Falcons Pivot After Harbaugh Decision, Set to Interview Antonio Pierce for Head Coach Role
The Atlanta Falcons are shifting gears after missing out on one of the most coveted names on the coaching market. John Harbaugh, long rumored to be a top target for Atlanta, has officially agreed to terms with the New York Giants following a visit that seemingly sealed the deal in a matter of hours. The Falcons, who had been firmly in the mix, now find themselves back at the drawing board.
With Harbaugh off the table, Atlanta is wasting no time exploring other options. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the team is set to interview former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce later this week. The meeting is expected to take place in person and will involve Falcons president of football operations Matt Ryan - who previously worked alongside Pierce at CBS.
Pierce is a known figure around league circles, especially for his leadership qualities and player-first approach. He stepped into a tough situation in Las Vegas in 2023, taking over as interim head coach after the Raiders parted ways with Josh McDaniels.
Pierce rallied the locker room and earned respect for stabilizing a rocky season. That stint earned him the full-time job in 2024, but the results didn’t follow.
The Raiders finished 4-13 under his leadership, and he was let go at the end of the season.
There were flashes of promise during Pierce’s tenure - particularly in how he connected with players - but game management and internal friction, including a reported rift with star receiver Davante Adams, made for a turbulent year. Even so, it’s worth noting that the Raiders’ struggles weren’t entirely unique. Despite inheriting a more talented roster, Pete Carroll’s squad posted an even worse record in 2024.
Now, Pierce is back on the interview circuit. He recently sat down with the Giants - the team he won a Super Bowl with as a player - but that meeting was widely viewed as more of a respectful nod than a serious candidacy. The Falcons, however, could be looking at him through a different lens.
While Pierce’s 9-17 record as a head coach doesn’t scream "franchise savior," his presence in Atlanta’s search process may hint at a broader strategy. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has historically leaned toward candidates with head coaching experience, and Matt Ryan’s growing influence in the organization is clearly playing a role in shaping this search. The connection between Ryan and Pierce from their CBS days adds another layer of familiarity that could factor into the decision-making process.
There’s also the possibility that Pierce isn’t being considered solely for the top job. If the Falcons go in a different direction for head coach, Pierce could still be in play for a high-ranking defensive role - especially if current defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is retained, as many around the team expect.
The Falcons’ coaching search is far from over, but their next move will be telling. Whether Pierce is a serious candidate for the head job or a respected voice being considered for a key staff position, Atlanta appears to be casting a wide net - and doing so with urgency. After missing out on Harbaugh, they can’t afford to miss their next target.