The Atlanta Falcons appear to have landed the big fish they were hoping for in their head coaching search. According to multiple reports, former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is leaning towards accepting the Falcons’ offer to become their next head coach after a second interview over the weekend.
Background on Falcons’ Coaching Search
The Falcons fired previous head coach Arthur Smith after three mediocre seasons and missing the playoffs each year. Owner Arthur Blank made it clear he wanted to swing for the fences with this coaching hire and was prepared to pay whatever it took to land a “blue chip” candidate.
Early candidates included former Saints head coach Sean Payton and University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. But once it became clear that Belichick would have interest after stepping down from the Patriots, he became the Falcons’ number one target.
Belichick Has Two Interviews with Falcons
Belichick had his first interview with Atlanta eight days ago. Reports were that both sides came away very impressed with the initial meeting. Enough so that Falcons owner Arthur Blank scheduled a second interview this past weekend.
The structure of the second interview was more informal, as Belichick and Blank got to know each other better over dinner and discussions about the future of the franchise.
Key details that have emerged about the interviews:
- Blank made it clear money is no object and he will pay Belichick $20 million+ per year.
- Belichick shared his vision for building a championship roster and culture in Atlanta. Emphasized wanting control of roster construction.
- Both sides discussed potential staff hires and personnel changes needed.
- Falcons executives left second interview confident Belichick wants the job.
Why Atlanta Makes Sense for Belichick
While the Falcons do not boast a playoff-ready roster, the franchise does offer several appealing factors that seem to mesh with what Belichick is looking for in his next opportunity:
- A patient owner with deep pockets who is willing to allow Belichick ample flexibility and resources to build the organization as he sees fit.
- A young franchise QB in Desmond Ridder that Belichick can mold into a winner like he did with Tom Brady.
- Sal cap space and draft capital to allow Belichick to reshape the roster. Atlanta owns extra picks in the 2023 Draft.
- A chance to replicate his success in a new environment and cement his case as the greatest head coach ever.
What Happens Next
All signs point to Belichick accepting the Falcons’ offer in the coming days once the final details are worked out:
- Announcement expected early this week that Belichick will become next Falcons head coach.
- Belichick’s contract likely to make him highest paid coach in NFL history with $20-25 million a year.
- A press conference would follow later in the week to introduce Belichick.
- Belichick will immediately start making changes to coaching staff and front office. Several Patriots staffers expect to join him in Atlanta.
- Planning will begin for free agency and draft with goal of upgrading roster talent across the board.
| Potential Belichick Staff Hires | Previous Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Jerod Mayo | Patriots | Defensive Coordinator |
| Adrian Klemm | Patriots | Offensive Line Coach |
| Eliot Wolf | Patriots | Assistant General Manager |
While it remains to be seen if Belichick can replicate his dominant success with the Patriots, he will be taking over an Atlanta team with a hungry owner, solid QB, and ample resources to reshape the franchise. The outlook is very bright for the Falcons as they appear poised to land the best head coach in NFL history.
What This Means for the Patriots
Meanwhile, Belichick’s departure leaves a gaping hole in New England. The Patriots quickly promoted inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to head coach to provide continuity. But Mayo, while respected, has gigantic shoes to fill taking over for a living legend.
The Patriots dynasty stalled out in recent years with just one playoff win since losing to the Eagles in Super Bowl 52. With Tom Brady now retired and Belichick leaving for Atlanta, Mayo and the revamped Patriots staff face an uphill climb restoring glory to the franchise as they gear up for a critical offseason.
The pressure will be on owner Robert Kraft and team president Jonathan Kraft to support Mayo. And the new-look Patriots will need to nail the draft, free agency, and develop young talent if they hope to avoid falling further behind in a loaded AFC.
While Patriots fans are surely heartbroken over the shocking departures of Brady and now Belichick the past two offseasons, the future remains promising with Mayo at the helm and a chance to start a new chapter. Though certainly large shoes to fill replacing two icons who delivered six Super Bowl titles to New England over a historic two decade run.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
