Patriots Hire Jerod Mayo as Bill Belichick Replacement; What's Next for Falcons?

The Atlanta Falcons are still looking for their next coach after firing Arthur Smith.

The first domino of the NFL coaching carousel fell on Friday as the New England Patriots named Jerod Mayo as their new coach less than 24 hours after announcing a mutual parting of ways with Bill Belichick. So what does this mean for the Atlanta Falcons, one of the seven franchises looking for a new coach?

It means none of their current targets have been taken off the board yet. Chief among them are former Tennessee Titans coach and former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel. 

It was rumored throughout the season that the 48-year-old was interested in replacing his former coach in New England, and following his firing from the Titans, it seemed like a genuine possibility. However, judging by how quickly Patriots owner Robert Kraft acted in replacing Belichick, Mayo was the planned successor the whole time. 

Both Bill Belichick (left) and Mike Vrabel (right) are still available to be hired by the Atlanta Falcons as their next coach / USA TODAY NETWORK

Given Vrabel's age and prior experience as an NFL coach, he could be a "safe" hire for the Falcons. He spent six years in Tennessee with the Titans, guiding them to the playoffs three times, and advanced as far as the AFC Championship in 2019, which was just his second season. 

Yet, afterward, the Titans would make it to the postseason in the following two seasons but were one and done. The 2021 season proved to be the last time that Vrabel led the Titans to the postseason, as they 13-21 in his final two seasons. 

Then there is Belichick, who, if recent reports are to be believed, is currently considered the top target for the Falcons and is on the open market for the first time in 24 years. Despite being who many consider the greatest coach ever, having won six Super Bowls, and being at the age of 71, Belichick seemingly intends to keep going.  

Package Deal? Hiring Belichick Could Mean McDaniels, Too

Despite the Patriots' steep decline following the departure of legendary quarterback Tom Brady, Belichick could still have many teams lining up to interview him about potentially being their next coach. 

Obviously, it is no surprise that nothing has changed with the six-time Super Bowl-winning coach just 24 hours later, but for the Falcons, the good news is there is one less fish in the sea when it comes to coaching hires this offseason.