The Atlanta Falcons have scheduled a second interview with Bill Belichick this weekend and according to the Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Belichick and Falcons owner Arthur Blank met over dinner last night and more meetings are scheduled between Belichick and the Falcons brass.
The Atlanta Falcons have Bill Belichick as their top candidate, flying him into Atlanta on one of Arthur Blank's private planes last night.
Dinner last night, more meetings to come, per multiple sources.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 19, 2024
According to several sources around the NFL, the Falcons have identified Belichick as their top choice and are moving quickly to hire him. One report indicates that Belichick may bring Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia and Joe Judge with him if he gets hired.
With the Cowboys and Eagles retaining Mike McCarthy and Nick Sirianni, Atlanta is probably the next best destination for Belichick, yes even better than the Chargers. While the Falcons might not have the quarterback, they are built to play the way Belichick wants to play. You have a talented and physical offensive line, led by Chris Lindstrom, a good skill group featuring tight end Kyle Pitts, running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London. The Falcons also have a veteran laden defense led by defensive end Calais Campbell, safety Jesse Bates and cornerback A.J Terrell.
The quarterback is the big question mark. Can Belichick sign a veteran to step in and play or will he has to draft one with the eighth overall pick? Atlanta will have plenty of options from trading for Justin Fields, to drafting a quarterback to signing a veteran. Bottom line, quarterback is not a position that should preclude Belichick from taking this job.
At this point in his career, Belichick wants a team that can he can turn into a contender. Contrary to popular belief around these parts, it is more than just about breaking the all-time wins record for him. Belichick wants another shot at the Lombardi Trophy. Like his former quarterback Tom Brady, he has found the perfect situation in the NFC South with a team that has the talent to allow him to make one more run.
Regardless of what you think of the Falcons, they are a good fit for Belichick at this point in career. Once he is hired this weekend, the Falcons will be considered must watch television and a contender. Like so many New Englanders through the years, Falcons fans will now trust Bill Belichick to deliver a championship.
If he does, it will be yet another gut punch for a Patriots fan base that considers Belichick and Brady “Theirs.” It will also be a bad look for Bob Kraft. He let both walk out the door and win elsewhere.
Barring anything unforseen, expect Falcons owner Arthur Blank to hire Bill Belichick this weekend and alter the course of his franchise moving forward. The Falcons will be a factor in the NFC moving forward.