Bill Belichick is now a free agent after parting ways with the New England Patriots. Seven head coach positions are currently open in the NFL, yet as soon as the news of Belichick’s departure was reported, one team emerged as an early favorite to hire the six-time Super Bowl champion.
The Atlanta Falcons were mentioned by both ESPN’s Adam Schefter and CBS’s Jonathan Jones as the team that could be the best destination for Belichick, 71. The Falcons’ job opened up hours after the regular season ended when Arthur Smith was fired after three seasons.
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Some insiders initially speculated that the Los Angeles Chargers (5–12) could be the team in which Belichick would have the most interest. The team already has a star quarterback in place with Justin Herbert, a top-five selection in April’s NFL draft, and a defense flush with impact players such as Khalil Mack, Derwin James and Nick Williams.
However, the Chargers owners’ willingness to spend money and give Belichick the authority he presumably wants are big questions with Los Angeles.
That could be less of an issue with the Falcons, although general manager Terry Fontenot currently remains in place under owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay. Atlanta (7–10) competed for a playoff spot until the final weeks of the season and likely has an easier playoff path in the NFC South than the Chargers do in the AFC West.
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With a defense that finished 11th in the NFL in yards allowed and offensive skill players such as Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Kyle Pitts and Drake London behind a strong line, the pieces appear to be in place for success in Atlanta. The Falcons also boast the No. 8 selection in the 2024 NFL draft
Other NFL insiders such as Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, and Schefter’s ESPN colleagues Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler also said they have been hearing chatter about Belichick possibly going to the Falcons.
Atlanta surely will interview other candidates, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. And other teams, such as the Washington Commanders also could pursue Belichick as well.
But dots are being connected by those in the know.
