Bill Belichick received VIP treatment in Atlanta.
The Falcons chartered team owner Arthur Blank's private plane to transport Belichick to Atlanta, where Belichick is scheduled to undergo his second head coaching interview this weekend. According to Diana Russini of The Athletic.
Belichick, who agreed to part ways with the Patriots on Jan. 11 after 24 seasons together, reportedly had dinner with Blank on Thursday and continues talks with the future Hall of Fame coach in Atlanta. “The most likely candidate.”
The six-time Super Bowl champion is scheduled to meet with Falcons CEO Rich McKay and General Manager Terry Fontenot later this weekend. According to Sports Illustratedreported that Belichick was the only candidate the Falcons interviewed twice.
Belichick, 71, was also the only candidate to interview in person for the head coaching job in Atlanta, although other interviews were reportedly conducted virtually. The Athletic.
The Falcons also have Michigan State coach Jim Harbaugh, Ravens assistant head coach and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, We also interviewed Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes. Ejiro Ebello, defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.
Blank and McKay are confident the Falcons can win with their current roster, but reportedly believe they need quarterback help.
AP
CBS NFL Insider Josina Anderson report On Thursday, she said, “I expect Belichick to become the Falcons' next head coach, barring an impasse in negotiations and future developments.”
The Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith just hours after the team's 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the final game of the season on January 7th.
Smith had a 21-30 record in three seasons with zero playoff appearances.
The following week, Fontenot was named GM, with The Athletic reporting that McKay expected Fontenot to maintain a 50 percent power share in the organization, “depending on the coach.”
It will be interesting to see what comes out of Belichick's second meeting with Atlanta.
The 71-year-old coach had complete control over personnel and rosters during his 24-year tenure with the Patriots.
The Patriots finished last in the AFC East this season with a record of 4 wins and 13 losses, the franchise's worst since 1992.
In his season-ending press conference, Belichick expressed his willingness to consider ceding Foxborough's personnel rights to focus on his head coaching duties.
