Bill Belichick and Falcons Owner Arthur Blank Continue Discussions for Head Coach Position
By Josh Kendall, Jeff Howe, and Dianna Russini
Bill Belichick, the former head coach of the New England Patriots, had dinner with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank on Thursday, according to a team source. This meeting comes as the Falcons are in search of a new head coach, and Belichick is a top candidate for the position. Belichick flew into Atlanta on one of Blank’s private jets for the meeting, and he is set to have a second interview with the team this weekend after completing an initial interview on Monday.
Belichick’s Departure from the Patriots
Belichick recently parted ways with the Patriots after 24 seasons, marking a significant shakeup between the coach and the team. Now, he is exploring potential opportunities with the Falcons.
Other Candidates for the Falcons Coaching Job
The Falcons have also interviewed several other candidates for the coaching position, including Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, and Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver.
Why Belichick is a Good Fit for Atlanta
Atlanta has struggled to achieve consistent success in the NFL, with one of the lowest winning percentages among current teams. Belichick’s track record of success and experience could bring immediate change to the Falcons organization. Since joining the league in 1966, the Falcons have had limited success, and Blank likely wants to see a turnaround for the team.
Potential Challenges for Belichick in Atlanta
Blank and Falcons CEO Rich McKay believe that the team’s roster is ready to win now and only needs improvement at the quarterback position. However, the Patriots have struggled with their quarterback situation in recent years, which may raise concerns about Belichick’s ability to address this issue effectively.
Impact on General Manager Terry Fontenot
Terry Fontenot, the Falcons’ general manager, was retained despite the firing of head coach Arthur Smith. However, if Belichick were to join the organization, it is unclear how Fontenot’s role would be affected. Belichick has had significant control over personnel decisions in New England, so it remains to be seen if Fontenot would continue to have a prominent role in the Falcons’ organization.
Conclusion
The meeting between Bill Belichick and Arthur Blank signifies ongoing discussions regarding the Falcons’ head coach position. Belichick’s experience and success make him an attractive candidate for Atlanta, but there are potential challenges and uncertainties that need to be addressed. As the search for a new head coach continues, the Falcons are evaluating their options to find the best fit for the organization.
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(Photo: Winslow Townson / Getty Images)