NFL Rumors: Jim Harbaugh, Falcons to Have 2nd HC Interview amid Bill Belichick Buzz

The Atlanta Falcons apparently liked what they saw Tuesday during their interview with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The Falcons are scheduling a second interview with Harbaugh for next week, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The team also has a second interview scheduled with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, according to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson.

The Falcons are looking to replace Arthur Smith, who was fired Jan. 8 after the team missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season of his tenure, and sixth straight season overall.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported Friday that Belichick, whose initial talk with the Falcons was the first known interview of his post-Patriots career, is the team's "top candidate."

Harbaugh could be considering other options as well. The Michigan coach has also interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers while still engaging in contract talks with Michigan, according to Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel.

Harbaugh's current deal allows his Michigan contract to be voided over serious infractions found by the Big Ten or NCAA.

According to The Athletic's Austin Meek, Harbaugh wants that to change if he signs a new deal with the Wolverines.

Harbaugh's contract currently includes a $1.5 million buyout for any NFL teams interested in hiring him away from Michigan, although the university is hoping to increase that to something around $4 million, according to Wetzel.

In his negotiations with Michigan, Harbaugh is hoping to maintain the lower buyout number until after the conclusion of the NFL hiring season in February, Wetzel wrote.

Despite a scandal-plagued 2022-23 season that led to two suspensions for Harbaugh, the veteran college coach led the Wolverines to a 15-0 campaign and a CFP championship on Jan. 8, marking the team's first national title in 26 years.

Harbaugh holds a 144-52 all-time record as a college coach. He boasts a 82-25 at Michigan since 2015.