Tag: Belichick

Jul 31, 2022; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris during training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Falcons hire Rams DC Raheem Morris as next coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons are hiring Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris as their next head coach, several reports said Thursday.

Morris, 47, beat out the likes of Bill Belichick for the job. Atlanta interviewed 14 candidates in all, including Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh (now with the Los Angeles Chargers) and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Earlier Thursday, the Falcons announced they had completed a second interview with Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik for the head-coaching role. Morris, Belichick and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero also had two interviews.

Morris had also interviewed with the Chargers, Panthers, Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks for their vacancies.

This will be Morris’ second turn as a full-time head coach. He spent 2009-11 in charge of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who went 17-31 during his tenure.

Morris previously worked for Atlanta from 2015-20. He started out as the pass game coordinator, adding wide receivers coach to his job duties in 2016. He was promoted to defensive coordinator ahead of the 2020 season, and when the Falcons fired Dan Quinn after an 0-5 start, Morris was their interim head coach the rest of the way, helping them finish 4-12.

In three years as the Rams’ defensive coordinator, he led his unit to finish 17th, 19th and 20th in total defense in the league. The Rams won Super Bowl LVI during his tenure.

Belichick was viewed as a favorite for the job once he was given a second interview. It’s unclear now where the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach will land in 2024. The Commanders and Seahawks, the only teams with head-coaching vacancies remaining, have not interviewed Belichick.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn walks off the field after 20-6 win over Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.

Falcons interview Lions DC Aaron Glenn for HC job

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The Atlanta Falcons interviewed Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn for their head-coaching vacancy on Friday.

The interview took place virtually with Lions scheduled to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFC divisional round playoff game on Sunday.

The Detroit defense ranked 23rd in scoring defense at 23.2 points per game in the regular season and 19th in total defense at 336.1 yards per game. But the Lions racked up seven sacks and held Atlanta out of the end zone in a 20-6 victory in Week 3.

Glenn, 51, is in his third season as Detroit’s defensive coordinator.

Glenn was a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback during a 15-year NFL playing career from 1994-2008. He intercepted 41 passes, returning six for touchdowns, while playing for the New York Jets (1994-2001), Houston Texans (2002-04), Dallas Cowboys (2005-06), Jacksonville Jaguars (2007) and New Orleans Saints (2008).

Atlanta has interviewed nine candidates for the post, including former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and current Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. The Falcons have scheduled a second interview with Belichick for Saturday.

The others to interview with Atlanta are Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver.

The Falcons fired Arthur Smith after Atlanta finished the 2023 season with the same record — 7-10 — for the third consecutive season under Smith.

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Falcons, Bill Belichick schedule second sitdown

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Bill Belichick and the Atlanta Falcons are scheduled to meet Saturday for a second interview, according to multiple reports.

Belichick met with Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a one-on-one interview on Monday, and Atlanta interviewed Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh on Tuesday.

NFL Network reported Belichick’s weekend interview with the Falcons would include members of Atlanta’s executive committee, comprised of vice chairman Steve Cannon, CEO Rich McKay, team president Greg Beadles and general manager Terry Fontenot.

The Falcons fired Arthur Smith after Atlanta finished the 2023 season with the same record — 7-10 — for the third consecutive season under Smith.

Blank said he would make the final decision on the coaching hire.

Belichick, 71, ranks second in NFL history in head-coaching wins (regular season and playoffs) with 333. He trails only Don Shula’s 347 in that category while ranking third in regular-season wins (302) behind Shula (328) and George Halas (318).

He spent five seasons as head coach of the Cleveland Browns (1991-95) before making history with Tom Brady in New England. They won Super Bowls in the 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons. Belichick also won two Super Bowls as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.

After the Patriots’ 4-13 season in 2023, New England went in a new direction, naming Jerod Mayo the head coach.

Atlanta has confirmed interviews with seven candidates to replace Smith, four of whom have never been a head coach: Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. The Falcons also interviewed San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach in 2018 and Carolina’s interim coach for 12 games in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Jan 17, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo (L) and owner Robert Kraft pose for photos after a press conference announcing Mayo's hiring as the team's head coach at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo ‘not trying to be Bill’

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Jerod Mayo plans to take the lessons he learned from his predecessor and make the Patriots his own.

Mayo was introduced as head coach in New England on Wednesday, his first day in the seat previously occupied by six-time Super Bowl championship coach Bill Belichick.

“For me, I’m not trying to be Bill, I’m not trying to be Bill. I think that Bill is his own man, if you can’t tell by now, I’m even a little bit different up here,” said Mayo. “But what I will say is, the more I think about the lessons that I’ve taken from Bill, hard work works, right? Hard work works. And that’s what we’re all about.”

Mayo was drafted by the Patriots and worked as an assistant coach under Belichick. He has never played for or coached any other NFL team.

