The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed Bill Belichick for their vacant head coaching job. Some people believe it went the other way around.
The Falcons, who fired head coach Arthur Smith after Week 18, announced via X on Monday that the team had conducted an interview with Belichick. The longtime New England Patriots head coach was one of six candidates Atlanta brought in for an interview.
The rest of the pool included Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
We have interviewed Bill Belichick for our head coach opening
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 16, 2024
It happened, #Falcons fans.
So they’ve done initial interviews with:
-Ravens DC Mike Macdonald
-Bengals OC Brian Callahan
-49ers DC Steve Wilks
-Panthers DC Ejiro Evero
-Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach Anthony Weaver
-Bill Belichick https://t.co/4e0RSBL9iK— Kelly Price (@thekellyprice) January 16, 2024
Several football fans and analysts alike echoed similar sentiments after news of Belichick’s interview went public. Many believed that it was actually Belichick who was screening the Falcons as a potential destination after 24 years with the Patriots.
Admit it: Bill Belichick interviewed you. https://t.co/19FKmviSDI pic.twitter.com/W9VGixsjGY
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) January 16, 2024
I imagine Arthur Blank trying to start a legitimate interview, then Bill Belichick grimacing, and saying, "Look, here's how this is gonna go …"
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 16, 2024
I’d say it’s more Belichick interviewing the Falcons than the other way around.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) January 16, 2024
Falcons owner Arthur Blank was said to have met Belichick in person to discuss a potential signing.
Legendary coach Bill Belichick and #Falcons owner Arthur Blank met in person recently to discuss Atlanta’s head coaching job, per sources.
No deal is imminent. But there is mutual interest and conversations are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/Lcnpemj4bZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 16, 2024
While Atlanta may very well be on Belichick’s potential list of destinations, the Falcons may face stiff competition over the next few weeks. The 6-time Super Bowl winner reportedly has a great reason to take his time before choosing his next team before making a decision. One eliminated NFC team is already expected to have interest in Belichick.
