The Atlanta Falcons have reportedly requested to interview a number of interesting and qualified candidates, but no potential candidate has been talked about more than the one the Falcons for all we know haven't talked to at all, former Head Coach of the New England Patriots Bill Belichick.
Now, with Belichick being a free agent the Falcons don’t have to request to interview him, so there could be a scenario where we’ll never really know if Atlanta talked to or interviewed Belichick at all unless of course he becomes Atlanta’s head coach.
However, Senior NFL Reporter and Lead Content Strategist for The Monday Morning Quarterback and Sports Illustrated, Albert Breer, joined The Morning Shift earlier today, and said he believes that the former Patriots Head Coach and General Manager is “the likely target” in Atlanta.
“It feels to me at least like while they are going to go through a process and there are some boxes they ha ve to check I still feel like Bill Belichick is the likely target.” Breer said. Albert’s reasoning for Arthur Blank wanting Belichick in Atlanta includes the team’s ability to win now if the right quarterback is put in place, Arthur Blank’s urgency to win because of his advanced age, Belichick’s obvious coaching experience, and the Falcons owner not having a lot of previous success with hiring unproven assistants as first time head coaches.
Belichick did say that he was willing to relinquish control that he had during most of his tenure in New England, but that was to be able to stay with the Patriots. Is Belichick willing to do the same thing in Atlanta or anywhere else? If the answer to that question is no, is Arthur Blank willing to change the collaborative system he’s had in the front office during his entire tenure as the Falcons owner?
If and when Arthur Blank, Rich McKay, and possibly Terry Fontenot interview and talk to Belichick those very questions could and most likely will be a deal breaker or maker.