Thanks for posting. I did read it, and obviously will create a lot of discussion in this forum:
1.) First, it is typical Wickersham, where he fills in the sourced stories and quotes with his own decidedly anti-Belichick opinion. Mentions "arrogance" at least once (no mention of "hubris", however). And does the usual reference to Spygate (OK, Bill was at fault there) and Aaron Hernandez (only the revisionists think AH was Bill's fault). And the following quotes, left without comment:
Most reject the fear and leverage that fueled New England's dynasty.
....
"The Patriot Way is damaged," a former Patriots assistant coach said.
2.) Seems like Blank would have been happy with Belichick, but McKay and Fontenot preferred Raheem Morris. Lots of semi-sourced speculation around the reasons: age; impressive interview by Morris; recent track record; questions about assistants. The most likely reason (IMO) may be that it was unclear if Belichick would be OK with ceding all player/personnel decisions to Fontenot, despite Bill claiming he just wants to coach. There is a later comment that indicates that Bill would want at least some say:
The source close to Belichick said the coach had concerns about the Falcons' roster and would have needed his most trusted former assistants to execute a quick turnaround.
...
Belichick wasn't eager to work with McKay, but it was unclear how much that would have mattered anyway: McKay is a longtime trusted aide to Blank but would soon be promoted out of daily team oversight, sources said. Belichick assured Blank that he was willing to work with Fontenot.
Also, it was clear that some of the folks in the Atlanta front office were afraid of their own jobs if Bill were to be brought on board.
3.) Blank had some conversations with the Krafts about what it was like to work with Bill. Reading between the lines, Jonathan did what he does best. But Blank was still in favor of hiring Belichick, but didn't want to overrule his CEO and GM.
4.) Some talk about pursuit of jobs at Dallas, Washington, and Philly. Of course, Wickersham glosses over the fact that Philly had no real reason to move on from Siriani. He at least mentions that Jones wasn't ready to fire McCarthy (as much as we love to laugh at Mike McCarthy, Dallas has had 3 consecutive 12-win seasons, which is another fact that Wickersham conveniently leaves out of his story). Jonathan helped spoil the well with the Commanders. Mentions the Panthers, but also mentions how the owner likes to get involved in the coach's play calling decisions, so obviously will never be a match for Bill.
Also makes it clear that Belichick had no desire to go to LA, and later mentions Bill's preference to stay in the northeast (no surprise) if and when he pursues opportunities for 2025 season. Wickersham hints that the age issue will continue to be a problem for Bill, as the folks doing the coach hiring hope to find the next young superstar, much like Kraft did when he hired Bill in 2000.
