How Will Falcons Value Experience As Head Coach Search Continues?

Atlanta Falcons CEO Rich McKay gave insight into how he'll value prior coaching experience against rising coordinators in his search for a new head coach.

Firing Arthur Smith was a move with nearly unanimous support from the Atlanta Falcons’ fanbase. Replacing the head coach, however, has proven to be a much more divisive task.

Rising stars among the coaching ranks have become the hottest names, including the likes of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. However, the greatest coach of all time – former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick – is on the market.

Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as they take on the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium / © David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

At the very least, such an important decision deserves its due diligence. Falcons CEO Rich McKay spoke about how prior head coaching experience will play into Atlanta’s evaluation.

“Where you look should be incredibly broad and it should include head coaching experience,” McKay said, per FOX5 Atlanta. “I think there is something to head coaching experience, but it’s gotta be the right head coaching experience. And that is not so easy to find. It’s not been easy for me to find over the years. But I think if you find one, and you should consider it – absolutely. Why wouldn’t you?”

Those opposed to a Belichick hire will point to the staff he’d bring in, the offenses he oversaw in his final years, and the long-term vision for the franchise. Those are all legitimately fair counterpoints to an unmatched résumé.

The answer may lie in a notably impressive crop of coordinators. Johnson’s work in Detroit has led to an NFC North title, and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik also helped bring home a division title. Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is incredibly well-liked, per the NFLPA survey. A series of young defensive coordinators have been involved in the process, too.

McKay is certainly open to the idea.

“On the coordinator's side, you just have to take some time to make sure you’re paying attention to what is their experience. How many years have they been a coordinator?” McKay said. “There’s a lot of studies that have been done on that and I think you need to pay attention to that.

“So I’m not gonna sit here and say you shouldn’t have a prior head coach, but I wouldn’t also say that you have to be biased towards it.”

Meet Falcons' First Wave of Head Coach Interview Requests

McKay didn’t tip his hand as to what Atlanta will favor, but his comments may be emblematic of a Falcons brass that is Belichick or bust – at least among those with prior head coaching experience.

The Falcons are a desirable spot, seemingly only missing a quarterback before becoming true contenders in the NFC South. Getting this hire right will go a long way in shaping the future of the division, regardless of which pool of candidates Atlanta chooses from.