Bill Belichick is already looking to get his next gig lined up following his mutual parting with the Patriots last week.
According to multiple reports, and then later confirmed by the team itself on social media, the Atlanta Falcons have interviewed Belichick for their vacant head coaching position.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero added that while nothing is imminent, team owner Arthur Blank met with Belichick recently and discussions are "ongoing".
The Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith last Monday following their 7-10 season and have already interviewed six candidates in Mike MacDonald, Steve Wilks, Brian Callahan, Ejiro Evero, Anthony Weaver, and now Belichick. They also have four outstanding requests with Ben Johnson, Aaron Glen, Raheem Morris, and Antonio Pierce.
When asked about the potential paring of Belichick and Atlanta on CBS's pre-game show on Sunday, former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan said the following:
"Well, here's the thing, there's a lot of baggage that comes with that because of what happened in the Super Bowl, and so it's an awkward thing. But if you look at the organization, like Jonathan said, an owner that is getting older and is anxious to win right now. And you look at their roster, we had them twice this year. They're built to win, they really are. The defense plays good football, they've got an excellent offensive line, good skill positions, but they’ve got to figure out the quarterback. I think Bill Belichick makes sense if they get a veteran guy. I think if you're drafting young, I think you go with a younger coach. Somebody that's gonna be there longer. But if you're gonna take a veteran [quarterback], I think he makes sense in Atlanta."
Belichick and his Patriots, of course, famously mounted a comeback against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI from down 28-3 to a 34-28 victory.
Belichick's interview with Atlanta is his first following the official end of his 24-year run in Foxborough last Thursday. The Falcons will visit the Patriots at Gillette Stadium in 2025.