Bill Belichick interviews for Falcons’ head-coaching job
Bill Belichick interviewed for the Falcons’ head-coaching job, the team announced Monday night.
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This is the first and only known interview for Belichick, who mutually parted with the Patriots last Thursday after 24 years. Belichick met with owner Arthur Blank in-person, per the NFL Network. Atlanta has reportedly been interested in Belichick for weeks, but must conduct at least one in-person interview with an external, minority candidate before hiring its next head coach, per league rules.
The Falcons have already conducted virtual interviews with multiple external, minority candidates employed by other teams. NFL teams cannot hold in-person interviews with these candidates until Jan. 22, though they can meet with any coach not employed by another club. So far, Atlanta has announced interviews with Belichick, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald, Ravens assistant head coach Anthony Weaver, Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
The Falcons recently fired head coach Arthur Smith after three consecutive 7-10 seasons.
The other NFL teams with head-coaching vacancies are the Chargers, Commanders, Panthers, Raiders, Seahawks and Titans. It’s possible recently eliminated playoff teams, including the Cowboys, may open their head-coaching jobs in the coming days, which may or may not expand Belichick’s market.