The Atlanta Falcons have a tough decision to make when it comes to picking their next head coach. Should they go with an experienced coach like Bill Belichick, who would likely make significant roster changes, or will the team look to hire one of the NFL’s bright young coordinators?
Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan weighed in on during the CBS pregame show on Sunday.
“Well, here’s the thing, there’s a lot of baggage that comes with that because of what happened in the Super Bowl,” said Ryan. “So it’s an awkward thing but if you look at the organization like Jonathon said, an owner that is getting older and is anxious to win right now, and you look at their roster — we’ve had them twice this year — they’re built to win now.”
Ryan went on to compliment the defense before saying the team needs to find a quarterback. The former NFL MVP thinks the decision at QB could affect the coaching hire.
“The defense plays good football, they’ve got an excellent offensive line, good skill positions, but they’ve gotta figure out the quarterback. I think Bill Belichick makes sense if they get a veteran guy. I think if you’re drafting young, I think you go with a younger coach — somebody that’s going to be there longer.”
WATCH: Ryan on Belichick-to-Atlanta rumors
Falcons' legend @M_Ryan02 gives his thoughts on Belichick potentially coaching in Atlanta 👀 pic.twitter.com/FQyk2TLXMA
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 14, 2024
Twitter reacts to Ryan's comments
The most important part Matt said was “if they go rookie QB, they go with a younger coach, if they go with a veteran QB, Bellicheck makes sense”. There ain’t no veteran QB available right now that moves the Falcons needle to being a serious contender. Therefore you must go young! https://t.co/3qk0YaxUZn
— JazzyJeffRealTalk (@JazzyJeffRealT1) January 14, 2024
matt ryan says belichick only works in atlanta with a veteran quarterback. if only we knew a veteran quarterback that is available. hmmm. interesting. https://t.co/AzOkIlMVV8
— kelsey orr (@kelseytayorr) January 14, 2024
🥹🥹🥹🥹 but he is on to something and what A LOT of been saying! https://t.co/IwnGVFKi3N
— ✨E Da Goddess 🇯🇲✨ 🐩 (@LadyE_tellem) January 14, 2024
And all of Falcons land fell in love with the idea.
What’s wild is the franchise icon just two years ago saying “they have to figure out the QB position” never thought I’d hear that out of his mouth lol https://t.co/PTzzKzGYxr
— New year New Damski 🎉 (@Damski32) January 14, 2024
I love how Matt was respectful of Belichick but offered a soft no.. even mentioned the SB.. my boy at peace rn 😇 https://t.co/07Tjvxrrnq
— DirtyBirds4Life… (@DirtyBirdRising) January 14, 2024
So hiring Bill Belichick means more than likely Russell Wilson will be in play for Atlanta. Maybe even Justin Fields if you consider him a veteran being in the league 3, going on 4, years https://t.co/nyf3ZiOtGl
— Phoenix NoGravity (@phoenixthaboss) January 14, 2024
Yup I agree Matt I’m more leaning towards the young qb man I’m getting tired of the same old qbs man I want my own young electric qb to build towards the future but Blank owns this team if he wanna win now he ain’t doing that with a young qb https://t.co/KMPVgEfCpw
— King_Ro (@Ro_Stackson) January 14, 2024
Bill Belichick was allegedly spotted boarding Falcons owner Arthur Blank's DreAMBoat on Sunday amid rumor of Atlanta's interest in hiring Belichick for its head coaching role, per this tweet.
The yacht *is* Blank's: https://t.co/Jja1oh4px0 https://t.co/pDh7m4IhDG
— Cory Woodroof (@CoryWoodroof47) January 15, 2024
It’s gone be a veteran QB and we will see that that roster isn’t built to win now. I expect blank to be selling the falcons in the next 2-3 yrs https://t.co/Dt2Omd86bk
— Q (@Q_DaGreat) January 14, 2024
Also, we should be getting a Matt Ryan retirement announcement soon https://t.co/457xrDdNQQ
— Fady Falcon 🕋 🇵🇸 (@PaliFalcon) January 14, 2024
Excellent insight by the Falcons GOAT https://t.co/X6QqgI1kyN
— BroTalk Offseason Mode (@BKsquared7) January 14, 2024
Area man offers thoughts on Belichick to Falcons https://t.co/Bp0ANJeu7a
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) January 14, 2024
Tracking each Falcons interview for head coach vacancy https://t.co/0StSnecQEZ
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) January 15, 2024
