ESPN Analyst Predicts Next Falcons Coach: Bill Belichick Or The Field?

Will the Atlanta Falcons go with the grizzled veteran in Bill Belichick? Or will they look in a different direction?

A week and a half into their coaching search, the Atlanta Falcons have lined up quite the list of interviews.

As the first team to fire their coach on Black Monday, the Falcons quickly went to work in looking for their next coach, having already interviewed seven candidates while requesting four more. 

They've spoken with some big names in the field such as former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, as well as up-and-comers such as Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

Oct 9, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn meet at midfield at Gillette Stadium / Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta has plenty of options to choose from, so predicting which one the club will go with is a bit tricky. For ESPN's Dan Graziano, however, the grizzled veteran in Belichick is the Falcons' top choice.

"I think he is the clear favorite here unless another job opens that has a quarterback already in place and offers him a chance to win those 15 games he needs to pass Don Shula atop the all-time list in short order -- perhaps Dallas. Atlanta has already interviewed Belichick," Graziano wrote.

As probably the most-linked coach to Atlanta, it makes sense why Belichick, 71 is the choice here. He was linked to other teams even before his official departure from New England on Thursday, and the Falcons have been at the center of those rumors. The fact that he has already interviewed for the job with owner Arthur Blank is another huge point in his favor.

Over his 24 years in New England, Belichick helped turn the Patriots into the NFL's greatest dynasty with six Super Bowl titles, including one infamously at the Falcons' expense. Although his record since legendary quarterback Tom Brady left in 2020 hasn't been the best, he is still one of the most-revered coaches in league history.

If the Falcons can't land Belichick, though, where else might they turn? For Graziano, plan B lies in Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, another hot coaching candidate.

"If Belichick doesn't end up in Atlanta, the candidate I have my eye on is Glenn, who has a connection with Falcons GM Terry Fontenot from their time together in New Orleans," Graziano wrote.

Glenn, 51, has never been a head coach before, but with four teams requesting to speak to him, he has a good chance to become one soon. His defense in Detroit has been the subject of scrutiny this season, but he has worked his way up the ranks quickly and the Lions' overall success could boost his resume.

Belichick 'Big Swing' Hire Planned by Falcons?

The Falcons reportedly want a big swing hire, and Belichick gets that description to a tee. If they can't get the legendary coach, though, it may not be surprising to see them take a chance on a first-time coach.