The Atlanta Falcons are actively considering various candidates for their head coach position, but team owner Arthur Blank appears to have a clear frontrunner in mind.
According to a source cited by CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Blank is keen on securing Bill Belichick as the next head coach for the Falcons.
Reports suggest there is a “50-50” chance that Belichick will accept the job after being publicly expressed interest in by the Falcons. Blank and the team interviewed the 71-year-old coaching legend for a second time on Thursday. Belichick, who parted ways with the New England Patriots after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl titles, has not been publicly pursued by any other team.
But a source familiar with Belichick told CBS Sports Blank “desperately” wants Belichick and that it’s ultimately Belichick’s job if he wants it. That source said it’s “50/50 right now that he takes the job.”
The Falcons are also slated to have a second meeting with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh. Other coaching prospects drawing interest include former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Buffalo Bills interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady, among others. Initial interviews have been requested with these candidates.
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The search for a new head coach comes after the dismissal of Arthur Smith, who led the team to three consecutive 7-10 seasons. Belichick, boasting a career record of 333-178, is just 15 wins away from becoming the NFL’s all-time winningest head coach. Despite his successful tenure with the Patriots, New England experienced back-to-back losing seasons, concluding with a 4-13 record in 2023.
Whoever assumes the head coaching role in Atlanta will inherit a team with a solid defense but significant offensive uncertainties, particularly at the quarterback position, where the Falcons have seen three different Week 1 starters since 2021 in Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, and Desmond Ridder.
