Falcons Interview Top Coaches in 2026 Head Coach Search

The Atlanta Falcons have started interviews for their next head coach just days after firing Raheem Morris. This comes as the team looks to turn around two seasons without a playoff appearance, with former quarterback Matt Ryan now leading the search as president of football operations.

Background

Raheem Morris took over as Falcons head coach two years ago but posted a 16-18 record over that time. The team missed the playoffs both seasons, finishing with issues on offense and defense. Owner Arthur Blank decided to make a change right after the regular season ended, part of a larger shakeup that included a general manager vacancy.

Matt Ryan, the longtime Falcons quarterback who retired after the 2024 season, stepped into the president of football operations role on Saturday. Ryan, who holds most of the team's passing records, now oversees the entire search. He has already sat down with candidates, drawing on his 15 years of NFL experience to guide the process.

The NFL coaching carousel kicked off with Black Monday firings across the league. Six teams, including the Falcons, Giants, Titans, Browns, Raiders, and Cardinals, are hunting for new head coaches. This creates a competitive market where top names move quickly between interviews.

The Falcons finished the 2025 season with a strong running game led by Bijan Robinson, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry. But their passing attack ranked 20th at 6.8 yards per attempt. Young quarterback Michael Penix Jr., a first-round pick, struggled and needs help to develop in what could be a make-or-break year for him in 2026.

Key Details

The Falcons have moved fast, completing interviews with four candidates so far. They named Ryan to his new post after talking to five people for the president job, then shifted straight to coaches.

John Harbaugh Interview

John Harbaugh, who coached the Baltimore Ravens for 18 seasons, met with the Falcons on Monday. The 62-year-old led Baltimore to a Super Bowl win and 12 playoff trips. He was let go by the Ravens on Tuesday after the longest tenure in the NFL. Harbaugh built his career starting in special teams with the Eagles and college stops before taking over in Baltimore.

"John Harbaugh has put his fingerprints on every unit during his time in Baltimore," said an NFL analyst familiar with his work.

Harbaugh is also drawing interest from the Giants, Raiders, and others. Betting odds list him as a top pick for New York.

Klint Kubiak and Other Offensive Minds

Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, completed his interview with Atlanta. The 37-year-old is seen as a rising star on offense. He has landed meetings with the Giants, Raiders, and Cardinals too. Kubiak comes from a football family; his father Gary Kubiak won a Super Bowl as a head coach.

Kevin Stefanski, former Cleveland Browns head coach, is another name in the mix. Fired after a 45-56 record over six years, Stefanski got the Browns to the playoffs twice. He spent years with the Vikings, calling plays that averaged 24.6 points per game in 2019. Odds have him as a strong contender for Atlanta.

Mike McDaniel, ex-Dolphins head coach, sat for an interview on January 12. The Falcons also talked to Aden Durde, Seattle's defensive coordinator, and requested permission to speak with Carolina Panthers DC Ejiro Evero.

Other names floating around include Jeff Ulbrich, who runs a top pressure defense for the Jets, and Hank Fraley from the Lions' offensive line. Dark horses like Ryan Grubb from Alabama, who coached Michael Penix Jr. in college, could surprise if the team bets big on the quarterback.

Ryan has wasted no time, handling back-to-back interviews. The team still needs a general manager, which could tie into the coach hire.

What This Means

A new coach could shift the Falcons toward offense after two years with a defensive-minded leader in Morris. Candidates like Kubiak and Stefanski bring play-calling skills that might unlock Penix Jr. and boost the passing game. Harbaugh offers proven leadership and playoff success, which Atlanta lacks.

The search puts pressure on the front office to pair the coach with a strong GM. Ryan's role means the team values its own history in decision-making. With six teams hiring, Atlanta must act fast to land a top choice before they go elsewhere.

Fans hope for quick progress. The 2026 season looms with a young core including Robinson and Penix. A good hire could push the Falcons back into contention in the NFC South. Other teams like the Giants are favorites for Harbaugh, while Kubiak ties as a top pick for Cleveland.

This process tests Ryan early in his executive job. His background gives him insight into what players need from a coach. The Falcons aim to build around their recent draft picks and fix roster gaps through free agency and the draft.

League rules like the Rooney Rule require interviewing minority candidates, which Atlanta has started with Evero and others. Expect more names to surface as the week goes on. The team wants someone who can develop talent and win now.