The Atlanta Falcons may not have qualified for the postseason but the front office has been busy searching for the team’s next head coach. Unless you have been avoiding all Falcons news, you’ve likely heard that Bill Belichick has become the heavy favorite to land the job.
Belichick previously met with team owner Arthur Blank on his yacht last weekend and the former Patriots head coach is back in Atlanta for his second interview.
In today’s Falcons recap, we look at the latest Belichick reports, a potential quarterback option for Atlanta, and catch up on a few different NFL mock drafts.
Falcons closing in on Belichick
The Atlanta Falcons have Bill Belichick as their top candidate, flying him into Atlanta on one of Arthur Blank's private planes last night.
Dinner last night, more meetings to come, per multiple sources.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 19, 2024
Per the Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Belichick was flown to Atlanta on Blank’s private jet and more meetings are expected. Don’t be surprised to see an announcement before the weekend is over.
Harbaugh to get a second interview?
The #Falcons are scheduling a second interview with Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh for next week, per sources.
So with Bill Belichick in Atlanta for more meetings today, the Falcons also want to continue the conversation with Harbaugh, who met in-person with them on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/bcAfwpjp53
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2024
The Falcons are expected to host Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh for a second interview, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Harbaugh would be the second candidate to get a second interview, along with Bill Belichick.
Kirk Cousins to follow Belichick to ATL?
Impending free agent QB Kirk Cousins has openly expressed his interest in joining Bill Belichick in Atlanta if he gets the job.
“I’m not going to turn down an opportunity to play for a future Hall of Fame coach.”
With the Falcons looking for a new franchise QB, could we see… pic.twitter.com/O5cA6z4DPI
— GSN (@GASportsNow) January 19, 2024
The Falcons need a quarterback but that doesn’t mean they’ll take one in this year’s draft. If Belichick is hired, as many expect, free-agent QB Kirk Cousins could be an option. “I’m not going to turn down an opportunity to play for a future Hall of Fame coach,” said the former Vikings quarterback on the chance to play for Belichick.
Mock Draft roundup
While many expect the team to draft a QB, Atlanta may find it challenging to get the one they want at pick No. 8. With quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels all expected to go in the top five, the Falcons may have to move up to get the guy they want. If Atlanta stands pat at No. 8, there’s no telling what the team will do. Let’s check out what some different mock drafts are projecting for the Falcons.
- CBS Sports: DE Dallas Turner – Alabama
- Draft Network: DE Laiatu Latu – UCLA
- ESPN: DE Laiatu Latu – UCLA
- NFL.com: DE Dallas Turner – Alabama
- Falcons Wire: QB Jayden Daniels – LSU
Ex-Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff weighs in on Belichick rumors
Former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff is taking Belichick over ANYONE to bring a team a SB over the next three years 🔊@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/j0ILZf8tyW
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 18, 2024
“He’s the man out there that can help bring an organization to win a Super Bowl in the next three or four years over anyone,” said former Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff on Bill Belichick.
Falcons interview Lions DC Aaron Glenn
#Lions DC Aaron Glenn, a top head coach candidate for his prowess as coordinator and for his leadership, will interview with the #Titans and #Falcons for their vacant HC job, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2024
Glenn, a former NFL defensive back, was hired as Detroit’s defensive coordinator in 2021 after spending five years in New Orleans as the defensive backs coach for the Saints.
Falcons request interview with Joe Brady
The Falcons have requested permission to interview Bills interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady for their vacant head-coaching job, sources say. Brady previously interviewed for the job in 2021.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 19, 2024
CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones is reporting that the Falcons have requested permission to interview Buffalo Bills interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady for their head coach vacancy.
Falcons interview/request tracker
The Falcons have conducted eight interviews thus far and there should be a few more on the way. On Thursday, it was reported that the team requested an interview with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Atlanta also spoke with Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson on Thursday. Here’s a look at each interview the team has held thus far:
Falcons top 10 PFF grades on offense
Falcons' 10 highest-graded offensive players from 2023 season https://t.co/iWZtiYhHO2 pic.twitter.com/MYLXSVpVQ9
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) January 18, 2024
Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts and Chris Lindstrom highlight the team’s 10 highest-graded offensive players, according to Pro Football Focus.
Falcons top 10 PFF grades on defense
Falcons' 10 highest-graded defensive players from the 2023 season https://t.co/EdiKC3cmON pic.twitter.com/j0BsVzZ0OS
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) January 19, 2024
Nate Landman, Jessie Bates, David Onyemata and others highlight the team’s 10 highest-graded defensive players, according to Pro Football Focus.
