The Atlanta Falcons are scheduling a second interview with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh for next week, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Harbaugh interviewed in-person with the team Tuesday. The 60-year-old Harbaugh, fresh off leading Michigan to its first national title since 1997, also interviewed for the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coaching vacancy Monday.
Harbaugh last coached in the NFL in 2014 with the San Francisco 49ers. He spent four seasons in San Francisco (2011-14), going 44-19 with a Super Bowl XLVII appearance. Harbaugh is the fifth-winningest head coach in NFL history by win percentage, trailing only Guy Chamberlain, John Madden, Vince Lombardi and George Allen.
All Harbaugh has done at the collegiate level is win, as he went 29-6 at San Diego State (2004-06) and 29-21 at Stanford (2007-10). From 2015-current, he’s gone 86-25 including a perfect 15-0 season in 2023.
Michigan doing its best to retain Jim Harbaugh
Michigan won’t let Harbaugh leave without a fight. President Santa Ono revealed this past week he is desperately trying to sign him to a new long-term contract.
“I believe he has [made it better], and he’s a Michigan Wolverine through and through,” Ono said, via The Wolverine. “He was a quarterback here, as you know. He learned from Bo Schembechler … didn’t play for the first couple years, broke his arm. But the most important thing for me is him as a human being. He’s guided by Lord Jesus Christ.
“He’s going to think about what he wants to do with his life. I respect that, support him, love his family. I hope he stays. I’m going to do everything I can to encourage him to stay. But if he doesn’t, the Michigan tradition will move on.”
The Falcons, looking to replace Arthur Smith, have also interviewed former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and Ravens assistant head coach Anthony Weaver.
More must-reads: