Before ultimately selecting Raheem Morris as their next head coach, the Atlanta Falcons displayed a notable level of interest in securing the services of Bill Belichick. In an effort to clarify the circumstances surrounding the matter, Falcons owner Arthur Blank addressed the situation on Friday.
During the decision-making process that ultimately led to the Atlanta Falcons hiring Raheem Morris, the former defensive coordinator of the Rams, the Falcons conducted multiple interviews with the renowned former head coach of the Patriots, Bill Belichick. Speculations had arisen suggesting that Belichick would seek control over any team he coached in the 2024 season. However, Arthur Blank, the Falcons’ owner, aimed to dispel those theories, asserting that the Falcons never extended an offer to the esteemed coach and that he never requested full control over player personnel.
The Atlanta Falcons made the decision not to bring on board Bill Belichick as their coach for the current off-season, choosing instead to explore alternative options and select another candidate to assume the role.
“I want to emphasize unequivocally, beyond any doubt, that Bill Belichick never expressed a request for full control over personnel or the organization during our discussions,” Blank stated emphatically during his interaction with reporters on Friday.
“He demonstrated a collaborative and inclusive approach. He had meetings with our general manager, Terry Fontenot, conducted his own background checks on our personnel, and even sent me a private text expressing his willingness to work with Terry, which I later shared with him.”
Ultimately, the Falcons made the decision to hire Raheem Morris, the former defensive coordinator of the Rams from 2021 to 2023. Morris has prior experience with the Falcons, having served as assistant head coach from 2015 to 2019 before assuming the role of interim head coach after the termination of Dan Quinn following an 0-5 start to the season.”
Following his introduction as the head coach of the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Raheem Morris addressed the media to share his thoughts and insights.
Regarding Raheem Morris’ coaching tenure with the Falcons, the team concluded the season with a 4-7 record. Arthur Blank, when discussing the decision to hire Morris after interviewing 14 candidates, highlighted Morris’ previous experience in Los Angeles where he worked in a distinct coaching environment under Rams head coach Sean McVay. Blank noted that McVay’s coaching approach differs from many others, which played a role in the Falcons’ decision to bring Morris on board.
“Morris had the opportunity to observe the coaching scheme and internal promotion practices in Los Angeles, which involved lateral movement of coaches. This experience provided valuable insights for him,” Blank commented on Morris’ growth.
Regarding Bill Belichick, he is currently without a team following his extensive tenure with the New England Patriots.
