It has been a momentous week for Atlanta Falcons fans. News of coaching interviews with two of the most accomplished leaders in American sport.
For a franchise of struggle since its 1966 inception, marquee football coaches wanting to come here has been as rare as back-to-back winning Falcons seasons.
The head coach of the recently crowned national champion Michigan Wolverines — 60-year-old Jim Harbaugh, who led the 49ers to a Super Bowl — met with Falcons team owner Arthur Blank.
And the incomparable, 71-year-old Bill Belichick — possessor of six Patriot Lombardi trophies — is now queuing up for his second Blank meeting.
“I’m not surprised he (Belichick) still wants to coach in his 70s, it gets in your blood," former Falcons head coach Leeman Bennett said. "And the money is so great now.”
Bennett has a history with the Belichick family.
In 1969, he served as Navy offensive coordinator. ("It was such a great experience for me; extraordinary young men.”) Coach Bennett was a member of a football staff including Steve Belichick, the father of the future New England coaching legend.
“I spent one year in Annapolis before the NFL (Cardinals) and remember little Bill. He was always on the field running around, doing something,” offered the 86-year-old Cumming resident, with a laugh.
Bennett was busy packing and readying for a move to Jacksonville as we spoke via phone.
“My son and his wife live in North Florida. We are going to live in a house nearby so they can take care of us," the Kentucky native and UK alum explained. "Our oldest son lives there too, after suffering a stroke.”
Bennett is the oldest living former Falcons head coach. He is a rarity among the men who have led Atlanta professional football fortunes — and/or lack of fortunes — exiting team headquarters with his reputation and the respect of the fan base.
“Rankin Smith Sr. (Falcons owner) said firing me after the playoff loss was singularly the biggest mistake he ever made.”
During the strike-interrupted season of 1982, the Falcons started 5-2 then faltered; losing a postseason game to the Vikings 30-24. Coach Bennett was fired January 13, 1983, replaced by the forgettable Dan Henning.
The best Bennett career summation, from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “Appreciation of Leeman Bennett’s record only grew when the Falcons had losing records in eight consecutive seasons after he was fired.”
He was the first coach in Falcons history to depart with a winning record, going 47–44 (including a 1–3 record in the playoffs). The next coach to finish with a winning record, would be 23 years later.
“I still hear from some of our former players of the era — Lynn Cain, Jeff Merrow, Jeff Van Note. Many have had health issues.”
After the Falcons, Coach Bennett sold recreational vehicles in Sugar Hill, coached the Buccaneers in Tampa, and helped lead the Peach Bowl toward relevance.
“I follow the NFL and its continuing growth. Television drives the league. It (growth) will continue.”
As for Falcons/Bennett memories, the '77 "Grits Blitz" holds the modern NFL record for fewest points allowed per game in a season — 9.2. They ranked No. 1 in the NFL in pass defense and No. 2 in total yards allowed (with Jerry Glanville as assistant coach).
“The NFL owners always feel the pressure. The stakes are high. People are always second-guessing about hiring coaches. That will never change.”
For Coach Bennett, a career football man, new challenges loom in 2024.
“Growing old is hard. Moving away (from metro Atlanta) for the first time since 1977 will be difficult. I loved working here.”
