Bill Belichick has been linked to the Atlanta head coaching job again

Christian Standal

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Bill Belichick has been linked to the Atlanta head coaching job again image

Two years ago, the Atlanta Falcons appeared close to making one of the biggest coaching hires in NFL history. After an extensive search, the team seriously considered legendary New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick before ultimately choosing Raheem Morris instead. Now, after Morris’ firing, the Falcons may be circling back to the decision that almost changed everything.

When Belichick was first interviewed by Atlanta, he had just been let go by the Patriots after a historic 24-year run that included six Super Bowl titles. Reports at the time suggested he was the top candidate and even received a second interview before anyone else. Falcons owner Arthur Blank reportedly spent significant time with Belichick, including yacht trips that made it seem likely the 71-year-old coach would take over the team in 2024.

Instead, Atlanta went with Morris, hoping stability and familiarity would lead to success. That plan never fully worked. After posting back-to-back 8–9 seasons, Morris was fired along with general manager Terry Fontenot. The Falcons struggled early in the season, starting 4–9 and becoming one of the first teams eliminated from playoff contention. The writing was on the wall long before the season ended.

Now, with multiple teams searching for head coaches and more openings expected, Belichick’s name has once again surfaced as a top candidate in Atlanta. According to reports, Belichick was surprised when he didn’t get the job two years ago and has remained out of the NFL since.

Belichick’s time away from the NFL has only added to the discussion surrounding his future. His stint at Chapel Hill has been widely viewed as disappointing, with struggles on the field and growing questions throughout the season about whether he should retire or return to the NFL. That uncertainty has followed him all year, making a possible comeback to the professional level an even bigger storyline.

The Tar Heels finished the season with a 4–8 record after Belichick was hired, despite early expectations that his success with the Patriots would carry over. Instead, the team failed to meet expectations and struggled in nearly every area. What many believed would be a smooth transition turned into a rough season that raised concerns about whether Belichick still fits at the college level.

NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk recently discussed how different things might look in Atlanta if Belichick had been hired in the first place. Florio suggested that several questionable roster decisions may have been avoided, including the move to sign Kirk Cousins to a large guaranteed contract and then draft Michael Penix Jr. Just weeks later. According to Florio, Belichick’s presence could have brought a clearer direction and more consistency to the Falcons’ long-term plan.

Florio also noted that one concern Atlanta had during Belichick’s first interview was his desire to fully control football operations. At the time, the Falcons hesitated. Now, that level of authority might be exactly what the franchise needs, especially for a team searching for clear direction and leadership. However, despite the renewed interest, the chances of Belichick leaving Chapel Hill in the near future appear to be low, even as speculation continues to grow.

As Florio put it, Arthur Blank may be ready to admit the mistake and finally hand Belichick the keys if the opportunity presents itself. If that were to happen, Atlanta could soon be led by one of the greatest coaches the NFL has ever seen, just a few years later than expected. Still, with Belichick currently committed elsewhere, any return to the NFL would come with uncertainty and require major changes on both sides.

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Staff Writer