NFL Rumors: Bill Belichick Is Falcons' 'Top Candidate' for HC amid Jim Harbaugh Buzz

It appears the Atlanta Falcons have zeroed in on one particular candidate in their head coaching search amid buzz linking Michigan's Jim Harbaugh to the role.

Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is Atlanta's "top candidate" to replace Arthur Smith, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

The Falcons flew Belichick to Atlanta on one of team owner Arthur Blank's private planes, and he also had dinner with members of the franchise on Thursday, Russini added. More meetings are also expected between the two sides.

The Falcons announced Tuesday that they had completed an interview with Harbaugh, per ESPN's Michael Rothstein. The franchise has also interviewed:

• Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson
• Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald
  
• Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan
  
• San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks
  
• Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero
  
• Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver
  

However, Belichick has long been considered the leading candidate to end up in Atlanta.

Belichick had his initial interview with the Falcons on Monday, which was a one-on-one with Blank, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that he had a second interview lined up for this weekend.

Rapoport added that the mutual interest between the Falcons and Belichick is "pretty strong."

Additionally, one NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando that Atlanta is the "odds-on favorite" to land the six-time Super Bowl champion head coach.

Belichick is believed to be interested in coaching "talented yet underachieving teams," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who added that the Falcons would probably fall into that category.

With a roster highlighted by running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts and safety Jessie Bates III, the Falcons aren't as big of a project as the Carolina Panthers, for example.

Atlanta finished the 2023 season with a 7-10 record and remained in contention for a playoff berth for much of the year.

However, the franchise enters 2024 with an uncertain quarterback situation. Desmond Ridder, a third-round pick in the 2022 draft, put together a disappointing 2023 season and it's unclear if he'll be the starter next year.

Belichick, who won 17 AFC East titles, nine AFC championships and six Super Bowls during his tenure in New England, has not interviewed with any other franchise this winter.