Bill Belichick was interviewed twice by the Atlanta Falcons for the position of head coach. This fact alone demonstrates the interest of both Belichick and the Falcons’ leadership in reaching an agreement. However, ultimately, the Falcons decided to hire Raheem Morris, the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, as their next head coach.
Following this news, the question on everyone’s mind was why. Why would the Falcons choose Morris, who has limited experience as a head coach, over Belichick, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history?
Rob Gronkowski, who won multiple Super Bowls under Belichick in New England, believes that the decision came down to power. Specifically, he suggests that Atlanta’s front office was unwilling to relinquish a significant amount of power and decision-making authority to Belichick.
“I believe that would have been the ideal destination for him,” Gronkowski told Fox News. “I think what happened is that the Atlanta Falcons organization did not want to give up that level of power and hand all the decision-making to Coach Belichick. Aside from that, I believe Coach Belichick would have been a perfect fit.”
(Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Gronkowski is not the only person to express these thoughts since Belichick and the Falcons failed to reach an agreement. However, it is interesting to hear this perspective from someone who knows Belichick better than the majority of others who share the same opinion.
As for Belichick’s next move now that it seems he will not be a head coach in the NFL for the 2024 season, Gronkowski believes the 71-year-old deserves a fresh start.
“But I think it happened for a reason. I think Coach Belichick should take a break from coaching,” Gronkowski explained. “I mean, he has dedicated a significant amount of time to coaching. He has been coaching in the NFL for over 50 years straight. I think he should take a year off, reinvent himself, explore other interests aside from football.”
“I think it would be great for him, and then he can come back next year, rejuvenated and ready to put on a show wherever he lands a head coaching job.”
It is difficult to imagine a new NFL season without Belichick on the sidelines, but it seems that may be the reality in seven months.
Mark covers all major sports and closely follows the world of golf. He holds a journalism and online media degree from the University of Tennessee, although you can form your own opinion on that. When he is not working, there is a high probability that he can be found on the golf course.