Since Matt Ryan’s departure, the Atlanta Falcons have been looking for a franchise quarterback. After an unsuccessful search, the Falcons will resign as head coach and quarterback at the end of the 2023 season. Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is a strong contender for the job, with an unrivalled resume and positioning Atlanta to compete for the NFC South title. Even the greatest quarterback in history has some reservations about his candidacy, most notably his vision for the position and who he’d hire to help that cause. Ryan, a long-time Atlanta quarterback, commented on CBS about the plausibility of a Belichick hire and the organization’s path.
“Well here’s the thing, there’s a lot of baggage that comes with that because of what happened in the Super Bowl,” Ryan was quoted as saying. “So, it’s an awkward thing.” Of course, Belichick’s Patriots overcame a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Falcons in Super Bowl LI, leaving a fandom – and its quarterback – scarred. Some people still dislike Belichick and are unable to accept the head coach who has caused so much harm. Atlanta hasn’t been close to the Super Bowl since that defeat. “An owner that is getting older and is anxious to win right now, and you look at their roster … they’re built to win now, they really are,” Ryan went on to say.
“The defence plays good football, they’ve got an excellent offensive line, good skill positions, but they’ve got to figure out the quarterback.” As a result, the Falcons have two options for attacking the position: draft one early or make a trade for an established starter. The organization’s decision might have repercussions throughout the summer, particularly at the head coach position. “I think Bill Belichick makes sense if they get a veteran guy,” Ryan was quoted as saying. “I think if you’re drafting young, you go with a younger coach, someone who will be there for a longer period of time.” But if you’re going to pick a veteran, I believe he’s a good fit in Atlanta.”
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Belichick will be 72 years old when the 2024 season begins, with no word on how long he will coach. This uncertainty encourages a win-now mentality and an attempt to find an aged signal caller, whether it’s Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, soon-to-be ex-Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, or another name who is on the market. How Will the Falcons Value Experience in the Coaching Search? Is Belichick looking to guide a young passer through the rigours of development? Mediocre seasons will not get him above the 27-win mark in regular-season wins. His track record with non-Tom Brady quarterbacks is also not promising. The league has just seen Mac Jones fall and burn, being benched multiple times in what could be his final season in New England. Belichick could be the best coach on the market. It’s difficult to argue differently. Putting a veteran-shaped peg in a rookie-shaped hole, on the other hand, is a formula for the same dysfunction and stagnation that has defined this club for so long.
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