Bill Belichick facing Falcons competition in ‘wide open’ coaching search

Just because the Falcons have expressed heavy interest in Bill Belichick during their head coaching search doesn’t mean they’re going to sprint to the altar to make the union official.

The search for Atlanta’s next head coach is said to be “wide open,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, with the Falcons set to interview Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel next week, in addition to speaking to Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik on Sunday.

Schefter’s report comes on the heels of a separate report from Saturday that alleged Falcons owner Arthur Blank “desperately” wants Belichick to coach in Atlanta next season.

The source added it’s a “50-50” shot if Belichick would take the job, however, as the legendary Patriots coach has yet to interview with another team.

As of Sunday, Belichick is the only candidate known to have had two interviews with the Falcons, who dismissed head coach Arthur Smith earlier this month after three losing seasons.

The first meeting took place on Blank’s yacht near the U.S. Virgin Islands while the second transpired in Atlanta, with Belichick reportedly flying in on the owner’s private jet.

Come next week, though, Harbaugh will have his second interview with the team.

In addition to Belichick and Harbaugh, the Falcons announced they have completed initial head coach interviews with Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver have also been interviewed for the post, as Baltimore prepares to host next Sunday’s AFC Championship game.

Some have speculated whether or not Belichick, 71, would take a year off in 2024 and aim to return to coaching in 2025, but his age could deter him from that.

He is only 15 wins shy of breaking former Ravens and Dolphins head coach Don Shula’s record of 347 combined regular-season and playoff victories as a coach in the league, which may lead Belichick to continue coaching in the NFL.

Belichick and the Patriots parted ways earlier this month after 24 seasons.

New England finished the season with a dismal 4-13 record.