The owner of the Falcons, Blank, claims that in interviews, Bill Belichick never requested influence over player personnel.

ATLANTA (AP) According to Falcons owner Arthur Blank, during his two interviews with Atlanta in the coach search that resulted in Raheem Morris’ employment, Bill Belichick made no demands for more control.

For the first time, Blank discussed the search on Friday. Contrary to popular belief, he stated that Belichick did not ask for influence over player selection. Blank said that Belichick had not gotten a job offer.

Before Morris, the former defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, was hired on January 25, Blank and his search committee examined 14 candidates, with Belichick, who won a record six Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots, regarded as the front-runner.

Coach Belichick, 71, who is destined for the Hall of Fame, wasn’t just any nominee. With a career record of 333-178, including postseason play, he might catch the record of 347 victories held by the late Don Shula if he chooses a new position.

Belichick is “the finest coach who ever coached the game,” according to Blank, who also called his record “amazing” and put him “on a very narrow list.” He described the Belichick interviews as “great.”

“The first was quite educational, as it may be, since you’re speaking to a sort of living legend, someone who has excellent historical knowledge, excellent game knowledge, and an excellent viewpoint from all the years of success he had,” Blank said.

In New England, Belichick had the last say on player personnel. A coach with this much power would have probably upended Atlanta’s front office hierarchy.