Raheem Morris’ tenure with the Atlanta Falcons was very short-lived after he was hired ahead of the 2024 season.
The Falcons had many other talented coaches interview for the job, including Mike Vrabel, Jim Harbaugh, Mike Macdonald, and Ben Johnson. Oh, and of course, there was also Bill Belichick, who, up until the last few moments, was considered the heavy favorite to land the job.
But in the end, they ultimately went with Morris, leaving Belichick without an NFL job and forcing him to instead turn to college football. And ESPN’s Dan Graziano revealed that the reason they went with Morris was that Blank was concerned that Belichick was a short-term option.
“There were some in the Falcons’ building who were concerned about overhauling things extensively only to potentially have to do so again in a few years,” Graziano
However, with Morris only lasting two seasons, it’s Belichick who got the last laugh in this situation.
Robert Kraft Reportedly Played A Part In Bill Belichick Not Getting Falcons Job
GettyBill Belichick & Robert Kraft
In April 2024, ESPN released an in-depth piece about Belichick’s failed efforts to get an NFL coaching job after parting ways with the Patriots, with contributions from insiders Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham, and Jeremy Fowler.
And with that, they detailed how Belichick thought he was a shoo-in for the opening after many successful meetings with Arthur Blank including a meeting on the Falcons owner’s superyacht. A source close to Belichick added that they thought “Blank came away from the boat thinking this is my guy.”
But, then things changed with Blank spoke with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, where he reportedly “delivered a stark assessment of Belichick’s character,” adding that Kraft warned him not to trust Belichick.
“Multiple sources said that Kraft spoke with ‘some candor’ to Blank about Belichick, though the sources declined to elaborate,’ ESPN detailed. “One source close to Belichick said Kraft ‘was a big part’ of why the Falcons passed on hiring him.”
A spokesman for Kraft has strongly denied that he made any bad comments about Belichick to Blank.
Falcons Owner Arthur Blank Released A Statement
✉️: t.co/GzhK4SwFNC
The Falcons confirmed news of Morris’ firing along with announcing they have dismissed general manager Terry Fontenot as well in a statement from owner Arthur Blank.
“I have great personal affinity for both Raheem and Terry and appreciate their hard work and dedication to the Falcons, but I believe we need new leadership in these roles moving forward,” Blank said. “The decision to move away from people who represent the organization so well and have a shared commitment to the values that are important to the organization is not an easy one, but the results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans and leadership. I wish Raheem and Terry the absolute best in their future pursuits.”
Falcons reporter Tori McElhaney reports that the team has requested to interview Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. They also are “expected to speak with” former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Former Patriots HC Bill Belichick Gets Last Laugh After Latest Falcons News