Belichick is Falcons’ top target, but Harbaugh gets 2nd interview

The Falcons are seemingly pulling out all the stops to make a splash for their vacant head coaching spot.

Bill Belichick is widely considered Atlanta’s top choice, but the team also is scheduling a second interview with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The two sides are expected to meet next week.

All of this comes after the Falcons have been making a push after some of the biggest available names to replace Arthur Smith, who was fired after the season ended.

Atlanta has notably interviewed Belichick, the former Patriots head coach, who is viewed as the team’s “top candidate,” according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. The 71-year-old completed a second interview with the Falcons, the Falcons announced Friday.

Atlanta even reportedly went as far as to charter one of owner Arthur Blank’s private planes to bring Belichick down south as part of the process.

As for Harbaugh, 60, he completed a first interview with the Falcons earlier this week after taking one with the Chargers.

There has been plenty of speculation about the Michigan coach jumping back to the NFL after winning a College Football National title this year.

Harbaugh previously coached with the 49ers (2011-14), making a Super Bowl appearance during the 2012-13 season, losing to his brother, John, and the Ravens.

While giving an interview at the March for Life rally in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Harbaugh again was cagey about what his future will look like and if he’ll actually leave the Wolverines.

“I just take the counsel from God and the Holy Spirit, and Mr. Jack Harbaugh, my dad, and my wife, Sarah,” he said to sports and media reporter Jon Root. “Just taking the advice, living one day at a time.

“One day at a time. One game at a time. One play at a time.”

On Friday, the Falcons announced they also completed a virtual interview with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

The eight-year Jets defensive back has been leading the Detroit defense since 2021.