Falcons fired Terry Fontenot

While the Atlanta Falcons have begun the process of finding a new coach following Arthur Smith’s firing early Monday morning, the search for candidates has not been the most popular headline or topic on social media. Rather, it was Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot’s absence from the team’s late Monday afternoon press conference.

While the Atlanta Falcons have begun the process of hiring a new coach following Arthur Smith’s dismissal early Monday morning, the search for candidates has not been the most popular headline or topic on social media. The Falcons’ general manager, Terry Fontenot, did not attend the team’s late Monday afternoon press conference.

Most notably, Michael Lombardi, a former NFL general manager who has since become an analyst, is among those doing exactly what Blank warned against.

Most notably, Michael Lombardi, a former NFL general manager who has since become an analyst, is one of those doing precisely what Blank warned against.

“Big-game hunting” could be an accurate description of what the Falcons are looking for in their next coach. Blank and McKay stated on Monday that they want a coach who can help the franchise advance to the next level, which is contending for and winning championships.

And, while Belichick (if he is available) could become a target for the Falcons, Lombardi believes he would want control over the personnel department.

Yes, Belichick has been the de facto general manager in New England for the entirety of his 24-year tenure, but his recent press conference Monday may indicate that he is open to simply being the coach if he leaves Foxboro.

“I’m for whatever collectively we decide as an organization is the best thing to help our football team,” Belichick said when asked about relinquishing control of the personnel department. “I have several roles in that. I rely on a lot of people to assist me with these responsibilities. If someone needs to have the final say, I have it. I rely on many other people for assistance. Whatever the process is, I’m just a part of it.”