The Patriots were 4-13 and again finished outside of the playoff picture in the AFC, leading to a “mutual” parting between Belichick and owner Robert Kraft after 24 years and nine Super Bowl appearances.

Mayo, who won a Super Bowl with New England as an inside linebacker, joined the Patriots’ coaching staff in 2019. He was quickly promoted to head coach under terms of his contract that named him as the successor to Belichick.

He hinted at changes, some of which will align the Patriots with traditional NFL coaching staff structure to include official titles of defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator. There will be movement on the personnel side, too. The Patriots own the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft.

Mayo was clear about what he’s looking for on his roster and sounds ready to tackle reshaping the offense

“First of all, just the energy, the passion, the leaders on the offensive side of the ball,” Mayo said. “I think you have to get that stuff in place, and honestly, as the season starts to roll, well this season when it ends, we start in the weight room. I think the weight room is one of the most important areas in the building to really evaluate the people you have on your team. And one thing we don’t want to do is have people who are complainers, or finger-pointing, or things like that.”

Belichick could continue coaching and interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons this week.

–Field Level Media

Dec 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; iNew England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons interview Bill Belichick for HC vacancy

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The Atlanta Falcons interviewed six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick for their vacant position on Monday.

It is the first known interview for Belichick since he and the Patriots parted ways last week. Belichick had coached New England since 2000.

Belichick, 71, ranks second in NFL history in head-coaching wins (regular season and playoffs) with 333. He trails only Don Shula’s 347 in that category while ranking third in regular-season wins (302), behind Shula (328) and George Halas (318).

He spent five seasons as head coach of the Cleveland Browns (1991-95) before making history with Tom Brady in New England. They won Super Bowls in the 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018 seasons. Belichick also won two Super Bowls as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.

After the Patriots’ 4-13 season in 2023, Belichick hit the market, and BetMGM on Monday pegged the Falcons as the +200 favorites to be his next team.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders may also show interest in Belichick, and after the Dallas Cowboys’ unceremonious playoff exit on Sunday, the coaching legend was linked to America’s team, though the job is not yet open.

Atlanta has interviewed six candidates for its job, four of whom have yet to hold a head-coaching role: Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. The Falcons also interviewed San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach in 2018 and Carolina’s interim coach for 12 games in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Sep 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick’s next team? Cowboys not favorites

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Dallas crashing out of the first round of the playoffs in a lopsided loss at home to Green Bay on Sunday night stoked the embers on rumors that Bill Belichick could patrol the Cowboys’ sideline in 2024.

Cowboys fans hoping that the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach will supplant Mike McCarthy might want to tap the breaks on any heightened expectations.

BetMGM released odds Monday on where Belichick will be coaching in Week 1 of the 2024 season, and Dallas was not among the eight teams being offered.

The list is led by a team that might surprise many.

The Atlanta Falcons fired Arthur Smith shortly after completing their third consecutive 7-10 season last week. They also have significant quarterback questions after Desmond Ridder twice failed to secure his spot as the Falcons’ signal-caller of the future.

That would appear to be a big detraction for Belichick, who has watched New England’s offense nosedive since the departure of Tom Brady. That included waffling between Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe this season.

However, the Falcons do have several intriguing young skill-position players and a solid defense. Atlanta is also in an NFC South division that lacks an intimidating force, and the ability to take the reins of a team primed to be a divisional contender could pique the interest of the 71-year-old Belichick.

BILL BELICHICK NEXT TEAM ODDS
Atlanta Falcons (+200)
Los Angeles Chargers (+400)
Washington Commanders (+600)
Tennessee Titans (+800)
Carolina Panthers (+1800)
New York Giants (+2500)
New Orleans Saints (+3000)
New York Jets (+5000)
No Team/Not Coaching (+125)
Any Other NFL Team (+900)

The Chargers boast exactly what the Falcons lack — a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. However, they’re also coming off a last-place finish in a division dominated by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Is Los Angeles a desirable location for Belichick? In addition to playing second fiddle in their own stadium, the Chargers have significant salary cap issues to tackle this offseason.

Washington is another intriguing possibility as it would allow Belichick to remain on the East Coast. A big question could be what Belichick sees in second-year quarterback Sam Howell and a defense that traded two of its best players midseason.

Of note is that BetMGM’s list includes three teams that currently have head coaches in the Giants (Brian Daboll), Saints (Dennis Allen) and Jets (Robert Saleh). The Jets have said that Saleh will return next season, but would that change if landing Belichick is in play?

The market does not include specific odds on the Cowboys, who are lumped in the “any other NFL team” category at +900.

