Bill Belichick reportedly interested in coaching 3 teams, wasn’t among Falcons’ finalists
Former Patriots coach Bill Belichick has told confidants he’s interested in coaching the Cowboys, Eagles or Giants next season, according to an ESPN report Wednesday that adds Belichick was not among the Falcons’ top three choices this offseason.
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The report details Belichick’s failed job search after an announced mutual parting of ways with the Patriots in mid-January. Belichick later interviewed with Atlanta owner Arthur Blank and Falcons team brass for their head-coaching job. The 72-year-old was reportedly “blindsided” when Atlanta announced it was hiring then Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris instead.
According to ESPN, Belichick had impressed Blank during their 1-on-1 meeting, but failed to persuade the Falcons’ top decision-makers — general manager Terry Fontenot, team president Greg Beadles and CEO Rick McKay. Fontenot and McKay were allegedly not eager to work with Belichick, and were concerned he would inevitably run the team even if he wasn’t handed total control. Belichick conveyed he was willing to work with Fontenot.
Other executives “viewed Belichick as ‘an older, stoic coach who’d blow up the building’ and wouldn’t likely stay beyond two years after he sets the all-time wins record, one ESPN source said. The Falcons also had concerns about the coaching staff he would hire, with ex-Patriots assistants Josh McDaniels, Joe Judge, Matt Patricia and Jack Easterby named specifically.
In the meantime, Belichick is expected to sign a media deal with Omaha Productions, which produces ESPN’s “ManningCast,” for the upcoming season. He believes he will earn a head-coaching interview next season, per ESPN.