Falcons Set to Interview 2 More Coaching Candidates Sunday
A busy weekend for the Atlanta Falcons will continue Sunday, with owner Arthur Blank and team brass slated to interview two more candidates for the team's coaching vacancy.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Falcons have interviews scheduled Sunday with both Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and Baltimore Ravens associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver.
While the Panthers just completed a disastrous 2-15 season leaving long-term questions about quarterback Bryce Young's ability and owner David Tepper's competence, they actually finished fourth overall in total defense in 2023 under Evero. Prior to joining what was Frank Reich's staff in Carolina, Evero had been the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos in 2022, following five years on Sean McVay's staff with the Los Angeles Rams.
Given that the Panthers coaching position is once again in flux, Evero is an interesting candidate to interview, because even if you don't hire the 43-year-old to be the coach, perhaps he could become the defensive coordinator if you hire someone with an offensive background.
Meanwhile, Weaver has settled into a nice coaching career after spending parts of seven seasons as a defensive end in the NFL, playing for the Ravens and Houston Texans. Previously the defensive coordinator for the Texans in 2020, Weaver joined John Harbaugh's staff in Baltimore prior to the 2021 campaign.
Evero and Weaver join a growing list of candidates to succeed Arthur Smith, as the Falcons have already interviewed Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks this weekend. Las Vegas Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce has also reportedly received an interview slip from the Falcons.
Of course, looming beyond some of the candidates who have already interview in Atlanta or are going to in the coming hours are a few of the most accomplished coaches in the sport. Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel, Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll are all free agents currently, and the Falcons would be wise to turn over all stones before picking the next leader of their team.