“I don’t have any thoughts about the reasons why, or anything to do with the coaching, or the players,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters after Sunday’s game.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as they take on the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys’ lopsided loss stokes Bill Belichick rumors

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Dallas owner Jerry Jones said he was “floored” by the Cowboys’ lopsided loss at home to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, and declined comment on the future of head coach Mike McCarthy.

That didn’t prevent oddsmakers from installing odds on who his successor might be.

The Cowboys are the first team in NFL history to win 12 games in three consecutive regular seasons but fail to reach a conference championship game in any of the three, according to ESPN. That will no doubt have Jones seriously evaluating the future of McCarthy, his staff and the organization as a whole.

“I don’t have any thoughts about the reasons why, or anything to do with the coaching, or the players,” Jones told reporters after the game.”

If Jones decides to move on from McCarthy, SportsBetting.ag has installed Bill Belichick as the odds-on favorite to replace him.

Belichick, who won six Super Bowl titles during his 24 years in New England, parted ways with the franchise last week. On the surface, he would appear to be an awkward match with Jones, who is known for his heavy hand over the franchise.

But the two do have a singular focus on winning titles at this juncture. And at 71 years old, Belichick may be intrigued by a team with a proven playoff roster that has struggled to find postseason success.

The book is offering odds on 30 potential candidates, ranging from legitimate names such as former Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel and current Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, all the way down to former Cowboys legends and even Jones himself.

Cowboys Next Head Coach Odds*
Bill Belichick (1/2)
Mike Vrabel (3/1)
Bobby Slowik (7/1)
Dan Quinn (8/1)
Jim Harbaugh (8/1)
Ben Johnson (9/1)
Kellen Moore (12/1)
Pete Carroll (14/1)
Mike MacDonald (20/1)
Todd Monken (20/1)
Aaron Glenn (33/1)
Antonio Pierce (33/1)
Brian Callahan (33/1)
Deion Sanders (33/1)
Eric Bienemy (33/1)
Frank Smith (33/1)
Mike Kafka (33/1)
Steve Wilks (33/1)
Brian Flores (40/1)
Jim Schwartz (40/1)
Mike LaFleur (40/1)
Raheem Morris (40/1)
Tony Romo (40/1)
Nick Saban (50/1)
Ron Rivera (50/1)
Steve Sarkisian (50/1)
Dave Canales (66/1)
Patrick Graham (66/1)
Jimmy Johnson (100/1)
Jerry Jones (1000/1)
*If not Mike McCarthy

If McCarthy is fired, it will be interesting to see Jones’ next direction. Does he prefer an established NFL head coach to push the Cowboys over the top, or an emerging coordinator who might usher in an entirely new era in Dallas?

Quinn has long been a favorite of Jones’, but the 48 points allowed on Sunday were the most in franchise history in a playoff game. It may impact Quinn’s status of being on the short list for several of the six current NFL head coaching vacanices.

McCarthy was 6-10 in his first season in Dallas in 2020, a season in which quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5. Each of the past three seasons have ended with 12-5 records, but McCarthy is just 1-3 in playoff games with the Cowboys.

“This seems like the most painful (loss) because we all had such great expectations, and we had hopes for this team and thought that we were aligned and in great shape,” Jones said on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots follow succession plan, Jerod Mayo replaces Bill Belichick

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Hand-picked successor Jerod Mayo officially will be elevated to head coach by the New England Patriots, one day after the organization bid farewell to Bill Belichick, according to multiple reports Friday.

Mayo, 37, was identified in 2023 as the coach-in-waiting as part of owner Robert Kraft’s succession plan in the event Belichick wasn’t retained. Mayo is expected to be introduced as head coach next week.

Under NFL rules, the contractual replacement plan erases the requirement for the Patriots to follow league hiring rules. It is not known if Kraft interviewed additional candidates or discussed the opening with other members of the current Patriots’ staff, many of whom are under contract even after Belichick’s departure.

The “Patriot Way” will be nothing new for Mayo. He played linebacker for the Patriots and served as inside linebackers coach and has not coached — or played — outside the organization.

Mayo said after the season-ending loss to the Jets that he felt prepared when his opportunity came, perhaps knowing it was imminent.

“When I think about when I do get my opportunity, I don’t know when that’s going to be, honestly, I’m kind of like a dry leaf blowing in the wind, wherever (it) takes me,” Mayo said. “But at the same time, I feel like I’m prepared. I feel like I’m ready. I look forward to the opportunity, wherever that may be.”

Kraft shared that Mayo was a candidate to eventually replace Belichick at the league’s March meetings in 2023.

Belichick, who turns 72 in April, drafted Mayo 10th overall in 2008 out of Tennessee and the two-time Pro Bowl pick played with New England until 2015. Mayo has been on the Patriots’ staff since 2019.

He was a member of the Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX-winning roster in 2015.

