Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots mutually parted ways on Thursday, ending a dynasty that lasted 24 seasons and saw six Super Bowl celebrations in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Belichick's next move is undecided, but he has been named in rumors about other teams' head coaching searches, including the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders and Los Angeles Chargers. Legendary former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski even went so far as to predict that Belichick was headed to A-Town.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick speaks to the media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2024, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“Don't expect Coach Belichick to be done from now on. He will be back with [a] revenge. And I've been hearing on the streets that the Atlanta Falcons are eager for Coach Belichick,” Gronkowski said on “FOX NFL Sunday.”
The Falcons fired Arthur Smith after the team's Week 18 loss to the New Orleans Saints and are searching for a new head coach.
ESPN noted that Falcons team owner Arthur Blank has chased whales in the past, including coaching icons like Joe Gibbs and Bill Parcells, and failed to capture them.
Arthur Blank, owner of the Atlanta Falcons (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
PACKERS LEGEND AND HALL OF FAME LEROY BUTLER NAMES BEST LANDING PLACE FOR BILL BELICHICK AFTER PATRIOTS LEAVE
Now that Belichick will be free to do whatever he wants, the Falcons might, after all, court a legendary coach. That's if Belichick wants to build a young offense with Desmond Ridder at quarterback, Bijan Robinson at running back, a deep receiving corps of Drake London and Mack Hollins and Kyle Pitts at tight end.
Gronkowski, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, thanked Belichick for helping his career.
Kyle Pitts of the Atlanta Falcons (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Yes, I was surprised and shocked and I wasn't going to believe it until it happened, and it happened, finally, after 24 years,” he said. “And let me tell you, Coach Belichick, thank you for everything you've done for New England, and personally, thank you for everything you've done for me by drafting me in the second round. Without you, I wouldn't be here for this day.”
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage in X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
