FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – The Atlanta Falcons have conducted a second interview for their vacant head coach position, the team announced on Friday. Bill Belichick, who served as the head coach of the New England Patriots for 24 seasons, was among the candidates being considered. During Belichick’s tenure with the Patriots, the team achieved great success, winning 17 division titles and six Super Bowl Championships.
Prior to interviewing Belichick, the Falcons completed initial head coach interviews with several individuals. Among them were Mike Macdonald, Defensive Coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, and Brian Callahan, Offensive Coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. The team also interviewed Steve Wilks, Defensive Coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, and Ejiro Evero, Defensive Coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, Anthony Weaver, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line Coach for the Baltimore Ravens, was interviewed, as well as Jim Harbaugh, the Head Coach for the University of Michigan. Other candidates included Brian Johnson, Offensive Coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Aaron Glenn, Defensive Coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
In accordance with NFL protocols, all interviews with employees of other clubs must be conducted virtually before the conclusion of the Divisional Playoff games. Wild Card participant clubs were allowed to begin virtual interviews three days after their Wild Card game and had to conduct them prior to the conclusion of the Divisional Playoff games.
Starting from January 22, teams are permitted to conduct in-person or virtual interviews with candidates employed by other NFL clubs, whose seasons have already ended. However, they are prohibited from holding initial interviews with candidates employed by clubs participating in the Conference Championship Games until their respective employer club’s season concludes.
The Atlanta Falcons’ search for a new head coach continues, and they are actively evaluating different candidates for the position. As they progress in the selection process, the team aims to find the right individual who can lead the Falcons to success in the upcoming seasons. Fans and stakeholders eagerly await the announcement of the team’s final decision.
[Include any other relevant details or updates in AP News Style about the Falcons’ head coach search.]