The Falcons’ brass will have a very busy few weeks ahead of them. Bill Belichick seems to be the obvious favorite, but Atlanta is keeping their options open and they are talking with him right now. A second interview with Jim Harbaugh is scheduled for later today.
Over this process, I have been quite clear about how I feel about Jim Harbaugh. He is my #1 choice for the position. Like Belichick, he has an outstanding resume, but he is ten years younger and has demonstrated that he can maximize the potential of any quarterback, independent of play style. Given his ties to the Chargers, it may be unlikely, but Los Angeles has an awkward salary cap position that would make Atlanta a more appealing destination for Harbaugh.
The Falcons will also have their first encounter with Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator for the Bills, and former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
The Falcons would be extremely fortunate to acquire Vrabel. After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, he was unexpectedly fired, but the team he was given had little talent. Vrabel guided the Titans to three straight postseason trips before the 2022 campaign.
Joe Brady is a compelling contender. Although he lacks the head coaching experience that many of the players the Falcons appear to be pursuing, he is a gifted young offensive mind who was instrumental in LSU’s offensive revolution in 2019. Since taking over as their offensive coordinator this season, he has also played a significant role in the Buffalo Bills’ comeback. I think he will eventually get a chance to be a head coach, but I would be surprised if it did.
