Bill Belichick Completes 2nd Falcons Interview amid Jim Harbaugh Rumors

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIJanuary 20, 2024

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons announced that they have completed a second interview with eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick for their open head coaching position.

Atlanta’s first interview with Belichick took place on Monday.

The team has also completed first interviews with University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Belichick and Harbaugh are the two hottest names on the NFL coaching circuit right now, and both are strong candidates in Atlanta. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Friday that the Falcons will be conducting a second interview with Harbaugh next week.

The Los Angeles Chargers are heavily in the mix for Harbaugh, though. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bolts were the first team to speak with him about their head coaching opening.

As for Belichick, the 71-year-old is coming off a 24-year stint as the New England Patriots’ head coach. The Pats made nine Super Bowls and won six under Belichick, who also won a pair of Lombardi Trophies as the New York Giants’ defensive coordinator in 1986 and 1990.

Harbaugh is coming off leading Michigan to a 15-0 record and a national championship. He previously coached the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-2014, leading the team to three NFC Championship appearances and one conference title.