The Atlanta Falcons have taken a significant step in their search for a new leader, publicly confirming an interview with one of the NFL's most experienced coaches.
Falcons Begin Major Rebuild with High-Profile Candidate
The Falcons announced on Monday that they have interviewed former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh for their top coaching position. This move comes after the club made sweeping changes at the end of the regular season, dismissing both head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot within hours of their final game.
For Harbaugh, this marks his first formal interview since his surprising departure from the Baltimore Ravens last Tuesday, ending an 18-season tenure. The 63-year-old is reportedly conducting preliminary discussions with several other franchises, including the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
A Storied Career Seeking a New Chapter
John Harbaugh's credentials are among the most impressive in league history. He guided the Ravens from 2008 through the 2025 season, achieving a Super Bowl XLVII victory in 2012 and earning NFL Coach of the Year honours in 2019. With his win total ranking 12th all-time among head coaches, he was the second-longest tenured coach with one team before his exit, trailing only Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, recent seasons have seen a dip in postseason fortunes. Despite playoff appearances from 2022 to 2024, the Ravens managed a 2-3 record in those games, including a loss in the 2023 AFC Championship to the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs. The 2025 campaign proved particularly disappointing; tipped as preseason Super Bowl favourites, the Ravens finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs entirely, leading to Harbaugh's dismissal.
Intensive Interview Schedule Ahead of 2026 Season
Sources indicate that Harbaugh plans a busy schedule, meeting with interested teams over the coming weeks before making a final decision on where he will coach for the 2026 season. His interview with Atlanta signifies a serious option for both parties as the Falcons seek a proven winner to lead their reconstruction.
Harbaugh becomes the fifth candidate known to have interviewed for the Falcons' vacancy. Reports also suggest that former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was vetted for the position as of Monday, indicating a wide-ranging and competitive search process is underway in Atlanta.
