Bill Belichick could be getting closer to finding his next team.
The Falcons and Belichick will have a second interview this weekend after the legendary coach met with team owner Arthur Blank on Monday night, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reported.
“Things are ramping up with the greatest coach of all time…” Rapoport wrote on X.
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot and CEO Rich McKay are expected to be a part of the second meeting.
Belichick and the Patriots parted ways last week after a disastrous 4-13 season put a sour ending on a 24-year run that included six Super Bowl victories.
New England moved quickly to promote linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to replace Belichick.
It never appeared that Belichick, 71, would retire, and he is moving almost as quickly as the Patriots did with his next steps.
Bill Belichick said his goodbye to the Patriots on Jan. 11, 2024 with a brief press conference. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConBelichick has not interviewed with any other teams thus far.
The Commanders, Chargers and Cowboys — who decided to retain Mike McCarthy despite the team’s playoff flop — have all been considered possibilities.
“There are so many fond memories and thoughts that I think about the Patriots. I’ll always be a Patriot,” Belichick said in his final Patriots press conference.
“I look forward to coming back here. But at this time, we’re going to move on. I look forward and am excited for the future, but I’ll always be appreciative of the opportunity here, the support here, and of [owner] Robert [Kraft] and what you’ve done for me.”
The Falcons fired Arthur Smith hours after a 7-10 season ended with a 48-17 loss to the Saints.
Arthur Blank (right) discusses the decision to fire Arthur Smith. APMichigan coach Jim Harbaugh is also among the list of candidates the Falcons have interviewed.
The Falcons have also interviewed Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Bengals offensive coordinator Biran Callahan, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and Ravens assistant Anthony Weaver.
Belichick is the first candidate known to receive a second interview.
Whomever takes over as head coach will first have to solve the quarterback question that derailed the team last season.
Smith rotated between second-year Desmond Ridder and veteran Taylor Heinicke.
Neither proved to be the answer for a team loaded with offensive weapons such as Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Kyle Pitts and Drake London.
