As the offseason spins the NFL coaching carousel, ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday of mutual interest between legendary former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and a new team.
Fowler reported on the network’s SportsCenter program about the growing buzz around the league regarding the interest between Belichick and the Atlanta Falcons.
“There’s a belief league-wide that there’s some interest, potentially some mutual interest,” Fowler reported.”The Chargers come to mind in that regard. There’s also not a clear-cut fit right now. There’s several teams in the league that are either looking to go with a younger coach or are just looking for a new outlook. Washington is probably out. Tennessee probably out. Seattle probably out. There aren’t a lot of options right now; there could be some surprises depending on what happens in the playoffs if another job opens that’s a little more high profile, Belichick could look into that. One thing is clear though, he does want to continue coaching.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Atlanta Falcons’ interest in Bill Belichick
After two 7-10 seasons under Arthur Smith, the Falcons are looking for a turnaround. The possibility of bringing in Bill Belichick signifies a change in team owner Arthur Blank’s approach. In years past, Blank has attempted to go with young and more inexperienced coaches. But, with Blank aging himself and becoming more frustrated with the lack of success on the field, he’s looking to accelerate the process. Bringing on board someone like Belichick, with his six Super Bowl rings, might be too good an opportunity for Blank to pass up.
If Atlanta could lure Belichick, it could be a game changer for an underachieving Falcons organization that’s struggled since losing Super Bowl LI to Belichick and the Patriots. The irony and reach for redemption under the coach who beat him shows Blank is serious about changing the trajectory of his team.
Related: 4 Atlanta Falcons head coach candidates to replace Arthur Smith
Bill Belichick will have his work cut out for him if he goes to Atlanta
Just because Blank is willing to bring in Bill Belichick doesn’t mean there aren’t significant challenges the best coach of all time would have to deal with.
The Falcons’ biggest issue is a common one around the NFL: they don’t have an answer at quarterback. Given Desmond Ridder‘s performance as a starter, there is a need for a new signal caller. Belichick’s ability to assemble teams could make Atlanta an attractive destination for veteran quarterbacks or promising draft picks.
The challenge for Belichick presents an opportunity to showcase his skills outside of the Patriots dynasty and perhaps conclude his career on a high note and prove the weak accusation he can’t win without Tom Brady.
While the Falcons opportunity might be on the front burner for now, there’s no question this won’t be the only NFL team with an opening, or one that is in the playoffs and could still make a change, to reach out and talk to Belichick.
