The Atlanta Falcons made an announcement on Tuesday night that they have interviewed Jim Harbaugh from Michigan for the head coaching vacancy. The team has conducted interviews with several other candidates, including Bill Belichick, Mike Macdonald, Anthony Weaver, Brian Callahan, Steve Wilks, and Ejiro Evero.
The Falcons present an intriguing opportunity for potential coaches, particularly on the offensive side, where they have young playmakers like running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts. The previous head coach, Arthur Smith, faced criticism for not fully utilizing these talents, but it’s speculated that Harbaugh’s run-heavy offensive approach could benefit players like Robinson.
However, the team’s major uncertainty lies at the quarterback position, and any incoming head coach would likely be interested in Atlanta’s plans for addressing that issue. Questions arise about whether the Falcons will pursue a veteran option through trade or free agency, potentially targeting players like Justin Fields or Kirk Cousins. Additionally, there’s speculation about whether they will use their No. 8 overall pick in the draft to secure a quarterback or explore trade options for one of the top prospects.
Jim Harbaugh is a prominent name in the coaching market, boasting an impressive résumé. In his professional career, he was an NFL quarterback and later served as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders and the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, achieving a 44-19-1 record with three playoff berths and one Super Bowl appearance. At the college level, he coached at San Diego, Stanford, and Michigan, accumulating a 118-46 record at the FBS level with three Big Ten championships and a national title in the recent season.
Harbaugh, considered a high-profile hire, is expected to draw interest from other teams, having already interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers.
