The Falcons have started their search for a replacement for Arthur Smith. They’ve already done a number of interviews, but none have garnered as much media attention as Bill Belichick. I’ll be profiling each Falcons head coach contender in this series.
Use the links below to access any further parts you may have missed.
Ben Johnson, a potential head coach for the Falcons
Prospective head coach of the Falcons: Bobby Slowik
Anthony Weaver, potential head coach of the Falcons
Prospective head coach of the Falcons: Bill Belichick
Unlike other candidates, Bill Belichick actually doesn’t need to launch the CV builder. He has coached in the NFL for almost 50 years, won eight Super Bowls, and is about to begin his 30th season as a head coach. Belichick is the creator of the “Patriot Way,” which over a two-decade span saw Tom Brady and the New England Patriots win six Super Bowls.
But the Patriots haven’t exactly been successful in the post-Brady era, and he ended his head coaching career in New England with the lowest single-season winning percentage of his long career. His understanding of football and his ability to assemble a strong defense—a problem that Atlanta had for a long time prior to Ryan Nielsen’s arrival—are undeniable.
But age must be stated in some way. At the beginning of the 2024 season, Belichick will be 72 years old. Should he continue to lead the team into 2025, he will tie Romeo Crennel, who held the record for the oldest head coach to coach a game in NFL history, at 73.
One more facet of Belichick’s candidacy is his independence in New England. He spent almost twenty-five years as the head coach and de facto general manager of the Patriots. Early in his tenure, there was a great deal of success, but in the latter few years, without Brady to mask roster shortcomings, personnel selections were closely examined.
He’s had difficulties in the draft for more than a decade. One of the most absurd facts about Belichick’s résumé is that, since 2013, he hasn’t signed another top three-round Patriots draft pick (Duron Harmon).
According to a rumour circulating, Belichick chose N’Keal Harry over Deebo Samuel and A.J. Brown because the former showed greater seriousness throughout the interview process. Granted, Belichick has a terrible track record, but no general manager hits 1.000.
With the exception of the previous four seasons, Bill Belichick has a flawless record and is the greatest coach of all time. He is also one of the NFL’s top defensive talent developers.
But at seventy-one, he’s not getting any younger. His hiring practices, personnel choices, and general performance have made him unfit to be considered as a head coach prospect. He would have to retire if he weren’t regarded as the greatest of all time. Tom Brady was the sole reason “The Patriot Way” succeeded; the teammates did not follow their quarterback to six Super Bowl victories.
Bill Belichick has standing as a result of his earlier achievements. If the Falcons sign Arthur Blank, all he can hope for is that the year 2015 will come back around.
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