Belichick, Falcons have second talk
Bill Belichick’s courtship with the Falcons continues. He completed his second interview, the team confirmed Friday night, his two interviews with Atlanta the only ones confirmed publicly for the 71-year-old former
Patriots coach.
Belichick is one of nine candidates known to have spoken to the Falcons, joining Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Baltimore defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and assistant head coach Anthony Weaver, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Carolina defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Philadelphia offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, and University of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh.
Belichick, however, is the first to get through a second interview with the Falcons, who fired head coach Arthur Smith Jan. 8 following a third consecutive 7-10, no-playoffs season. NFL Network reported the team also intends to speak again with Harbaugh, who also has interviewed for the Chargers’ head job.
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Friday that Belichick, who needs 15 victories to pass Don Shula as the NFL’s winningest head coach, is Atlanta’s “top candidate.”
Pierce is Raiders coach
The Raiders announced the hiring of Antonio Pierce as their new coach, crossing out the word “interim” in a post on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter. He's the fourth interim coach the Raiders have elevated, joining Art Shell, Tom Cable, and Marty Feldman.
Pierce, 45, took over as interim coach after Josh McDaniels was fired. The Raiders went 5-4 under his watch and the team went 8-9 overall.
“Can’t think of anyone more deserving,” Las Vegas tackle Jermaine Eluemunor posted on X. “The Raider way is the only way that needs to be in Vegas.”
That's despite Belichick, Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll being available, along with Harbaugh taking a few NFL interviews after leading the Wolverines to the college national championship
Bills WR Davis out
Buffalo receiver Gabe Davis and cornerback Christian Benford, both starters, will miss the team’s AFC divisional playoff game against Kansas City Sunday because of knee injuries.
Bills coach Sean McDermott said backup safety Taylor Rapp (calf ) and backup linebacker Baylon Spector (back) won’t play against the Chiefs, either.
Lions’ Houston questionable
Lions edge rusher James Houston is progressing in his bid to return from a broken fibula, however a decision has yet to be made on whether he will play when Detroit hosts the Buccaneers in an NFC divisional playoff game Sunday.
Houston was listed as questionable after practicing. The linebacker has been sidelined since being injured in Week 2.
Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) also is listed as questionable.
Eighth candidate for Titans
The Titans made Philadelphia offensive coordinator Brian Johnson their eighth candidate interviewed virtually in their search for a new coach.
And Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was the 12th candidate to interview for the Chargers’ head coach opening.