The Atlanta Falcons are actively pursuing their next head coach, and despite expressing significant interest in Bill Belichick, they are not rushing into a decision. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the search for Atlanta’s new head coach is described as “wide open.” The Falcons are scheduled to interview Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel in the coming week, in addition to their recent interview with Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
Rumors circulated on Saturday that Falcons owner Arthur Blank is “desperately” seeking to bring Bill Belichick on board for the upcoming season. However, Schefter’s sources indicate that the coaching search remains open, with the likelihood of Belichick taking the job estimated at “50-50.” Belichick, a coaching legend with the Patriots, has not interviewed with any other team as of now. The Falcons, who parted ways with head coach Arthur Smith earlier this month after three losing seasons, have conducted two interviews with Belichick. The first meeting occurred on Blank’s yacht in the U.S. Virgin Islands, followed by a second meeting in Atlanta, where Belichick reportedly flew in on Blank’s private jet.
Looking ahead to the next week, Jim Harbaugh is set for a second interview with the Falcons. The team has already completed initial head coach interviews with several candidates, including Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Belichick, at 71, faces speculation about potentially taking a year off in 2024 and returning to coaching in 2025. However, his pursuit of breaking Don Shula’s record of 347 combined regular-season and playoff victories as a coach might encourage him to continue coaching in the NFL. Belichick and the Patriots parted ways earlier this month after 24 seasons, concluding the season with a challenging 4-13 record.
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