Falcons interview Belichick for head coaching job
The Atlanta Falcons interviewed Bill Belichick for their vacant head coaching job, the team announced Monday.
No deal is imminent, but there's mutual interest as the two sides continue to talk, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
This is Belichick's first head coaching interview since parting ways with the New England Patriots after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles. The legendary coach also acted as New England's de facto general manager. However, it's been rumored that the 71-year-old is open to giving up GM duties on his new team. Terry Fontenot has been Atlanta's general manager since 2021.
Arguably the most remarkable win of Belichick's head coaching career came against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI, as the Patriots came back from a 28-3 third-quarter deficit to earn a 34-28 victory in overtime.
The Falcons' job became vacant after the team dismissed Arthur Smith following a third straight 7-10 season. Atlanta showed improvement on defense this past campaign but struggled offensively, particularly at the quarterback position while starting Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder.
Belichick owns a career record of 333-178, including the playoffs. However, the Patriots went 4-13 in 2023, their second straight losing season. Though New England's offense has struggled since Tom Brady left the team, the club's defense - Belichick's area of expertise - has ranked in the top 10 in points or yards allowed each year since 2012.
Belichick is 15 victories away from becoming the NFL's all-time winningest head coach.
In addition to Belichick, the Falcons have had head coaching interviews with 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, and Ravens assistant head coach Anthony Weaver.
Atlanta has also requested to speak with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, and Antonio Pierce, who finished the 2023 regular season as the Las Vegas Raiders' interim sideline boss.