The Atlanta Falcons’ head coaching search is ongoing, as they continue to interview multiple candidates for the job, including offensive coordinators and others. Atlanta hired former quarterback Matt Ryan as its president of football operations, and it has taken things a step further with its coaching search. They interviewed two more coaching candidates who are noteworthy. Here’s more on who they interviewed.
Inside Atlanta’s Evolving Head Coaching Strategy
It was reported by Tori McElhaney of the official team site that Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank spoke on the process of finding a new coach in an end-of-season press conference last Thursday, saying,
“Our search committee will be structured a little bit differently than it has been in the past. Still be made up of a component of people that represent our leadership in all areas of our businesses, but we’re going to put heavy emphasis, we’re hiring this president of football first. That’s the goal, and over the next couple of days, we have a series of interviews set up. We want to get that person in their seat and have them lead the interviews for the head coach and general manager position going forward.”
And that he did, as they hired Matt Ryan as the president of football, which led to further complications in the coaching search.
Why John Harbaugh Fits the Falcons’ Coaching Vision
The Falcons interviewed former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh on Monday, Jan. 12th. Harbaugh was with the Ravens since 2008 but was recently fired after their Week 18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Harbaugh won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2013, following their 2012 season, which saw them go 10-6 in the regular season and ultimately defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. Since then, the Ravens have made the playoffs and even won a few playoff games, but they haven’t returned to the Super Bowl.
Harbaugh is regarded as a strong leader who has the potential to transform the team’s culture. He could also help improve the offense as Baltimore was a run-first team, and so are the Falcons.
Atlanta Explores Mike McDaniel as a Potential Offensive Reset
The Falcons also interviewed former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on Monday, Jan. 12th. McDaniel was let go by Miami after going 7-10 and failing to make the playoffs. McDaniel is an offensive-minded coach who has previously served as an offensive coordinator and has worked wonders in Miami, where the team had one of the best offenses in the league in 2023.
McDaniel can help with the development of Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and get the best out of veteran Kirk Cousins. McDaniel can help turn the Falcons’ offense into an even greater one, given all the talent that Atlanta has.
With heavyweight candidates like Harbaugh and McDaniel now in the fold, all eyes are on Matt Ryan to select the architect of Atlanta’s new era.
