Falcons interviewed the legendary ex-head coach of the Patriots to fill same position
Falcons/Blank instead chose former Rams DC Raheem Morris
“Quarterback room” is issue #1 for the new regime
Last month, the Atlanta Falcons announced Raheem Morris as their new head coach, a decision that came after a comprehensive search involving numerous candidates, including the highly respected Bill Belichick. Arthur Blank, the Falcons’ owner, took the opportunity on Friday to clarify aspects of their search process, particularly regarding Belichick’s involvement.
“I do want to make it 1,000 percent clear, want to go to 2,000 percent or 100,000, whatever percent you want to use. Bill Belichick never asked for, in our discussion, full control of the personnel or the building or anything of that nature.”
Blank emphasized that at no point during their discussions did Belichick demand complete control over player personnel or the operations at the team’s headquarters in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Despite undergoing two in-person interviews among the 14 candidates the Falcons considered, Belichick did not set such demands as conditions for his employment.
“Bill Belichick did not request, in any of our conversations, to have full control over personnel decisions or any other aspect of the team’s operations”
Quarterbacks Will Be The Position To Fix For Falcons and New HC Morris
Ultimately, the Falcons opted for Morris, who previously served as the team’s interim head coach in 2020 and has been part of the Falcons’ coaching staff for several years. Morris, who has also gained valuable experience from his time with the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay, was praised for his leadership qualities, energy, and the positive endorsements from notable figures like McVay and Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Blank also expressed his satisfaction with the coaching team Morris has assembled since his appointment, noting the potential for staff development and growth based on Morris’s experiences in Los Angeles. The new coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, are expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the Falcons.
During the search process, all candidates, including Morris, acknowledged the need for improvement within the Falcons’ quarterback lineup, which currently features Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, and Logan Woodside. Morris has committed to exploring all options to enhance the quarterback position, a sentiment echoed by Blank.
“I don’t think there’s anybody that we spoke to who would define our quarterback situation as anything other than something that needs work. And I’m being kind.”
The long-time owner of the Atlanta Falcons also outlined that the team’s quarterback situation was universally seen as an area requiring attention and improvement, which will be a key focus for Morris and Fontenot moving forward.
“I said this during the press conference sometimes what makes a quarterback either really good or not so good, it’s not just how he’s playing the game but the scheme they’re in, the plays that are being called, just a variety of things that go into making good quarterback play.”
