JAN. 23 HARBAUGH CLOSING IN ON CHARGERS JOB – With Jim Harbaugh reportedly “within reach” of finalizing a deal to become head coach of the Chargers, does that further clear a path for Belichick to the Falcons?

NFL Network and Pro Football Talk on Tuesday indicated that the Michigan coach is closing in on the Chargers job. He also interviewed twice in Atlanta, and was thought to be the main competition for that job with the former Patriots coach.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, “it feels like we’re now in the

zone where something could happen between the Chargers and Jim Harbaugh

in the near future.” “This seems like it’s progressing to the point where, if

everyone is comfortable with a lot of the key factors at play, this team could move

on Jim Harbaugh and try to get him under the contract here in the near

future,” the source said. “They’re going to discuss staffing, when it comes to general

manager and coaching staff, who’s going to work alongside Harbaugh as well.”

From 1999 to 2000, Harbaugh was a member of the San Diego Chargers.

“He wants it,” Pro Football Talk continued.

Although Belichick is still the front-runner in Atlanta, Harbaugh is the

betting favorite to take over as coach of the Chargers.

JAN. 22 PARCELLS REACTS TO BELICHICK’S DEPARTURE FROM

PATRIOTS – Both of Belichick’s best friends/mentors in football are now both

out of football. Nick Saban retired from Alabama two weeks ago. Bill Parcells,

who last coached a game in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 2006, has finally

shared his thoughts on Bill leaving the Patriots.

In an interview published over the weekend, Parcells stated, “Coaching can be a narcotic for guys like us.” “I can include Bill and Pete Carroll there. We see ourselves as mentors. We adore the game, but it can be a slog at times, especially as you get older. You eventually realize that it will stop, but it’s never a pleasant feeling.

Under Ray Perkins, Belichick started his career in 1979 as a special teams coach with the New York Giants. Two years after Parcells took over, Belichick was appointed as his right-hand man and he worked with the linebackers, which included Lawrence Taylor, a rookie selected in the first round of the draft.

Given that Belichick, 71, is the front-runner to take over as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and has made it known that he wants to continue coaching, what guidance would Parcells provide the veteran coach?

“He’s been around long enough to know what he wants to do, and I really don’t have any idea what that is,” Parcells stated. “I just know that he’s a lifelong football fan. He’ll be searching for circumstances that he believes will lead to victory. It’s either euphoria or calamity in this company. I hope he pursues his happiness in any way.

BELICHICK TO THE BILLS ON JAN. 22? The current head coach of an AFC East

opponent could be the former Patriots legend’s unexpected destination. Buffalo Bills to Bill Belichick?

Rex Ryan, a former coach of the Bills and Jets and current ESPN NFL commentator, made the audacious forecast on Get Up! on TV and a New York radio station on Monday morning.

Ryan remarked, “This is the craziest thing: Buffalo might be where Bill Belichick goes.” I’m not suggesting that they should, but this may work if ownership believes that Sean McDermott has carried this team as far as he can. Who has the ability to advance us? Alright, Mr. Belichick. Although I can’t guarantee that will happen, I wouldn’t be stunned if it did.

The Bills, who have won the last four AFC East titles as the Patriots have plunged to the cellar, were eliminated Sunday night by the Chiefs. Coach Sean McDermott just finished his seventh season in Western New York, leading his team to a Divisional Round ouster for the third consecutive season.

“I’m not saying it’s gonna happen,” Ryan explained on ESPN. “But I’m just throwing it out there. Believe me, I’m not just being reckless when I’m saying it. If you’re going to move on from him (McDermott), make no mistake, it’s for one guy. It’s for Bill Belichick.”

Belichick has completed two interviews in Atlanta is is the leading candidate to be the next head coach of the Falcons.

JAN. 22 ONE HITCH IN BILL TO FALCONS? – While Belichick remains the heavy favorite to be the next head coach of the Falcons, new information arose over the weekend as to why it hasn’t happened yet and why Atlanta continues to interview other candidate.

Belichick has competed two interviews. The Falcons have also met with Jim Harbaugh twice and plan this week to talk to Mike Vrabel.

Why isn’t Belichick a slam dunk? According to Sports Illustrated, he might not get along with CEO Rich McKay.

“That setup might need more adjusting, because it’s hard to see Belichick being comfortable with any sort of arrangement where he’s reporting to McKay,” Albert Breer wrote. “Mostly because, well, those two haven’t been on the same page over the years, with the former Patriot coach’s (often open) disdain for the NFL’s competition committee that McKay has long chaired.”

Belichick once said mockingly that the competition committee has “all the answers” and called out the group in 2017 as they looked to tinker with rules to take away the impact of kickoffs. He did say after the Patriots season that he would be willing to relinquish some control to keep his job.

But, let’s be honest, Belichick has never been comfortable answering to anyone other than Belichick.

JAN. 21 FORMER PATRIOTS JOSH McDANIELS RUMORED TO FOLLOW BILL BELICHICK TO NEXT DESTINATION – The Belichickian coaching tree may be shedding some of its leaves heading into 2024, but its arguably strongest roots might be remaining intact.

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who completed his second

interview with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday for their vacant head coaching

position, is reportedly considering hiring fellow ex-Pat Josh McDaniels to his staff

— should he be chosen among Atlanta’s bevy of suitors for the position.

“We will see where Bill Belichick now lands,” NFL Network reported on Sunday. “He is inside the NFL’s coaching

cycle and has had not one but two interviews with the Atlanta Falcons…

Belichick, of course, has interest there, and do not be surprised if Josh

McDaniels ends up landing with Belichick.”

McDaniels, who was relieved of his duties following a second failed head coaching stint with the Las Vegas Raiders

in October 2023, enjoyed his greatest success as a coach under Belichick in

New England. The 47-year-old has three Super Bowl victories as an offensive

coordinator and was part of New England’s staff for six Super Bowl wins.

Despite his recent criticisms, McDaniels has still routinely been lauded for his previous work with star quarterback Tom Brady during his New England tenure. He’s also been praised for his efforts developing Mac Jones, a first-round draft pick from Alabama in 2021.

At present, it remains unclear as to whether McDaniels would join Belichick as his offensive coordinator or in an assistant head coach role. He is also reportedly still under consideration for the Patriots ‘OC’ position, which was recently vacated by Bill O’Brien.

JAN. 20 FALCONS INTERVIEWING HARBAUGH, VRABEL – The Falcons’ hiring of Belichick may still be “expected,” but it is far from over.

After completing a second interview Friday with the former Patriots coach, reports surfaced that Atlanta is also still pursuing Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel. As did Belichick, Harbaugh will have a second interview with the Falcons this weekend. Vrabel, who met with the Chargers on Thursday, is expected to hold a first interview in Atlanta next Wednesday.

Belichick had a meeting on Friday with general manager Terry Fontenot, team president Greg Beadles, and CEO Rich McKay of the Falcons, following his earlier meeting with owner Arthur Blank. All indications are that Belichick will continue to be Atlanta’s front-runner. Contract negotiations are underway, according to NFL insider Josina Anderson on CBS on Friday, although it is obvious that the process will extend into next week.