NFL Rumors: Latest Reports Heading into 2024 Divisional Round
There's a lot of intrigue surrounding the eight NFL teams preparing for Divisional Round matchups this weekend. But there has also been plenty of buzz surrounding the seven franchises in need of a head coach—and whether more could join that group.
Some big names are on the coaching market, and quite a few of the openings are for high-profile jobs. It will be quite interesting to see how the dominoes fall over the next few weeks.
As the coaching carousel continues to turn, here's some of the latest buzz surrounding it.
Harbaugh Continuing Contract Talks with Michigan
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Jim Harbaugh could soon make his long-awaited return to the NFL, as he interviewed to become the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers. But it's much too early to rule out a potential return to the University of Michigan for the 60-year-old.
In fact, Harbaugh is talking with the Wolverines regarding a potential contract extension, according to a report from Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel, who shared that Harbaugh "remains engaged in discussions with Michigan." Not only that, but he is seeking "unusual termination clauses" if he stays, per Wetzel.
"Sources said Harbaugh is seeking language that would grant him immunity from termination from any finding or sanction that could arise from multiple current NCAA investigations into the football program," Wetzel wrote.
However, talks between Harbaugh and the Chargers were expected to possibly continue into Tuesday, according to Wetzel. So it's unclear which direction Harbaugh could be leaning at this point.
Harbaugh has been at Michigan since 2015, and he just led the Wolverines to a national championship during the 2023 season. His lone stint in the NFL came from 2011-14, when he was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.
Belichick, Falcons Having 'Ongoing' Talks After Interview
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After parting ways with the New England Patriots and ending a 24-year tenure, Bill Belichick has completed his first interview since becoming a coaching free agent. On Monday, the Atlanta Falcons announced they interviewed Belichick to become their next head coach.
Belichick has also had an in-person meeting with Falcons owner Arthur Blank, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. However, a deal isn't imminent, per Pelissero, who noted there is "mutual interest" between Belichick and Atlanta and that "conversations are ongoing."
The Falcons are looking for a head coach who can lead them out of their recent rut. They haven't made the playoffs in any of their past six seasons and haven't finished with more than seven wins during that span.
As Atlanta aims to get back on track, Belichick could be the right coach to help make that happen. But it's possible to think he'll be in the mix for other jobs, especially if the Dallas Cowboys decide to fire Mike McCarthy.
Tomlin Planning on Return to Pittsburgh
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Mike Tomlin has only one year remaining on his contract as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But it doesn't appear the 51-year-old will be leaving before then, and possibly not any time shortly thereafter.
According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Tomlin informed Steelers players and coaches on Tuesday that he plans to return for the 2024 season. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Tomlin had "given no indications of wanting to step away in recent weeks" and that talks regarding a contract extension "could intensify this offseason."
There had been some speculation regarding Tomlin's future after he walked out of a press conference on Monday following a question about his contract. Pittsburgh had just been eliminated from the playoffs with a 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild-Card Round.
Tomlin has been the Steelers' head coach since 2007. He has never finished a regular season with a losing record, guiding the team to .500 or better in each of his 17 seasons.
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