Bill Belichick scored a couple of interviews with the Atlanta Falcons for their head-coaching vacancy, but they ultimately decided to hire Raheem Morris.
The snub of Belichick had many wondering if the legendary coach came with specific demands that may have scared off the Falcons. After all, he was the New England Patriots’ general manager in addition to being their head coach.
However, Atlanta owner Arthur Blank says that that was not the case.
“I want to be clear really on behalf of Bill, just as a human being and as a storied coach in the history of our league,” Blank said, via Bobby Kownack of NFL media. “Been a coach 49 years in the NFL. Bill, during all of our discussions with him, it was never about power, control, needing people to work for him, etcetera. He was interested in coaching. He definitely wanted a collaborative relationship with personnel, scouting.”
Belichick spent the last 24 years as Patriots coach, leading the franchise to six Super Bowl championships, nine Super Bowl appearances and 17 AFC East division titles.
That’s why the fact that he somehow went unhired by any of the teams in need of a head coach this offseason is puzzling, to say the least.
“Bill was really focused and is focused on being a great head coach, which is clearly what he has been,” added Blank. “We looked at all the candidates that we interviewed, all the time together, and we felt for a variety of reasons that the best choice for us at this point in our lives, the life of the franchise going forward, is Raheem Morris.”
There are many theories as to why clubs passed over Belichick. Perhaps they are intimidated by him. Maybe they want a coach who is softer on the players. Or, maybe they just feel the game has passed him by.
Since Tom Brady departed New England for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2020, Belichick has made just one playoff appearance and went just 29-38 over the course of four seasons. The Pats hit rock bottom under Belichick this year, going 4-13.
It remains to be seen if Bill Belichick will ever coach in the NFL again.
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