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Bill Belichick Leaves UNC for ATL Falcons, and 4 Other Potential Raheem Morris Replacements
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- Bill Belichick Leaves UNC for ATL Falcons, and 4 Other Potential Raheem Morris Replacements
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Even with a very nice upset win on Thursday night, the Atlanta Falcons are heading toward an eighth straight losing season, and could have one of their lowest win totals this century. Usually, year two is when the positive changes come for a new head coach. However, Raheem Morris is likely to have fewer wins this year than he had during his 8-9 debut in 2024.
That is why it isn't too surprising that NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday night that Atlanta owner Arthur Blank will " evaluate the entire football operation " after the season. Including general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris.
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If they did move on from Morris after just two seasons, we look at five replacement options,.
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame Head Coach
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Marcus Freeman has developed into one of the best coaches in all of college football. While Notre Dame doesn't have the same resources as the elites of the sport, he had turned the program into one of the best in the game. That is why there have been rumblings about interest from NFL teams . Don't be surprised if ATL wants to chat with Freeman if they fire Morris.
Mike McCarthy, Former Dallas Cowboys Head Coach
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The farthest Mike McCarthy got the Dallas Cowboys during his five seasons was the Divisional Round of the playoffs. That wasn't good enough for owner Jerry Jones. However, after eight straight losing seasons, Blank would welcome a coach who posted three straight 12-win seasons in the Cowboys' pressure cooker. Furthermore, McCarthy has a Super Bowl win on his resume. He should be a top candidate if the Falcons' job becomes available.
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Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
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Is Josh Allen an amazing quarterback? Yes. But it is no coincidence that he won his first MVP award last year and remains an elite star in 2025 under the guidance of offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Furthermore, Brady has developed James Cook into a top-flight running back. Something Buffalo badly lacked a few years back. Of the various coordinators around the game, Brady will be on a lot of teams' radar as a potential head coach.
Bill Belichick, North Carolina Head Coach
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After being dismissed two years ago by the New England Patriots , only one team interviewed Bill Belichick about their head coach job: The Falcons. The greatest coach in NFL history is friends with Blank, but he didn't get the job due to wanting more control over football operations. With Fontenot's job up in the air, serious control in Atlanta could be enough for Belichick to leave his job at North Carolina .
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Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
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Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is one of the most respected offensive minds in the game after stops in Tampa Bay and Georgia. Yet, he has never been given a head coaching opportunity in the league. This could be the year when the 59-year-old finally gets a chance. Especially with the organization wanting an offensive-minded HC to work with young QB Michael Penix Jr. in 2026.
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