The Atlanta Falcons parted ways with head coach Arthur Smith after their sixth consecutive losing season this year. It’s safe to say that their organization could use a complete overhaul, which they may just get in sought-after Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh has been rumored to potentially be interested in jumping back to coaching at the NFL level for the past few years. He interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings head coaching gig in 2022, but ultimately opted to stay at Michigan after the Vikings went in a different direction.
Harbaugh said at the time that this was the “last time” he would ever chase a head coaching job in the NFL. However, quite a bit has changed since then, particularly since Harbaugh finally attained his long-desired goal of winning a National Championship.
It now seems like after achieving this, he is open to at least interviewing for NFL coaching positions. He recently underwent an interview for the vacant Los Angeles Chargers head coaching job.
Harbaugh underwent his second NFL interview this offseason on Tuesday with the Falcons, which the team announced on social media.
We have interviewed Michigan Head Coach Jim Harbaugh for our head coach opening
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 17, 2024
As you would expect, fans had plenty to say about this announcement from the Falcons, voicing their opinions on the potential fit on social media.
Who needs speed dating, when it is NFL interview season? https://t.co/2vdsLgfxmC
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) January 17, 2024
Alright now we’re talking https://t.co/pzbta4FpbH pic.twitter.com/wgvJ0IauTq
— Exceed (@TBExceed) January 17, 2024
Falcons not messing around! Love it. https://t.co/vY6SjPW6dJ
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) January 17, 2024
As we discussed last week, Arthur Blank and the #Falcons continue to go big fish hunting. https://t.co/KxyuEtIrZr
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 17, 2024
If somehow the Falcons could pull this off https://t.co/oAPfyR0jKb
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) January 17, 2024
Second interview with an NFL team for Jim Harbaugh following his meeting with the #Chargers. https://t.co/hf1vUtDLdV
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 17, 2024
It sure seems like the Falcons are pulling out all the stops to potentially bring in a big-name head coaching candidate. Believe it or not, Harbaugh may not even be the biggest name that Atlanta has brought in for an interview.
That distinction likely goes to future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick, who interviewed with the team on Monday.
We have interviewed Bill Belichick for our head coach opening
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 16, 2024
It’s obviously just the first interview between the two sides, so it is unclear how serious the talks currently are between Harbaugh and the Falcons are at this point.
That being said, it sure sounds like the Falcons fanbase would be thrilled with the hire if he indeed has an interest in coaching the team.
