Falcons Request Second Interviews With Ravens' Coaching Duo

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver are candidates to replace Arthur Smith as the Atlanta Falcons' next coach.

While the Baltimore Ravens find themselves beginning preparations for their AFC Championship game versus the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, other teams are conducting searches for their next head coach. 

The Atlanta Falcons are one of those teams after firing Arthur Smith following his third-straight 7-10 season. Despite the rumor mill suggesting that former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is the likely favorite to land the job, the Falcons are casting a wide net with their interview process. 

Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium.  / Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Per a report from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, that wide net includes a request to interview both the Ravens' defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. 

This would be the second interview with the Falcons for the Ravens' assistant coaching duo. 

It shouldn't come as a surprise that other teams are potentially looking to poach assistants off the Ravens staff, especially on the defensive side of the ball. In his second year as the Ravens defensive coordinator, Macdonald has overseen one of the NFL's top defenses.

'The Best Front Seven!' Ravens vs. Chiefs: Baltimore D Anchoring Super Bowl Run

Macdonald's unit is the league's best-scoring defense, allowing just 16.1 points per game, while they rank No. 13 against the run and No. 5 versus the pass. 

Combine that with the fact that the Ravens also boast the league's most ferocious pass rush, as they lead the NFL in sacks, and you can see why other teams would be interested in what Macdonald and Weaver have to offer.