Bill Belichick, head coach of the Atlanta Falcons? It’s more likely than you’d think. The New England Patriots appear to be poised for a divorce with one of the winningest coaches in NFL history, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggests the Falcons could pursue him if he becomes avaiable — and if they lose to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
That at least implies that Falcons head coach Arthur Smith (21-29, and 7-9 going into this Saints game) is on the hot seat and he’ll need a strong showing to save his job. But here’s what Rapoport had to say about the situation:
But a loss would drop Atlanta to 1-4 over its final five games of the regular season and ensure a third straight seven-win season, heightening scrutiny on the progress of the football operation at a time when there could be big-name coaches — including Patriots legend Bill Belichick, whose name has come up frequently in connection with Atlanta in conversations with league sources the past week — potentially becoming available.
Obviously competing with Belichick for a division the Saints haven’t been able to win with Dennis Allen at head coach is unappealing. But Belichick hasn’t found the same results since he split with Tom Brady. His record is 84-101 without Brady in his corner. Belichick was unable to find a worthy successor in New England, including first-round draft bust Mac Jones, and it’s unclear whether he could do so in Atlanta. The possibility is just one more thing to keep in mind at kickoff in New Orleans.
