Bill Belichick Rumors: Falcons Remain 'Possibility,' Could Be Only Hope for HC Job

Legendary former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reportedly may not land a head coaching job this offseason unless he is able to secure a deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Belichick landing with the Falcons "remains a possibility" and may even be the "most likely scenario," but it isn't guaranteed.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler added that he hasn't heard of Belichick speaking with any other teams, so Atlanta may be his only opportunity.

After Belichick went 261-121 and won six Super Bowls in 24 seasons as head coach of the Patriots, he and the team mutually agreed to part ways.

It came on the heels of New England missing the playoffs for the third time in four seasons and posting a record of 4-13, which was the team's worst mark during Belichick's tenure.

He immediately emerged as a leading candidate for the Falcons after they fired Arthur Smith, and Josina Anderson of CBS Sports even reported last week that Belichick was expected to be Atlanta's next head coach "barring a snag in negotiations or a future development."

While Belichick may still be the favorite in Atlanta after interviewing twice with the organization, the Falcons have conducted a thorough head coaching search.

Per the Falcons' official website, they have completed interviews with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach Anthony Weaver, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Buffalo Bills interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

The Falcons have not reached the playoffs since 2017, and they are coming off three consecutive 7-10 seasons.

Atlanta was 6-6, which had it in solid position to win the NFC South this season, but it lost four of its final five games and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers went on to win the division with a 9-8 record.

That suggests the division is there for the taking, but the Falcons must figure out their quarterback situation to get over the top.

Both Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke struggled in 2023, so Atlanta figures to be active when it comes to finding a quarterback in free agency, via a trade or through the draft.

Belichick had quarterback issues in his own right after the departure of Tom Brady from the Patriots, as none of Cam Newton, Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe managed to establish themselves as the answer.

Even so, Belichick is a proven defensive coach and would likely get the most out of running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier if the Falcons were to hire him.