NFL Rumors: Ravens' Mike Macdonald, Weaver Requested for 2nd HC Interviews by Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have remained diligent in their search for a new head coach, requesting a second interview with Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Per Rapoport, the Falcons have also requested to meet with Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver for a second time. Both Macdonald and Weaver will also be preparing for the AFC Championship game, as Baltimore is set to host the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Falcons announced their first interview with Macdonald on Jan. 12 and their first completed interview with Weaver on Jan. 14.

Atlanta originally fired former head coach Arthur Smith shortly after the team's disappointing 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Jan. 7, resulting in a third-place finish in the NFC South. For a Falcons team that entered the year with playoff aspirations following an offseason that included notable free-agent acquisitions such as safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle David Onyemata, a 7-10 record fell short of expectations.

The team has already met with several notable candidates and has scheduled interviews with several more, including Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh as well as former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel (per ESPN's Adam Schefter). Atlanta's head coaching search is reportedly "wide open."

Both Macdonald and Weaver are highly qualified, arguably cultivating the NFL's best defense this season. The Ravens allowed just 16.5 points per game while generating 60 total sacks, both representing the best marks in the league. Baltimore went 13-4 in the regular season despite resting its starters in Week 18, earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Macdonald has been one of the hottest names in the current hiring cycle, interviewing with the Titans as well as the Los Angeles Chargers regarding their respective head coaching vacancies. The Washington Commanders also reportedly requested to meet with him on Jan. 8, via Rapoport.