NFL icon Bill Belichick has held talks with the Atlanta Falcons less than a week after his departure from the New England Patriots.
Falcons confirmed on Monday they have held discussions with the 71-year-old, who is keen to resume his career in coaching.
Belichick left the Patriots on Thursday after 24 seasons, with the NFL side winning six Super Bowl championships during that time.
The fifth of those triumphs came seven years ago, when the Patriots rallied to beat the Falcons 34-28 with Tom Brady playing a starring role.
NFL icon Bill Belichick is in talks over a new role less than a week after his New England Patriots
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The Falcons are currently on the hunt for a replacement for Arthur Smith.
Smith was recently fired by the team after three seasons in charge.
The Falcons are believed to have interviewed Belichick in person as they hunt a new coach.
The 71-year-old has 333 victories to his name, with only Hall of Famer Don Shula having more with 347.
Belichick may have to agree to a new structure, however, if he's to agree a move to the Falcons.
The veteran had control of player personnel at New England - something that isn't assured to happen if he crosses the divide.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank recently said he, along with general manager Terry Fontenot, would lead the process when it comes to replacing Smith.
"If you look at a traditional table of organisation, they both report to Rich McKay, we've been clear about that," he said.
Other candidates have held talks about taking over, too.
Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver is one name under consideration.
And Caroline coordinator Ejiro Evero, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald are all being considered as well.
Speaking last week, Belichick shed light on his departure from the Patriots and thanked Robert Kraft for his support.
He said: "Robert and I, after a series of discussions, have mutually agreed to part ways."
The NFL icon then added: "For me, this is a day of gratitude and celebration.
"To start with Robert and his family, so much thanks for the opportunity to be head coach here for 24 years.
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NFL icon Bill Belichick won six Super Bowls during his time at the New England Patriots
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"It was an amazing opportunity and we received tremendous support.
"We had a vision of building a championship-winning football team here and it’s exceeded my wildest dreams and expectations, the amount of success that we were able to achieve together through a lot of hard work and contributions of so many people.
"Very proud of that and I’ll always have those great memories. I’ll carry those with me the rest of my life."
He also thanked coaches who were part of his immensely successful era.
"After Robert I want to thank the assistant coaches, I've had so many great coaches here," he added.
Bill Belichick could replace Arthur Smith at NFL side Atlanta Falcons
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"They've made my job here easier.
"There's a long list but the amount of work and preparation and diligence that they do, every one of them, and I say this about the players and the coaches regardless of how long they were here.
"It was a great team effort and everyone put everything they had into it and that’s why it was successful.
"So for the coaches, the support staff, the amazing staff here that have supported me in every way, all the scouting and all the football support people, security, video operations, dining room, it's all first class. It's all extremely good."
