Falcons interview Ravens DC Mike Macdonald

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th January, 21:43 2024

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. credits: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons completed a virtual interview with Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald for their head-coaching vacancy on Friday.

The Falcons have been linked to several potential candidates since firing Arthur Smith hours after Sunday's season finale, but Macdonald was the first official interview.

The 36-year-old began his NFL coaching career as an intern with Baltimore in 2014 and returned in 2022 after spending a year at the college level as Michigan's defensive coordinator.

Baltimore finished the regular season first in scoring defense, tied for first in takeaways and first in net yards allowed per pass attempt. The Ravens secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and the Falcons have until the end of the wild-card games to conduct virtual interviews with any employees of teams on a bye week.

Atlanta has until the conclusion of the divisional playoff games on Sunday, Jan. 21 to complete virtual interviews with employees of any other teams. For teams playing in wild-card games, the Falcons can begin virtual interviews with employees three days after their respective games and must completed them before the end of the divisional round.

The Falcons must complete virtual interviews with any employees of other clubs by the conclusion of the divisional playoff games on Jan. 21.

In-person or virtual interviews can begin on Monday, Jan. 22 with candidates from other teams whose seasons have ended. For those whose teams reach the conference championships, the Falcons are prohibited from conducting initial interviews until after their seasons conclude.

Atlanta fired Smith following the team's third consecutive 7-10 finish. The Falcons said owner Arthur Blank and CEO Rich McKay will lead their coaching search with general manager Terry Fontenot also having input.

Other candidates whose names have been linked to the Falcons include former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinators Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions), Eric Bieniemy (Washington Commanders), Bobby Slowik (Houston Texans) and Kellen Moore (Los Angeles Chargers).

—Field Level Media