The Atlanta Falcons’ apparent interest in recently fired New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been widely discussed, starting with a meeting on Falcons owner Arthur Blank’s yacht and followed by a more in-depth second interview last Friday. However, the enthusiasm surrounding the prospect of Belichick joining the Falcons has diminished in recent days as the team continues to interview multiple candidates, some for the second time.
The Falcons are the only team with a head coaching vacancy to have interviewed Belichick, but according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the team’s actions after Belichick’s second interview suggest that they are not actively pursuing the 71-year-old coach. Schefter pointed out the team’s extensive interviews with other candidates and noted that this doesn’t align with the typical behavior of a team ready to make a move on a particular candidate.
While coaching searches can have fluctuating patterns, the Falcons, after meeting with Belichick twice, have described their coaching search as wide open, indicating that Belichick is not the front-runner for the job at this time. Schefter suggested that there’s a real possibility Belichick may not secure any head coaching position this offseason, with some speculating he might end up in a television role next season.
Opinions on Belichick’s chances remain divided, with some still considering him a favorite while others believe his opportunity has passed. If not Belichick, Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is among the candidates being considered, and he is set to interview at Blank’s house in the Atlanta area. Other candidates include Raheem Morris, Ejiro Evero, Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Mike Macdonald, and Anthony Weaver, who are all scheduled for second interviews.
With 14 candidates interviewed at least once, the Falcons have no set timetable for a decision. There is speculation around Morris, a former Falcons interim coach, with some believing he could be a strong contender for the position. The Falcons may delay their decision depending on the outcome of interviews with Lions’ and Ravens’ assistants scheduled for next week. If the Falcons were prioritizing Belichick, such delays might not be occurring.
