BREAKING: Falcons Interview Michigan's Jim Harbaugh for Head Coaching Vacancy

The Atlanta Falcons have interviewed Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh to replace Arthur Smith.

The Atlanta Falcons are going big-game hunting to fill their open head coaching role.

Just one day after announcing they'd interviewed former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, the Falcons shared Tuesday night they've interviewed University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The 60-year-old Harbaugh, who went 44-19-1 in four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and just won the College Football Playoffs National Championship, previously interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh looks on during second half of the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024 :: Credit: © Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Falcons' head coaching search now includes interviews with seven candidates - Harbaugh, Belichick, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

Atlanta has also requested interviews with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Las Vegas Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

Harbaugh has grown under scrutiny in recent months amidst accusations of sign stealing while at Michigan, where he's gone 89-25 in nine seasons on the sidelines.

Across 17 years of head coaching experience at the college and professional levels, Harbaugh boasts a record of 162-65-1.

Falcons CEO Rich McKay recently touched on the subject of the value of head coaching experience in Atlanta's search - and Harbaugh seems to fit the bill.

"I think there is something to head coaching experience, but it’s got to be the right head coaching experience," McKay said. "And that's not so easy to find. It’s not been easy for me to find over the years.

"But I think if you find one, you should consider it – absolutely. Why wouldn’t you?"

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