Raheem Morris, Falcons Keep Winning - and That Could Complicate the Bill Belichick Buzz
The Atlanta Falcons aren't exactly setting the league on fire, but after picking up another win and moving to 6-9, the conversation around Raheem Morris' job security is shifting. And not in the direction many expected just a few weeks ago.
Morris, in his first year as head coach, has the Falcons playing hard down the stretch. And while a sub-.500 record doesn’t scream "job security," owner Arthur Blank has never been one to make rash decisions. His track record leans toward patience, and if Morris closes the season strong, there's a real chance he gets another year to build on what he's started.
That would throw a wrench into the hopes of Falcons fans dreaming about a Bill Belichick homecoming to the NFL sidelines.
Belichick’s Name Keeps Circulating - But His Focus May Be Elsewhere
Belichick, who was reportedly a finalist for the Falcons job before Morris was hired, has remained a popular "what if" among fans. But despite the buzz, the legendary coach might not be headed back to the NFL anytime soon.
On Monday, North Carolina made a surprising move, hiring former Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino as their new offensive coordinator. That’s a significant development for Belichick, who just wrapped up a rocky first year in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in ACC play - a far cry from what you'd expect from a program under a coach with Belichick’s résumé.
After the disappointing season, Belichick dismissed offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, prompting a search that reportedly came down to Petrino and Chip Kelly. Petrino ultimately got the nod, signaling that Belichick is serious about rebuilding his staff and turning things around at UNC.
Petrino’s Return to the Spotlight - A Name Falcons Fans Know All Too Well
The name Bobby Petrino still stirs up strong emotions in Atlanta. Falcons fans remember his infamous 2007 stint - a 3-10 record, a locker room in turmoil, and a midseason resignation that left the franchise reeling.
Hired to coach Michael Vick, Petrino never got the chance, as Vick's legal troubles and suspension derailed the season before it began. Petrino’s abrupt exit to take the Arkansas job only deepened the frustration.
His time at Arkansas also ended in controversy, but he found his way back to Fayetteville this past season as offensive coordinator. When head coach Sam Pittman was fired, Petrino stepped in as interim head coach. The Razorbacks didn’t win a game under his watch, finishing 0-7 during his brief tenure in charge.
Still, his offensive mind remains respected in college football circles, and his hire by Belichick suggests the Tar Heels are swinging big in hopes of a turnaround.
So, Is Belichick Still in the Mix for the Falcons?
Despite the persistent chatter, it’s unlikely Belichick was ever a top-tier candidate for Atlanta. The Falcons are in a different phase of their rebuild, one that may call for a younger, more modern-minded coach. Belichick’s old-school approach and his reported critiques of the Falcons organization after Morris was hired likely didn’t help his case with Blank.
And now, with Belichick knee-deep in reshaping his staff at UNC, a return to the NFL sidelines doesn’t seem imminent. He’s clearly focused on fixing what went wrong in Year 1 at Chapel Hill.
Morris Still Has the Wheel - For Now
If Raheem Morris keeps stacking wins, all of this might not matter. The Falcons are still mathematically alive in the playoff race, and even if they fall short, a strong finish could be enough to earn Morris another year. Blank has shown he's willing to give coaches time to grow into the role, and Morris has his players competing week after week.
So while the Belichick-to-Atlanta dream may have fueled plenty of speculation, the reality is a little more grounded: Morris is still here, still winning, and still very much in the picture. And with Belichick doubling down on his college rebuild, the Falcons' coaching future may already be in place - whether fans like it or not.