Atlanta Falcons head coach search: Who has team interviewed?

Updated Jan. 15, 2026, 4:17 p.m. ET

The Atlanta Falcons have now interviewed eight candidates for their head coaching vacancy, completing two more interviews on Thursday. The team interviewed Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley this morning and met with Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter in the afternoon.

Falcons president of football Matt Ryan and owner Arthur Blank are determined to find the right person to lead this team in 2026. Here’s a quick rundown of every Falcons coaching interview, including the date that each was completed.

Jesse Minter – Chargers defensive coordinator | Completed Jan. 15

The Falcons interviewed Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter on Thursday afternoon. Minter has spent the last two years on Jim Harbaugh’s staff in Los Angeles. In 2025, the Chargers defense gave up the ninth-fewest points in the NFL (20 points per game), and finished in the top 10 in both rushing and passing yards allowed. Prior to taking over in Los Angeles, Minter was the defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan from 2022-2023. Michigan’s defense was the best in the nation in 2023, and helped the team secure a National Championship victory over Michael Penix Jr.’s Washington Huskies.

Jeff Hafley – Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator | Completed Jan. 15

The Falcons completed an interview with Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for their head coaching vacancy on Thursday. Hafley’s defense finished 11th in points allowed, giving up 21.2 per game. Green Bay ranked 11th in passing yards allowed per contest and recorded 36 total sacks this season. Prior to joining the Packers in 2024, Hafley spent four years as the head coach at Boston College, leading the team to a 22–26 record.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.John Harbaugh – former Ravens head coach | Completed Jan. 12

The Falcons completed their interview with former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh on Monday afternoon. Harbaugh was fired by the Ravens after 18 NFL seasons, but he’s one of the most experienced coaching candidates on the market. Aside from being a Super Bowl champion and former NFL Coach of the Year, Harbaugh has been remarkably consistent throughout his NFL coaching career with an overall record of 180-113.

Mike McDaniel – former Dolphins head coach | Completed Jan. 12

The Falcons completed their interview with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on Monday evening. McDaniel was fired after going 35-33 over four seasons as the Dolphins coach. The former 49ers offensive coordinator used to be on the Falcons offensive staff back in 2016, so he has some familiarity with president of football Matt Ryan. McDaniel is an offensive mastermind who could help Michael Penix Jr. take that next step in his development while potentially keeping defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in place.

Kevin Stefanski – former Browns head coach | Completed Jan. 11

Atlanta interviewed former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Sunday afternoon. Stefanski, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, was the fourth official candidate to interview for the team’s coaching vacancy. He went 45-56 over his six years in Cleveland and was fired after the 2025 season. A bright offensive mind, Stefanski would have plenty of weapons to work with if he gets the job with the Falcons.

Aden Durde – Seahawks defensive coordinator | Completed Jan. 10

The Falcons completed their interview with Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde for their head coach vacancy on Saturday evening. Durde helped guide a dominant Seahawks defense to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Seattle’s versatile scheme has been tough for opposing offenses to figure out this season and Durde is starting to generate some buzz around the league with nine head coach openings. Durde was the team’s third official interview.

Klint Kubiak – Seahawks offensive coordinator | Completed Jan. 10

The Falcons’ second interview was with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, which came just a few hours after the team met with Weaver. Kubiak is a hot candidate due to his play-calling ability. The Seahawks offensive coordinator has done an excellent job with quarterback Sam Darnold. Seattle’s balanced offensive attack finished third in points per game last season, averaging 28.4 points per contest.

Anthony Weaver – Dolphins defensive coordinator | Completed Jan. 10

The team’s first official interview was with Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver on Saturday afternoon. Prior to his one season with the Dolphins, Weaver spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens as a defensive line coach and eventual assistant head coach under John Harbaugh. He’s been highly regarded over the last few coaching cycles and previously interviewed with Atlanta in 2024.

-Follow the Falcons head coach and GM search with our interview tracker!