The day finally came … The New England Patriots (fired) mutually agreed to part ways with the greatest coach in NFL history.
Needless to say, it’s an end of an era in New England and it will be extremely strange not to see Bill Belichick roaming the sidelines in his Patriots hoodie.
One thing is for sure – Belichick is going to continue to coach … The question now is where exactly will that be???
Bill Belichick will ALWAYS be a Patriot.#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/rD8YW2beVm
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 11, 2024
There are several interesting NFL openings – but according to multiple reports, one surprising team has emerged as a favorite to land Belichick.
No, it’s not the Washington Commanders or the Los Angeles Chargers or the Tennessee Titans – and certainly not the Carolina Panthers … It’s reportedly the Atlanta Falcons.
Our story on https://t.co/iLSuC0HswN on Bill Belichick and the #Patriots agreeing to part ways.
Jerod Mayo is the top in-house candidate, viewed for years as a possible successor. Mike Vrabel is also available. For Belichick, #Falcons may be an option. https://t.co/FyO2SZkJHE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2024
The rumor gained traction as various NFL insiders had been hinting at a team in the NFC South keeping a close eye on Belichick in recent weeks, and it now appears that the Falcons are the team in question.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter shed light on the Falcons history of pursuing (and losing out on) high-profile head coaches in the past.
“Falcons owner Arthur Blank has taken some big swings at other high-profile head coaches in the past … Blank once pursued, but didn’t land, Joe Gibbs. He once pursued, but didn’t land, Bill Parcells. Now the Falcons have a head coach opening, and Bill Belichick is a free agent.”
Falcons owner Arthur Blank has taken some big swings at other high-profile head coaches in the past.
Blank once pursued, but didn’t land, Joe Gibbs.
He once pursued, but didn’t land, Bill Parcells.
Now the Falcons have a head coach opening, and Bill Belichick is a free agent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2024
The Falcons aren’t at the tip of anybody’s tongue when thinking of prestigious and historic NFL franchise – But Blank is eager to deliver a winner and he sure isn’t getting any younger.
Would he be able to lure Belichick to Atlanta???
Look how much Bill Belichick has meant to his players.
A New England legend forever 🥹 pic.twitter.com/5fOQZcD8Mc
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 11, 2024
It’s a topic which has seemed to split the Flacons fan base.
Some fans think the game has passed Belichick by and he longer has anything to offer (obviously a foolish take).
Others are still bitter over Belichick (and Tom Brady) breaking their hearts in the infamous 28-3 Super Bowl.
As a Falcons fan, if you had told me the man who helped caused 28-3 ( I still suffer) would maybe be the coach of the Falcons I’d say go find a rehab center ASAP.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) January 11, 2024
Do you buy the Falcons as a legitimate contender for Belichick?
Are they really the “favorites” that many insiders seem to think?
Atlanta has some nice pieces in place – but they don’t have a quarterback, and you’re not winning anything in the NFL without a quarterback.
Teaming Belichick up with Justin Herbert in Los Angeles is a fascinating thought … Although Bill is the farthest thing from an “LA guy.”
Assuming they don’t win the Super Bowl, could you see Jerry Jones firing Mike McCarthy and bringing Belichick down to Dallas??? (I sure as hell can…)