Note: Due to continuing changes and updates in the Falcons head coach search, the updated listing of completed interviews and scheduled interviews has been moved to this page.
Original Report Follows
The work to find the Atlanta Falcons’ next head coach started in earnest today, as the team started scheduling meetings with several of the most sought-after names in the NFL.
The Dirty Birds will have to work fast, despite owner Arthur Blank‘s pledge to take their time looking for a lead playcaller. The competition for the top prospects is fierce, with the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders competing with the Falcons for future head coaches.
As of 9 PM EST, these are the names that the Falcons have confirmed they are planning to speak to, or reliable sources have reported.
Mike MacDonald-Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator (Confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pro Football Talk.) Schefter reports that the Titans, Commanders, Panthers, and Chargers have also requested MacDonald.
Steve WIlks-San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator (Jeremy Fowler, ESPN, NFL Network)
Aaron Glenn-Detroit Lions defensive coordinator (Ian Rappoport, NFL Network)
Raheem Morris-Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator (Schefter, ESPN) Former Falcons interim head coach in 2020. Falcons are competing with Chargers, Commanders, and Panthers for Morris.
Brian Callahan-Cincinanati Bengals offensive coordinator (Tom Pelissero, NFL Network) The Titans, Panthers and Chargers are also pursuing Callahan, according to Pelissero.
Ben Johnson-Detroit Lions offensive coordinator (Pelissero, NFL Network)
Bobby Slowik-Houston Texans offensive coordinator (Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated)
Anthony Weaver-Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line (Rappoport, NFL Network)
Also…
Media reports say that the Falcons are requesting a meeting with Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
The Athletic’s Dianna Rossini reported that the Falcons had been interested in former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for “weeks” according to her sources. The Falcons have not confirmed any meetings with Belichick.
There have also been no reports of any Falcons communications with current Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, although there was speculation that he may switch from college to pro and that the Falcons could be a potential landing spot for him.
There are also reports that the Falcons have been protecting their current nest by blocking teams from interviews with current team coaches. Among them, Dwayne Bedford, requested by the New York Giants, and Ryan Nielsen, by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This is a developing story and will be updated as needed.
