Falcons Face Crucial Decision on Raheem Morris - But Is Bill Belichick Really the Answer?
As the 2025 NFL regular season winds down, the Atlanta Falcons find themselves at a crossroads - again. The question looming large in Flowery Branch: Will Arthur Blank give head coach Raheem Morris a third year at the helm, or will the Falcons hit the reset button once more?
Morris’ second full season hasn’t gone the way anyone hoped. Despite a roster with legitimate talent on both sides of the ball, Atlanta is once again on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. For a team that came into the year with postseason aspirations, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
But while many fans are calling for a change, the next move isn’t as simple as firing the coach and expecting instant improvement. In fact, things could get even murkier depending on who’s next in line - and one name making the rounds is as polarizing as it gets.
According to a league source via Josina Anderson, there’s been exploratory interest in speaking with Bill Belichick. Atlanta is reportedly one of a few teams where Belichick still has supporters in the building - a connection that dates back to when the Falcons passed on him in favor of Morris.
Now, let’s be clear: Belichick’s name carries weight. Six Super Bowl rings will do that. But the idea of him taking over in Atlanta raises more questions than answers.
For starters, Belichick’s coaching style comes with a very specific set of demands - and total control is usually at the top of that list. In New England, he wasn’t just the head coach; he was the architect, the builder, and the final word on every football decision. That approach worked when he had Tom Brady under center, but replicating that formula without a generational quarterback is a tall order.
If Belichick were to land in Atlanta, it would likely mean a major shakeup in the front office - particularly for general manager Terry Fontenot. That’s a big move for a franchise that’s been trying to build some semblance of stability over the past few years.
There’s also the matter of history. Belichick hasn’t exactly hidden his frustration with the Falcons since being passed over for the head coaching job the first time around.
Whether that’s water under the bridge or something that would affect his ability to work with ownership and players is a fair question. Chemistry matters - especially for a team trying to find its identity.
And let’s not forget that Belichick hasn’t exactly been lighting it up lately. His recent stint at UNC ended with a 4-8 record, and his final years in New England were marked by inconsistency and a noticeable decline in offensive innovation. The Falcons need a spark, not a throwback to a bygone era.
If Morris is indeed let go, the Falcons may be better served looking toward the future - not the past. Offensive minds like Klint Kubiak in Seattle or Joe Brady in Buffalo could bring fresh energy to a team that has struggled to find its rhythm on that side of the ball. Neither is a slam-dunk hire, but both represent the kind of modern, forward-thinking approach that’s becoming the norm across the league.
The reality is, there’s no Ben Johnson-type candidate this offseason - no obvious, can’t-miss option. But that doesn’t mean the Falcons should swing for a legacy name just for the sake of making a splash.
As for Morris, his tenure has been a rollercoaster. The second-half collapse last season lingered into this year, and despite multiple chances to right the ship, the results haven’t followed. This isn’t his first head coaching opportunity, and by now, the sample size is large enough to evaluate.
The Falcons are at a pivotal moment. They’ve got young talent, an ownership group willing to invest, and a fan base desperate for a winner.
But getting the next head coaching hire right is absolutely critical. Whether it’s Morris, Belichick, or someone else entirely - the decision made this offseason will shape the trajectory of this franchise for years to come.
One thing’s for sure: Atlanta can’t afford to get it wrong.