Bill Belichick Is a Strong Fit for Falcons’ HC Opening amid Latest NFL Rumors

Jake RillJanuary 20, 2024

Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Bill Belichick has 29 years of NFL head-coaching experience. His first opportunity to guide a franchise came with the Cleveland Browns from 1991-95, and he was, of course, the leader of the New England Patriots from 2000-23.

Next up, Belichick could soon become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

After parting ways with the Patriots following the 2023 season, Belichick has been featured in plenty of coaching rumors over the course of January. But now, things are beginning to heat up even more, and it’s starting to look as if the 71-year-old could be heading to Atlanta.

On Monday, the Falcons announced they had interviewed Belichick for the job. According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Belichick then flew into Atlanta on Thursday night on one of Falcons owner Arthur Blank’s private planes.

Belichick and Blank had dinner on Thursday, per Russini, and more meetings are scheduled to take place. The talks between the two sides “continue to trend in a good direction at this time,” per Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.

Atlanta has been linked to other coaching candidates. But Belichick is at the top of the team’s list, according to Russini, who also reported a second formal interview is set to occur this weekend.

It sure seems like an offer could emerge on the table soon. Nobody would be surprised if Belichick is announced as Falcons head coach in the near future.

It would be a smart decision, too. Belichick may not have a ton of time remaining in his illustrious coaching career, but he could quickly help turn around Atlanta, which hasn’t made the playoffs or won more than seven games in any of the past six seasons.

The Falcons need to figure out their quarterback situation, as Belichick was most successful when he had Tom Brady under center in New England. It’s unlikely Desmond Ridder will be Atlanta’s franchise QB. So the position should be the team’s top priority once a head coach is in place.

But there’s plenty of talent up and down the Falcons’ roster. The offense has young playmakers such as running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. The defense has some standouts, too, such as cornerback A.J. Terrell.

Will Atlanta be a playoff contender in 2024? It’s possible in the NFC South, which was won by 9-8 Tampa Bay this season. And if Belichick is leading the Falcons, they could get more out of their burgeoning young roster.

Sure, Belichick’s ending with the Patriots didn’t go according to plan, as they went 4-13 and missed the playoffs this season. But the longtime head coach could benefit from a change of scenery, where he’ll be a fresh, experienced voice.

Belichick in Atlanta sure seems like a logical fit. It may not be too long before it comes to fruition, either.