Bill Belichick (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters)
The Atlanta Falcons have made it official – they are eyeing the coach responsible for one of the franchise’s most heart-breaking losses.
Hiring Criteria: Prior Head-Coaching Experience
On Monday, the Falcons revealed that they interviewed former New England coach Bill Belichick for their head-coaching position, marking Belichick’s first known interview since parting ways with the Patriots last week.
At 71 years old, Belichick boasts an impressive coaching career spanning 29 seasons – 24 with New England and five in Cleveland. His record stands at 302-165, accompanied by six Super Bowl triumphs with the Patriots. Notably, one of these Super Bowl victories came at the expense of the Falcons, staging a remarkable comeback from a 28-3 deficit in Super Bowl LI to clinch a 34-28 overtime win.
This historic moment resurfaced during a comprehensive news conference featuring Falcons owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay last Monday, following the departure of Arthur Smith after three seasons as Atlanta’s coach.
As Blank and McKay spearhead the quest to replace Smith, they addressed the consideration of prior head-coaching experience in the hiring process. Both acknowledged the significance of such experience, emphasizing the need to find the right fit for the team.
Ownership Perspective: Arthur Blank and Rich McKay’s Vision
“Where you look should be incredibly broad and should include head-coaching experience. There is something to head-coaching experience,” McKay said. “But it has to be the right head-coaching experience. That is not so easy to find, because it’s not been easy for me to find over the years.
“But I think, if you find one, should you consider it? Absolutely. Why wouldn’t you?”
Belichick’s name was mentioned during Atlanta’s news conference by Blank, as was Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Los Angeles’ Sean McVay and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan — not as potential candidates for the job (Belichick was still employed by New England at the time) but as examples of continuity, having a long-term vision and seeing that vision through.
Belichick’s End with Patriots: Kraft’s Comments and Intentions
When Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced the end of Belichick’s coaching tenure with the team, Kraft hinted at Belichick’s desire to continue coaching. Monday’s announcement is the first clear indication of this intent.
“It’ll be difficult to see him in a cutoff hoodie on the sideline,” Kraft said last week. “But I’ll always wish him continued success, except when it’s against the beloved Patriots.”
Belichick’s Milestones: Wins and Playoff Success
Belichick currently holds the third spot in regular-season wins (302), trailing George Halas (318) and Don Shula (328). He also leads in playoff victories with 31, eight ahead of Andy Reid. In total, Belichick boasts 333 wins, standing 14 behind Shula’s 347.
Ownership History: Blank’s Approach to Coaching Selection
Since Blank assumed ownership of the Falcons, the team has never appointed a coach with prior NFL head-coaching experience. Blank and McKay, with input from general manager Terry Fontenot, are leading the search.
Search Progress: Other Candidates in Consideration
Belichick is the sixth candidate announced by the club as interviewing for the job, joining Baltimore assistant head coach Anthony Weaver, Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, and Carolina defensive coordinator/Cincinnati offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.
This report used information from ESPN.
