The Falcons appear to want to acquire Bill Belichick.
What does Belichick want?
a Sources told CBS Sports Falcons owner Arthur Blank says he is “desperate” to sign the legendary former Patriots head coach.
But the source added that it's “50-50” whether Belichick, who hasn't yet interviewed with anyone in the first few weeks of free agency, will actually get the job.
Belichick may not have to rush into making a decision, as the Falcons reportedly don't want to skip any steps in naming their next head coach.
Belichick is the only Atlanta candidate to have been interviewed twice so far. After the first trip aboard a blank yacht near the U.S. Virgin Islands, Belichick reportedly flew to Atlanta on a blank private jet for an interview announced by the team on Friday.
Even if Belichick is the front-runner, he's not the only one.
University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is scheduled for a second interview, according to multiple reports. ESPN reported The Falcons would like to speak with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
The Falcons also have not yet complied with the Rooney Rule, which requires them to complete in-person interviews with at least two outside minority coaches.
The Falcons have at least discussed a number of options remotely (nine announced by the team, including several from minority backgrounds), but in-person interviews have stalled somewhat in the playoffs.
Starting Monday, clubs will be able to speak directly to candidates employed by other teams whose seasons have ended.
They are prohibited from speaking with coaches who are still active until the end of the season for the team that will play in the conference championship game.
In addition to Belichick and Harbaugh, the Falcons announced they have completed their first head coaching interviews with the following players:
- Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald
- Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan
- 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes
- Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero
- Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver
- Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson
- Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn
So far, at least as far as we know, Belichick has only spoken to the Falcons (and twice).
Arguably the greatest coach in NFL history is likely interviewing as much as the Falcons are interviewing him, but the world still doesn't know how he feels about Blank & Co.
