The Atlanta Falcons find themselves in the quest for a new head coach following the dismissal of Arthur Smith on the NFL's annual Black Monday on January 8, 2024.

This traditional Monday follows the regular season's conclusion and typically sees several head coaches depart the league after a poor season.

The New England Patriots and their longstanding head coach, Bill Belichick, have mutually agreed to go their separate ways after an illustrious 24-season partnership.

However, the 71-year-old had expressed his intention to continue coaching in the NFL, making him a sought-after figure for numerous teams, even those without head coaching vacancies.

On Monday, January 15, the team officially announced that they interviewed Belichick for their vacant head coaching post. Despite the initial excitement, there are compelling reasons why the Falcons should reconsider making this hire.

3 Reasons Atlanta Falcons Must Not Hire Bill Belichick as New Coach

1. Falcons' lack of success

The Falcons are coming off their third consecutive season of finishing 7-10, and they were second-to-the-last in the NFC South Division, just above the league-worst Carolina Panthers and trailing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.

Notably, one of their two wins came against the Panthers this season.

Meanwhile, Belichick has been at the helm of an underperforming Patriots team for the past three seasons, casting a slight shadow on his otherwise illustrious legacy.

As he continues his coaching career, he may contemplate choosing a more formidable team, particularly one with untapped talent that is currently underperforming.

2. Belichick is a short-term, win-now hire

As the six-time Super Bowl winner approaches 72 years old this April, the likelihood of him coaching in the NFL for much longer diminishes, and, certainly, he will not coach with a single team for the next 24 seasons.

The Falcons should anticipate the need to integrate a new coach within the next three to five years at least. The team should also be competitive from the get-go as time is running out for Belichick to capture his seventh Super Bowl ring.

Apart from the age factor, Belichick also served as the general manager with the Patriots. In contrast, with the Falcons, he would not have the same level of control, working under the supervision of Falcons GM Terry Fontenot.

3. Bill Belichick gave the Falcons their worst loss in franchise history

Belichick might not endear himself to Atlanta fans, as he played a pivotal role in the most heartbreaking loss in Falcons franchise history during Super Bowl LI in the 2016 season.

The Patriots faced a daunting 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter for the championship game.

However, New England orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the second half, forcing overtime and ultimately securing a 34-28 victory, marking one of the greatest moments in NFL history.