichick to Atlanta. The Falcons announced Monday they’ve interviewed Belichick for their open head coaching position.
Moreover, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero adds that “no deal is imminent” between the two sides, but there is “mutual interest” and conversations are still ongoing.
Legendary coach Bill Belichick and #Falcons owner Arthur Blank met in person recently to discuss Atlanta’s head coaching job, per sources.
No deal is imminent. But there is mutual interest and conversations are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/Lcnpemj4bZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 16, 2024
It seems where there’s smoke, there’s fire. These are no longer rumors. The Falcons could actually hire Bill Belichick.
It would be an ironic hire for Arthur Blank, who watched the former Patriots head coach storm back from a 25-point deficit to complete the largest comeback in Super Bowl history in his only Super Bowl as owner of the Falcons.
It’s clear that Blank is sharpening his harpoon and going after Moby Dick. Jay Glazer reported that Atlanta’s owner wants to go big game hunting this offseason, and there might not be a bigger fish than Bill Belichick, at least in terms of name value.
The prospect of the GOAT coming to Atlanta has been met with vitriol reactions from the fan base. For the architect of the greatest sports dynasty in history, that could seem a bit odd, right?
Well, it’s not. Bill Belichick hasn’t drafted or hired coordinators successfully in recent years and seemingly got stale in New England. The Falcons would be better off, in my opinion, going with a younger coach to pair with a younger quarterback.
Now, it’s not all bad because Falcons fans could finally get their wish for Rich McKay to be ousted from the organization.
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.”
Maybe Belichick wouldn’t be such a terrible hire if it finally rid the Falcons of McKay, who will surely oppose the prospect of bringing Belichick to Atlanta.
Florio added that “McKay likely won’t be inclined to support it (hiring Belichick). 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.”
One thing I hope Arthur Blank takes away from the interview is that his top head coach target can’t work with his right-hand man. Regardless if Belichick becomes the next Falcons head coach or not, Blank should recognize McKay’s role in potentially turning away other high-value candidates.
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Photographer: Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire
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