Reasons Why the Falcons Interviewing Bill Belichick is not a wise choice

On Jan 8 the Atlanta Falcons fired their head coach Arthur Smith after three seasons. The front office wasted no time in beginning the search for a new coach.So far, the Falcons have interviewed seven head coaching candidates:

Mike Macdonald, 36 Georgia native with his experience tied to the Harbaugh brothers, helping them with their defenses.

Steve Wilks, 54, 49ers, defensive coordinator, who most recently filed a lawsuit, stating there is a legitimate race problem in the NFL” after he was passed over for the Panthers’ head coaching vacancy.

Ejiro Evero 43, does not have any prior head-coaching experience. Evero has been on six NFL staffs since 2007, most recently with the Denver Broncos in 2022 and the Carolina Panthers in 2023 as defensive coordinator

Brian Callahan, 39 Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator, who is the son of former NFL head coach and current Cleveland Brown offensive line coach Bill Callahan.

Ravens’ Anthony Weaver, 43 who has had a 7 year playing career, and he too has learned under accomplished coaches like John Harbaugh,

The man himself Jim Harbaugh 60, Michigan head coach. In his past life Harbaugh coached in the NFL in 2014. He led Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII and was defeated by the Baltimore Ravens led by his brother John Harbaugh. Marking the first time in Super Bowl history, the game featured two brothers coaching against each other.

Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick was the first candidate to have two interviews for the job. The 71-year-old finished his second interview on Friday in Atlanta.

With the news that the Falcons had Bill Belichick as a prospect for their head coaching position, many fans became filled with a sense of hope. After all, Belichick is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, and the Falcons have a long history of disappointment and underachievement. The combination of Belichick’s legendary coaching prowess and the Falcons’ inability to capitalize on talent has led me to believe that this move is not the best option. In fact it would be down right disastrous. Here’s why:

Reason 1: Questionable coaching decisions

Belichick’s coaching decisions have been widely praised throughout his career, but there is no guarantee that his methods will translate well to the dirty birds. In fact, there are several instances where Belichick’s decision-making has come under fire, leading to disastrous outcomes. From controversial play calls to questionable personnel choices, Belichick has had his fair share of coaching blunders.

One perfect example is his decision to bench Malcolm Butler, a key player, in Super Bowl LII. The move baffled fans and experts alike, and ultimately cost the New England Patriots the game. If Belichick is capable of making such questionable decisions on the biggest stage, what can Falcons fans expect when the pressure is on?

Furthermore, the Falcons have had their fair share of questionable coaching decisions in the past. The last thing they need is another coach who may not have the best judgment when it matters most.

 

Reason 2: Discord within the team

One of the most troubling aspects of the Falcons interviewing Bill Belichick is the potential for discord within the team. Belichick has a well-documented history of creating a highly regimented and authoritarian environment. While this may work for some teams, it is not a guarantee for success in Atlanta.

Belichick’s coaching style is known for its strict discipline and lack of tolerance for dissenting opinions. This could clash with the existing culture and dynamic within the Falcons organization. Players who are used to a more collaborative and open approach may find it difficult to adjust to Belichick’s rigid system.

The Falcons have a talented and diverse group of players who thrive on chemistry and trust. Introducing a coach like Belichick, who demands total control and conformity, could potentially disrupt that harmony. It’s essential to have a coach who can effectively communicate and build strong relationships with the players, rather than one who imposes his will on them.

 

Reason 3: Unresolved issues with management

Another reason why the Falcons interviewing Bill Belichick could lead to another dramatic ending is the potential for unresolved issues with management. Belichick is notorious for his contentious relationships with front office personnel and his insistence on having complete control over personnel decisions.

With the Falcons already facing scrutiny and criticism for their handling of previous coaching hires and player acquisitions, bringing in a coach with a reputation for power struggles could further exacerbate the existing problems within the organization.

Belichick’s strong-willed nature and desire for total control have clashed with team executives and owners in the past. This could create a toxic environment of constant power struggles and infighting, ultimately hindering the team’s ability to make effective decisions and move forward.

 

Reason 4: A history of controversy

A history of controversy surrounds Belichick. Belichick’s involvement in high-profile scandals, such as Spygate and Deflategate, has tarnished his reputation and raised questions about his integrity.

While some may argue that Tom Brady’s skill has played a major role in the success of the New England Patriots, a more pessimistic view suggests that the team’s victories can be attributed to a combination of luck and external factors. It’s easy to overlook the fact that Brady has had the fortune of playing under the guidance of Bill Belichick, a master strategist known for his meticulous game planning and genius playbook. Without Belichick’s brilliance, Brady’s talent alone would not have been enough to secure six Super Bowl victories. Furthermore, a pessimist might argue that favorable circumstances such as weak opponents and controversial referee decisions have also worked in Brady’s favor. No doubt, Brady is a talented quarterback, but let’s not discount the contributing influences that have shaped his success.

Which brings me to question, Does Belichick’s success on the field outweighs these scandals? It is important to consider the potential consequences of aligning the Falcons’ brand and image with someone who has been embroiled in such controversies. The team’s reputation could suffer, yet again and with the past scandal that plagued this team for many years, we definitely can’t afford to go through another controversial saga.

Reason 5: The risk of alienating fans

This is Atlanta where the culture plays a valuable part in the ATL sports world. Falcons’ supporters have high expectations for the team both on and off the field. Not to mention many fans are having increased euphoric thoughts of having the franchise hire a black head coach to lead the team.

Honesty, I believe diversity is a must and Arthur Blanks and the front office has taking significant strides to have a diverse staff.
Whether there’s a black coach or not it always comes down to winning games. but the gamble would be if the team hired Belichick. Many fans,  may question the team’s commitment to winning and integrity.

However, football is not just a game; it is a community that brings people together. If the Falcons were to bring on a coach with a controversial history like Belichick, it could fracture that community resulting in fans turning their attention away from the team entirely.

In conclusion, while the Falcons may be seeking a change in direction and success, it is crucial to weigh the potential repercussions carefully. From Belichick’s history of controversy to the risk of alienating loyal fans, there are several factors that indicate the Falcons interviewing him could lead to disaster. It remains to be seen how the organization will proceed, but one thing is for sure – their decision will have a significant impact on the future of the team.

In the end, only time will tell how the Falcons will navigate this uncertain path. Will they choose to prioritize the team’s integrity and the loyalty of their fans, or will they succumb to the allure of a high-profile coach? The answer to this question will determine the fate of the organization and could set the Falcons on a path towards either greatness or disaster.