Bi hiring cyclell Belichick, the former head coach of the New England Patriots, has the best resume going into the 2024. The last few seasons have turned him mortal, so it’s no wonder that the Atlanta Falcons chose him to top their comprehensive list of interviews. Belichick interviewed twice with the Falcons but did not get the job. Instead, former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was handed (again) the keys to a franchise in need of a fresh start.

The Morris hire was widely supported, but the news all but solidified that Belichick won’t have a head coaching job for the first time this century. Atlanta owner Arthur Blank gave his testimony in support of the future Hall of Famer during the Super Bowl’s week-long festivities.

Perhaps the biggest warning sign for Belichick was his job as New England’s de facto general manager. Nobody denies his football knowledge or the virtues of his work on the sideline, but the Patriots were victimized by a deteriorating squad that was unable to rebuild after losing quarterback Tom Brady. Wanting the same level of unilateral power may have jeopardized his candidacy.
“No, not at all,” Blank responded to that worry on NFL Network. “I want to be clear on behalf of Bill as a human being and a storied coach in our league’s history…” Throughout our conversations with Bill, he never mentioned power, control, or the need for others to cooperate with him. He’s interested in coaching, and he obviously desired a collaborative relationship with personnel and scouting.”He had checked our department’s references and assured me that he would be glad to work with our employees. In fact, he confirmed everything in writing.”
Hiring Belichick in the last stages of his career would have hastened Atlanta’s competitive window, for better or worse. Most expected a free-agent quarterback to play under Belichick, rather than a spry youngster whose finest playing days may be ahead of him.