Adam Schefter dishes on NFL's perceived lack of interest in Bill Belichick, potential surprise landing spot

Several days have gone by since reports surfaced that Bill Belichick was nearing a deal to take over the Atlanta Falcons and yet, no deal has materialized. Since then, the Falcons have only lined up more interviews with other candidates. On Thursday, NFL insider Adam Schefter explained the situation on Get Up.

“Here’s where we are right now, we’re in a situation where the only team, out of the eight, that interviewed Bill Belichick was the Atlanta Falcons,” Schefter said. “They interviewed him for a second time last Friday, in person. Since then there have been a series of candidates scheduling second interviews, which doesn’t sound like a team that’s ready to make a move on Bill Belichick. Coaching hiring cycles move in funny patterns sometimes. The Falcons have shown that they’re interested in a lot of people.

“It’s fascinating on a number of levels.”

Schefter argued that sometimes NFL teams don’t always make the most rational decisions. He cited the lack of interest in Tom Brady after his departure from New England and even Lamar Jackson‘s situation last year when teams were reportedly “out” on him as a free agent.

The Falcons have or are interviewing more than a dozen candidates to fill the role left open by Arthur Smith’s firing after the 7-10 finish to the season. Another big name moving on in the process for the job is former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has also had two interviews and Texans coordinator Bobby Slowik will as well.

Andy Reid’s decision could impact Belichick

Belichick may not become the next head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, but there’s a playoff team with a coach nearing retirement age that could be an interesting landing spot for the former Patriots legend. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is 65.

“I come back to the fact that Bill Belichick, again, every team that we’ve talked about had to have this discussion, about whether it would be better off with their head coach or Bill Belichick. All these teams made the decision that they would rather be and stick with who they are.

“Atlanta is the only one, right now, that would seem to be possible. And I don’t know how likely it is. Unless Andy (Reid), at the end of the season after winning a Super Bowl, decides to walk. That would become something, in my mind, that’s intriguing.”

As the Chiefs are still making their run toward the Super Bowl, Reid has refused to comment on his post-season plans.

“I haven’t even thought about that,” Reid said last week. “I’m thinking about one thing. I figured that would come up when you guys were asking these questions because I’m old — but, not that old.”

Falcons interview more candidates for head coaching vacancy

Team owner Arthur Blank told reporters this week that the team has put no timetable on a decision to name the Falcons’ next head coach.

“I also want to be clear on this: There is no timetable,” Blank said. “The only timetable is to do this correctly. We’ll take our time. Be thoughtful, do all of the interviews. Be respectful, make sure we have a full diverse set of candidates that we’re considering in every way. And give each and every one of them an opportunity to express their vision for our football team. For our franchise, for the roster, where we are and where we expect to go.

“We’ll take as much time as we need to do that and do it correctly.”