Bill Belichick Reportedly Called Out Former Assistants Like Josh McDaniels During Falcons Interview

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 11: Head coach Bill Belichick (L) of the New England Patriots speaks to the media as owner Robert Kraft (R) looks on during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Belichick announced he is stepping down as head coach after 24 seasons with the team. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

ESPN dropped a bombshell of an article regarding the future of Bill Belichick on Wednesday.

In the article, Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham, and Jeremy Fowler report that during Belichick’s interview with the Atlanta Falcons, he was asked by owner Arthur Blank why a lot of his assistant coaches had failed in places outside of New England.

He reportedly told Blank that they’re “better soldiers than generals.”

From ESPN:

[Falcons] executives also were concerned about the staff Belichick would bring with him, including assistants who had worked with him in New England and who had struggled on their own: Josh McDaniels, Joe Judge, Jack Easterby, Matt Patricia. At one point, Blank asked Belichick why his charges had failed elsewhere. Belichick replied that he thought they were better soldiers than generals.

The Falcons were concerned about some of the coaches Belichick would bring with him (like Josh McDaniels). In the end, it led to the Falcons passing on Belichick and hiring Raheem Morris away from the Los Angeles Rams.

Belichick did not get a head-coaching job during this cycle and will have to wait until next year for a potential crack at another job.

He and the Patriots parted ways at the end of the 2023 season after 24 seasons together. During that time, he led them to six Super Bowl titles and 18 playoff berths.