Should new Falcons head coach have personnel power?

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The Atlanta Falcons have several huge decisions on their hands including who will be their next head coach. A decision that appears to be made already is that GM Terry Fontenot will return in 2024. Arthur Blank confirmed as much in a press conference held Monday, but also said Fontenot’s role could morph based on who comes in at head coach. But could this lead to a parting of ways if certain candidates are chosen?

If the Falcons were to bring in Jim Harbaugh or Bill Belichick, two top candidates, they most likely would want full control over personnel decisions. Could that mean Fontenot would be left without a seat at the table? That decision will ultimately be made by Blank and team CEO Rich McKay. Another candidate that shook loose Wednesday is longtime Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll, it remains unclear if he would want total control of the operations if he takes another job.

Whoever comes to Atlanta will have a chance to make an immediate impact. The roster is filled with talent and the team will have around $40 million in cap space. How much power they will have in the organization will strictly depend on their experience and resume.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks to reporters after the game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports