New details emerge of Falcons second interview with Bill Belichick

new details emerge of falcons second interview with bill belichick

New details emerge of Falcons second interview with Bill Belichick

Things are heating up between Bill Belichick and the Falcons. Thursday before noon, Ian Rapoport reported that the two sides would meet for a second interview after Arthur Blank and Belichick initially met one-on-one.

It appears that Belichick is Blank’s top target, and the fact that Atlanta’s owner is meeting with candidates alone — he met with Jim Harbaugh one-on-one too — tells me that he isn’t delegating any part of this search for a new head coach.

However, according to Rapoport, Blank’s top subordinates — Falcons CEO Rich McKay and general manager Terry Fontenot– will be in the room for his second interview with Belichick.

There are a ton of layers in this scenario of Belichick coming to Atlanta that are intriguing. McKay and Fontenot’s fate may be currently hanging in the balance as their boss seems infatuated with who many consider to be the greatest coach of all time.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a source within the team predicts that “Belichick would take the job only if McKay is completely frozen out of football operations.” The pair clearly have a past as Florio pointed out.

“As one team executive remarked once the Belichick-to-Atlanta chatter emerged, McKay likely won’t be inclined to support it. Belichick, per the source, and McKay have been at odds in the past over rules changes, given McKay’s role as chair of the Competition Committee.”

Falcons fans are well aware of Rich McKay’s role in the organization, and they may finally get their wish with Belichick forcing McKay out. Though that may be a silver lining, there are downsides as well.

Terry Fontenot’s role is subject to change with the hire, as McKay pointed out during the Falcons press conference following Arthur Smith’s termination. Atlanta’s GM doesn’t have typical general manager powers and very well could have what’s left of his responsibilities taken away from him with Belichick coming to town.

The former Patriots head coach was New England’s de facto GM for more than two decades. He had complete autonomy under Robert Kraft, and Arthur Blank is clearly desperate, making him vulnerable to succumbing to Belichick’s demands.

Though Fontenot and McKay are going to be in the room, I suspect it’s more to be interviewed by Belichick than to do the actually interviewing.

Want more articles like this? Follow SportsTalkATL on MSN to see more of our exclusive NFL content.

More must-reads:

    Trending slideshow: What was going on the last time the Detroit Lions won a division title? (Provided by Yardbarker)

    News Related

    OTHER NEWS

    Lawsuit seeks $16 million against Maryland county over death of pet dog shot by police

    A department investigator accused two of the officers of “conduct unbecoming an officer” for entering the apartment without a warrant, but the third officer was cleared of wrongdoing, the suit says. Read more »

    Heidi Klum shares rare photo of all 4 of her and Seal's kids

    Heidi Klum posted a rare picture with husband Tom Kaulitz and her four kids: Leni, 19, Henry, 18, Johan, 17, and Lou, 14, having some quality family time. Read more »

    European stocks head for flat open as markets struggle to find momentum

    This is CNBC’s live blog covering European markets. European markets are heading for a flat open Tuesday, continuing lackluster sentiment seen at the start of the week in the region ... Read more »

    Linda C. Black Horoscopes: November 28

    Nancy Black Today’s Birthday (11/28/23). This year energizes your work and health. Faithful domestic routines provide central support. Shift directions to balance your work and health, before adapting around team ... Read more »

    Michigan Democrats poised to test ambitious environmental goals in the industrial Midwest

    FILE – One of more than 4,000 solar panels constructed by DTE Energy lines a 9.37-acre swath of land in Ann Arbor Township, Mich., Sept. 15, 2015. Michigan will join ... Read more »

    Gaza Is Falling Into ‘Absolute Chaos,’ Aid Groups Say

    A shaky cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has allowed a surge of aid to reach Palestinians in Gaza, but humanitarian groups and civilians in the enclave say the convoys aren’t ... Read more »

    Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families to march together in anti-hate vigil

    Demonstrators march against the rise of antisemitism in the UK on Sunday – SUSANNAH IRELAND/REUTERS Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families will march together as part of an anti-hate vigil on ... Read more »
    Top List in the World