The Falcons have a second interview scheduled with 2023 National Champion head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, just like with the recently hired Brian Callahan, they may not even have a chance to conduct it.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Chargers are closing in on a deal with Jim Harbaugh to be the next head coach in Los Angeles.
From The Insiders on #NFLPlus and @nflnetwork: The #Chargers and Jim Harbaugh are now in striking distance of getting a deal done as Harbaugh is in LA today for another meeting with the team. pic.twitter.com/YJhNzRzOcP
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 23, 2024
Jim Harbaugh was at the top of my wishlist of potential head coach candidates for the Falcons. Like Bill Belichick, he has a tremendous resume. Harbaugh turned Stanford into a contender, nearly led the 49ers to a Super Bowl on multiple occasions, and then won a National Championship at Michigan. That’s an incredible track record of success; plus, he’s a decade younger than Belichick and has an offensive pedigree known for getting the best out of his personnel on that side of the ball.
However, Jim Harbaugh was always arguably the most attractive potential head coaching candidate available. He had no shortage of suitors and could always return to Michigan if he didn’t find a landing spot he preferred. It’s intriguing that of all the openings, the only two Jim Harbaugh interviewed for were the Chargers and Falcons. Atlanta seemed to be in the running, but it appears that dream is about to be dashed.
Where that leaves the Falcons moving forward is intriguing. Of all the candidates, Harbaugh seemed the most likely to sway Arthur Blank into going in a direction other than Bill Belichick. Now, if Blank is to do that, he’ll likely have to go in the direction of a rookie head coach.
Judging by Blank’s history, that’s no surprise. The Falcons haven’t hired a head coach with experience since 1997. With that being said, this hiring cycle feels different. Blank is 81 years old and has a desire to win right now. Putting his trust in a rookie head coach again does not appear to be his preferred direction, but he may not have a choice.
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Photo: Adam Ruff/Icon Sportswire
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