NFL Rumors: Bill Belichick to Have 2nd Falcons HC Interview After Patriots Exit

It appears former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is atop the Atlanta Falcons' wish list this winter as they search for a replacement for Arthur Smith.

Belichick will have a second interview for the Falcons head coaching job this weekend after meeting with franchise owner Arthur Blank one-on-one this week, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, who added that the mutual interest between the sides is "pretty strong."

Belichick is on the market this winter after mutually agreeing to part ways with the Patriots following the 2023 season. He is widely regarded as one of the best coaches of all time, having won 17 AFC East titles, nine AFC championships and six Super Bowls during his tenure in New England.

The Falcons appear to be Belichick's top landing spot as The Athletic's Mike Sando reported earlier this month that he spoke to an NFL executive who said Atlanta is the "odds-on favorite" to land the legendary head coach.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added Tuesday during an appearance on SportsCenter that Belichick is interested in coaching "talented yet underachieving teams" and that "Atlanta probably falls in that category."

Fowler said:

"We were hearing for a while that the Falcons were interested and so now I'm hearing that there is mutual interest between the Falcons and Belichick. To what extent? Still unclear. But enough for them to meet in person with owner Arthur Blank talking to Belichick, hashing out what their vision might be for that program for a team that's really a quarterback away. I was told from the beginning that Belichick would likely target talented, yet underachieving teams. Atlanta probably falls in that category."

The Falcons finished the 2023 campaign with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the sixth straight season despite boasting a talented roster that includes safety Jessie Bates III, defensive end Calais Campbell, wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson.

It's possible Belichick could get far more out of Atlanta's roster, though the Falcons also need to sort out their quarterback situation as 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder doesn't appear to be a franchise signal-caller.

If Atlanta brings in Belichick and can also secure an upgrade under center, the Falcons will be a team to watch in 2024.

In addition to the Falcons, the Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers have been mentioned as landing spots for Belichick. However, he has yet to be pursued by either franchise.