NFL Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Top 2024 Head Coach Candidates

Bill Belichick is the most notable coaching free agent in the NFL.

The former New England Patriots head coach is coveted by a few franchises, and the Dallas Cowboys' loss on Sunday only intensified the conversations about the 71-year-old's future.

Of course, Dallas would need to fire Mike McCarthy in order to hire Belichick, and as of Monday morning, that has not transpired.

The Atlanta Falcons have generated a ton of buzz in recent days about their potential pursuit of Belichick.

Even one of Belichick's former players. Rob Gronkowski, mentioned the Falcons as a possibility on Fox's pregame show on Sunday.

Belichick is the most popular name this hiring cycle, but he is far from the only man in contention for the openings across the NFL.

Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce received interest from outside the AFC West, and if he departs, major changes could reportedly happen in Las Vegas.

Bill Belichick

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots speaks to the media during a press conference at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Belichick announced he is stepping down as head coach after 24 seasons with the team. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The NFC South has been the most mentioned landing spot for Belichick since he mutually parted ways with the Patriots.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo mentioned Atlanta and Carolina as teams with potential interest in Belichick late last week.

Rapoport and Tom Pelisserro acknowledged this weekend at NFL.com that a lot of speculation has surrounded Belichick and the Falcons.

Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski mentioned on Fox on Sunday that the Falcons are "coming in hot" for his old head coach.

Atlanta will conduct a thorough search to replace Arthur Smith, but as of Monday morning, it is the franchise with the most rumored links to Belichick.

Of course, that could change if the Cowboys let McCarthy go. Dallas has the best roster available for any coach to take over, but any Belichick speculation can't happen if McCarthy keeps his job.

Antonio Pierce

Ian Maule/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Interim head coach Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Rapoport reported on Sunday that the Falcons would interview Antonio Pierce.

The Tennessee Titans confirmed on Saturday that they conducted an interview with the Raiders interim head coach and former NFL linebacker.

Rapoport and Pelissero reported on Saturday that Pierce has a ton of support inside the Las Vegas locker room.

The report went as far to say star edge-rusher Maxx Crosby would explore a trade request if Pierce is not given the full-time head coaching job.

The 45-year-old went 5-4 with the Raiders after Josh McDaniels' firing, and in the process, he left an impression on a lot of the Las Vegas players.

Pierce is looking for his first NFL head coaching job. He was the Raiders' linebackers coach under McDaniels before he took over as the interim boss.

Jim Harbaugh

Set Number: X164476 TK1

College Football: CFP National Championship: Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh throws a follow prior to game vs Washington at NRG Stadium. Houston, TX 1/8/2024 CREDIT: Erick W. Rasco (Photo by Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X164476 TK1)

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday morning that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is set to meet with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Harbaugh flirted with the NFL for the last few offseasons, but nothing has come of those rumors.

He may feel that now is the best time to leave Michigan for an NFL return because he just won the national championship with the Wolverines.

Harbaugh produced a 44-19-1 record over four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before he took the job at his alma mater.

He has an 86-25 record with the Wolverines and a 144-52 record across his time with Michigan, Stanford and San Diego

Harbaugh has won wherever he has been and that makes him such an intriguing coaching candidate, and if he departs for the NFL, another marquee college football job will have to be filled after Alabama and Washington replaced their coaches in the last week.