John Harbaugh interviews with Falcons as sweepstakes begins

Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News on Jan 12, 2026

Published in Football

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NEW YORK — The John Harbaugh sweepstakes is officially underway.

Harbaugh interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons Monday for their head-coach job, the team announced.

It’s the first confirmed interview for Harbaugh since he was fired by the Baltimore Ravens after 18 seasons.

Monday’s interview with Atlanta was not in person, The Athletic reported.

Harbaugh, a Super Bowl champion with a career record of 180-113, has engaged in “preliminary and extensive phone calls” with the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals as he decides which teams he will meet with, according to ESPN.

The Giants (4-13) have been considered a favorite for Harbaugh, with the presence of 22-year-old quarterback Jaxson Dart being a major selling point.

But Harbaugh, 63, is also said to be intrigued by the Titans (3-14), according to NFL Media, which cited promising young quarterback Cam Ward and Tennessee’s more than $100 million in cap space among the factors.

Atlanta (8-9) has a trickier quarterback situation, as 25-year-old Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from his third ACL tear and veteran Kirk Cousins is expected to become a free agent.

But the Falcons boast star-level talent in running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, as well as pieces along the offensive line and at pass rusher.

And the Falcons play in the NFC South — the NFL’s weakest division.

The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after the season.

Atlanta has since hired former star quarterback Matt Ryan to be its president of football, a new position. It is yet to hire a new general manager.

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