ATLANTA — Bill Belichick finished his second coaching interview with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, bringing him closer to joining the organisation that suffered its worst disappointment with him on the opposing sideline.
The Falcons also met digitally with Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, but all eyes were on Belichick, who was reportedly the team’s first candidate and had come to Atlanta on one of owner Arthur Blank’s private jets.
Atlanta Falcons Complete A Second Interview With Former Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
If Belichick joins the Falcons, a team that hasn’t won a season since 2017 and has never won a Super Bowl, it would be a shocking turn of events.
Belichick was the coach of the New England Patriots when they staged the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, rebounding from a 28-3 deficit in the second half to defeat the Falcons 34-28 in overtime during the 2016 season.
Atlanta made the playoffs a year later but has yet to return since. Arthur Smith was sacked mere hours after the season’s final game, a dismal loss to New Orleans that ended his third consecutive 7-10 season.
Belichick, who has six Super Bowl titles more than any other coach, is coming off a 4-13 season, the worst of his career, which led to his departure from the Patriots less than two weeks ago.
Atlanta Falcons Complete A Second Interview With Former Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
Serious quarterback troubles hampered his final season in New England. Mac Jones was benched, and Bailey Zappe struggled as well.
The Falcons faced similar issues in the most visible position on the pitch, with Smith switching back and forth between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in a frantic attempt to save his job.
If Belichick comes to Atlanta, it will almost certainly be with the assumption that Blank, CEO Rich McKay, and general manager Terry Fontenot are ready to pursue an upgrade at quarterback.
With a career record of 333-178, including the playoffs, Belichick intends to continue coaching as he approaches the late Don Shula’s record of 347 wins.
In what many consider the greatest dynasty in NFL history, Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady won a half-dozen championships throughout 18 seasons. For good measure, Belichick was a member of two additional championship teams while serving on Bill Parcells’ staff with the New York Giants.
However, Belichick’s reputation suffered significantly when Brady departed the Patriots after the 2019 season and immediately won his seventh Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Falcons’ NFC South rivals.
Atlanta Falcons Complete A Second Interview With Former Patriots Coach Bill Belichick
The Patriots have only had one winning season since then, a one-and-done playoff berth in 2021, with a record of 29-38. That’s similar to Atlanta’s 25-42 record throughout the same period.
In addition to Belichick and Glenn, the Falcons have spoken with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, 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, Ravens assistant head coach and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson.
SOURCE – (AP)
