Atlanta Falcons Pursue John Harbaugh for Head Coaching Position
On January 12, 2026, the Atlanta Falcons officially announced that they have conducted an interview with John Harbaugh for their vacant head coaching position. This marks Harbaugh’s first formal interview since his recent departure from the Baltimore Ravens, where he was let go after a season that saw the team finish with a disappointing 8-9 record.
A Fresh Start for Harbaugh
John Harbaugh, who has a rich history in the NFL, is exploring new opportunities after his lengthy tenure with the Ravens. Known for his winning mindset and strategic acumen, he ranks 12th in all-time wins for NFL head coaches with 193 victories. His successful stint with Baltimore led to a Super Bowl championship in 2012, and he was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2019. However, despite his accolades, the last few seasons proved challenging, particularly concerning postseason performance, raising questions about his continuation with the franchise.
Preliminary Contacts and Interviews
Reports indicate that Harbaugh has engaged in extensive preliminary discussions with multiple teams, including the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals. As he weighs his options for potential head coach roles, he is expected to make informed decisions on which teams he will meet in the coming week. The interview with Atlanta is significant in this process, reflecting the Falcons’ intent to revitalize their coaching staff following the firing of Raheem Morris.
The State of the Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are at a transitional stage, not only seeking a new head coach but also a general manager after parting ways with Terry Fontenot. To add a layer of novelty to their leadership, the team has appointed former quarterback Matt Ryan as president of football operations, a role designed to leverage his experience and connection to the franchise. The Falcons hope that new leadership can turn around their fortunes after consecutive seasons of underperformance.
Harbaugh’s Recent Ravens Tenure
During his 18 seasons with the Ravens, Harbaugh established himself as a formidable force in the NFL, second only to Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers among active head coaches. However, the team’s playoff struggles in recent years, especially during his time with star quarterback Lamar Jackson, were notable. In eight seasons with Jackson, Harbaugh managed only three playoff victories and failed to progress past the AFC Championship Game. This decline in competitive success contributed to the decision to part ways, despite a storied career with the franchise.
The Outlook Moving Forward
As the Falcons consider Harbaugh among other candidates, the decision to pursue this seasoned coach reflects their ambition to enhance the team’s prospects for the upcoming season. Recruiting a head coach with Harbaugh’s credentials could signal a shift toward both a more competitive and strategic approach to team management and game planning.
As the interview process unfolds, the dynamics within the Falcons organization present an intriguing chapter in the team’s history, one that fans and analysts will be following closely.