Just because the Falcons expressed strong interest in Bill Belichick in their head coaching search doesn't mean they'll sprint to formalize the union.
Atlanta's search for its next head coach is said to be “wide open.” According to ESPN's Adam SchefterIn addition to speaking with Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik on Sunday, the Falcons are scheduled to meet with Michigan State coach Jim Harbaugh and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel next week.
Schefter's report came on the heels of another report on Saturday that said Falcons owner Arthur Blank “desperately” wants Belichick to coach in Atlanta next season.
The source added that it's “50-50” whether Belichick will take the job because the Patriots' legendary coach has not yet met with other teams.
As of Sunday, Belichick was the only known candidate to have met twice with the Falcons, who fired head coach Arthur Smith earlier this month over three losing seasons. .
The first meeting took place on Blank's yacht near the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the second was in Atlanta, where Belichick reportedly flew in on the owner's private jet.
But Harbaugh will have a second interview with the team next week.
In addition to Belichick and Harbaugh, the Falcons will also hire Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilkes, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Ebello, Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and Lions defenseman. announced that he has completed his first head coaching interview with coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Ravens defensive coordinator Mike McDonald and assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver were also interviewed for the Post as Baltimore prepares to host the AFC Championship Game next Sunday.
There has been some speculation that Belichick, 71, will take a year off in 2024 and aim to return to coaching in 2025, but his age could deter that.
Belichick is 15 wins away from breaking former Ravens and Dolphins head coach Don Shula's record of 347 regular-season and playoff wins for a coach in the league, and Belichick could continue coaching in the NFL. There is.
Belichick and the Patriots parted ways earlier this month after 24 seasons.
New England finished the season with a dismal record of 4 wins and 13 losses.
