Falcons 2nd Interview with Jim Harbaugh Off; Is Michigan Coach Using Atlanta for Leverage?
The Atlanta Falcons' pursuit of a new head coach took another twist Wednesday, as University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was expected to meet with Atlanta's decision-makers, has pushed back his interview.
Harbaugh, who first interviewed with the Falcons on Jan. 16, is reportedly still in Los Angeles following his second in-person interview with the Los Angeles Chargers on Tuesday.
Yet according to ESPN, Harbaugh views the Falcons as an intriguing destination.
"Jim Harbaugh is still very interested in Atlanta despite the reports that he's on the verge of (Los Angeles)," ESPN said.
But is he seriously considering the Falcons?
Why feel the need to push back an interview if Atlanta is the place he legitimately wants to be?
Jim Harbaugh's second interview with the Falcons has been moved back.
Perhaps Harbaugh's using the Falcons for leverage, dragging them along to garner a better offer from his two presumed favorite options - staying with Michigan or joining the Chargers.
Harbaugh still may meet with Atlanta again. Bleacher Report said the meeting is being moved "for now," while The Athletic noted a second interview "could be upcoming."
In essence, the Falcons are in wait-and-see mode ... as Harbaugh continues to decide whether he wants Michigan or Los Angeles, leaving Atlanta off to the side.
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, has only interviewed with the Falcons and Chargers this season.
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?"
The Falcons are seriously considering Harbaugh - but is Harbaugh really considering the Falcons?
Pushing back an interview for more time in Los Angeles when he otherwise could've been in Atlanta speaks volumes as to where Harbaugh's mind currently rests as he nears a decision.