–Field Level Media

Oct 8, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Next Patriots coach odds pulled after huge Jerod Mayo action

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Within an hour of releasing odds on who will succeed Bill Belichick as the New England Patriots’ head coach, a sportsbook was forced to pull them down after a rush of action on Jerod Mayo.

Mayo opened as the -350 favorite by SportsBetting.ag. When those odds shortened to -700 within an hour, the book pulled the market down.

Mayo, 37, was a first-round pick by the Patriots in 2008 and spent all eight of his NFL seasons playing for Belichick as one of the game’s top inside linebackers. He later joined Belichick’s staff as the position coach and has worked with New England’s inside linebackers for the past five years.

He’s a logical choice to fill Belichick’s legendary shoes and would provide continuity for the franchise. So, too, would Mike Vrabel. The 48-year-old played eight seasons for the Patriots and offers something significant that Mayo’s resume lacks – head-coaching experience.

Vrabel, fired as Tennessee’s head coach earlier this week, was being offered at +250 by the book to replace Belichick. Vrabel is expected to be on the short list for several of what is now eight head-coaching vacancies around the NFL.

The next shortest odds belonged to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson at +400. No one else had shorter than the +1400 odds placed on Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.

And what about Belichick’s future?

The six-time Super Bowl winning coach said he is “excited for the future” on Thursday and the 71-year-old is expected to draw interest for multiple openings as well.

NFL Network and ESPN reported at least three teams have serious interest in him. NFL Network reported the Atlanta Falcons, who fired Arthur Smith on Sunday, will be at the head of the line to talk to Belichick and would be willing to give him full control of the football operation as a coach, general manager and vice president.

The Falcons were installed as the +100 favorite to hire Belichick. Atlanta has a deep-pocketed owner in Arthur Blank, but questions at quarterback that must be addressed — especially considering the struggles the Patriots have endured at the position since Tom Brady departed.

BILL BELICHICK NEXT TEAM ODDS
Atlanta Falcons (+100)
Washington Commanders (+300)
Tennessee Titans (+400)
Carolina Panthers (+700)
Los Angeles Chargers (+800)
Las Vegas Raiders (+900)
Seattle Seahawks (+2500)

(Odds provided for entertainment purposes only. SportsBetting.ag is not a regulated sportsbook in the United States).

–Field Level Media

Jan 11, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (left) and Patriots former head coach Bill Belichick (right) and hold a press conference at Gillette Stadium to announce Belichick's exit from the team. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Kraft details decision to part with ‘greatest coach of all time’

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Robert Kraft said he dreamed about an opportunity to own the team from the metal bleachers as a fan in 1971 and figured he had a greater chance to be a starting quarterback.

“Never imagined we would go to the Super Bowl 10 times,” the New England Patriots owner told media members on Thursday afternoon, standing alongside Bill Belichick in a joint press conference to confirm they are going their separate ways.

Kraft called Belichick the “greatest coach of all time.”

He said there was no power struggle despite reports that personnel control was at the root of the divide in the organization. Kraft said he simply came to the conclusion that the past three seasons weren’t good enough. He said he and Belichick weren’t on the same page regarding how to get the Patriots back to contender status, which led to discussions about Belichick leaving New England after 24 seasons.

A Monday meeting with Belichick took place prior to the decision to part, which both parties said was mutual, and embrace change.

Kraft said he will quickly shift toward finding a new coach, with inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo handling the coaching duties to start the offseason.

“We’re looking for someone who can help us get back to the playoffs and win,” Kraft said. “Believe me, after my family, this is one of the most important assets in my life. I promise you I’ll be focused to do the best we can do to put ourselves in the best long-term position to win for many years.”

The Patriots were 4-13 in 2023 after going 8-9 in 2022. Kraft said he knew something “wasn’t right,” but needed to discuss with Belichick whether it was coaching or personnel.

While neither shared the exact conclusion or answer to that question, the end result is Belichick hitting the exits.

Kraft said he might’ve allowed Belichick to have too much power over personnel matters as New England’s Lombardi Trophy collection expanded. But Kraft believed he earned it.

“I don’t think it happened until after the third Super Bowl, he earned it and it worked pretty well most of the time,” Kraft said. “I think it’s good to have checks and balances.”

Belichick plans to coach again and chase Don Shula for the NFL’s all-time wins record, Kraft said.

“The last three years have been pretty tough and isn’t what we want. And we have a responsibility to fix it to the best of our ability,” Kraft said.

In discussions about possibly trading Belichick, Kraft said he felt it wasn’t the right thing to do, harkening back to the same decision made when Tom Brady was allowed to leave in free agency and choose his own destination.

“Given what they’ve done for the franchise, I think they’ve earned that right,” Kraft said.

Belichick and Brady went to nine Super Bowls together, winning six.

–Field Level Media