Rob Gronkowski Names NFC Team That Is ‘Coming in Hot’ to Hire Bill Belichick

The retired tight end stoked the flames of the Belichick—Falcons rumors.

Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski just dropped a kernel of breaking news about Bill Belichick’s future coaching prospects on Sunday.

Amid ongoing speculation about Belichick’s next team, Gronkowski said based on his sources—“the streets”—that the Atlanta Falcons had the former Pats coach high on their wishlist.

“Don’t expect Coach Belichick to be done from here on out,” Gronkowski said on Fox NFL Sunday. “He’s coming back with vengeance. And I’ve been hearing on the streets that the Atlanta Falcons are coming in hot for Coach Belichick.”

"Don't expect Coach Belichick to be done from here on out. He's coming back with vengeance. And I've been hearing on the streets the Atlanta Falcons are coming in hot for Coach Belichick."@RobGronkowski shares his thoughts on what's next for Bill Belichick ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/S9BgqAv1lY

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 14, 2024

Gronkowski also took the time to thank his old coach for drafting him in the second round over a decade ago, noting that he “wouldn’t be here” without Belichick.

Belichick and the Patriots parted ways last week, ending the 24-season reign of a New England legend who boasts the most impressive head coaching resume entering free agency: six Super Bowl wins, 17 AFC East titles, 13 AFC Championship appearances and three Coach of the Year awards.

Within the past week, several NFL insiders have already speculated that Belichick could find a new home on the Falcons, who went 7—10 in the 2023 season and fired Arthur Smith after three years in charge. However, Atlanta is one of seven NFL teams currently in need of a new head coach, and there doesn’t seem to be any rush on Belichick’s side to jump on board another franchise this early in the offseason.