NFL Rumors: Bill Belichick Becoming Falcons HC 'Has Lost Momentum in the Past Week''

Bill Belichick getting hired by the Atlanta Falcons is far from a sure thing.

The Athletic's Josh Kendall reported the prospective partnership "has lost momentum in the past week" and that the Falcons aren't approaching the situation with a "Belichick or bust" mentality.

It appeared the signs were pointing toward Belichick getting the Falcons job.

The 71-year-old reportedly dined with team owner Arthur Blank, with CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones adding that Blank "desperately" wants the eight-time Super Bowl champion. That fed into one belief this would be the owner's best opportunity to get the kind of marquee coach he has long coveted.

That isn't stopping Atlanta from exploring all of its options, though.

The team is reportedly planning to have a second interview with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh this week, and Kendall cited Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald among those still under consideration.

That might be bad news for Belichick.

The Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans are already off the board. The Raiders named Antonio Pierce as the permanent replacement for Josh McDaniels, while the Titans are expected to hire Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Then there are the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, who some thought could be looking for new head coaches but decided to maintain the status quo.

At this point, all of Belichick's eggs might be in the Falcons basket.

Maybe this is all posturing on Atlanta's part in order to wring some concessions out of Belichick. Having Blank's supposed desperation to make the hire out in the open certainly doesn't help the franchise's leverage.

But if the Falcons do go in a different direction, then it will be fair to wonder whether Belichick's career has already come to an unceremonious end.