Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots mutually parted ways Thursday, ending a 24-season dynasty with a celebration of their sixth Super Bowl in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Belichick's next move is unknown, but his name has been mentioned in head coaching searches for other teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers. Legendary former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski went so far as to predict Belichick would go to A-Town.
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New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“Don't expect Coach Belichick to be done with this. He'll be back. [a] revenge. And I've heard word on the street that the Atlanta Falcons are keen to get Coach Belichick,” Gronkowski said on “FOX NFL Sunday.”
The Falcons fired Arthur Smith after losing to the New Orleans Saints in Week 18 and are looking for a new head coach.
ESPN noted that Falcons team owner Arthur Blank has targeted whales in the past, including coaching icons like Joe Gibbs and Bill Parcells, but has failed to land them.
Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Packers legend and Hall of Famer Leroy Butler named Bill Belichick's best landing spot after leaving Patriots
Now that Belichick is free to do whatever he wants, the Falcons could court the legendary coach. That's if Belichick wants to develop a young offense with Desmond Ridder at quarterback, Bejan Robinson at running back, Drake Rondon at tight end, and a wide receiving corps of Mack Hollins and Kyle Pitts.
Gronkowski, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, thanked Belichick for helping his career.
Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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“Yes, I was surprised and shocked and I wasn't going to believe it until it actually happened, but after 24 years it finally happened,” he said. “And Coach Belichick, I want to thank you for everything you've done for New England. And personally, I want to thank you for drafting me in the second round. If it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be here.'' “
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