Jim Harbaugh reportedly interviewing with Denver Broncos

As of late, the talk of the town in Ann Arbor has been almost solely about Jim Harbaugh and his decision to stay at Michigan. Just a few days ago, Harbaugh appeared to shut down the NFL rumors in a statement released by Michigan football on social media.

Jim Harbaugh set to interview with Denver Broncos

Since the Wolverines’ incredible 13-1 season came to an end, rumors that Jim Harbaugh was interested in the NFL have been swirling like crazy. Since the start of 2021, Harbaugh has completely turned around Michigan football, going 12-2 a year ago and 13-1 this season. Additionally, Harbaugh has back-to-back Big Ten Championships and College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances.

A year ago, fans sat and waited as Jim Harbaugh attempted to leave U-M for the first time since being hired in late-2014. On National Signing Day, Harbaugh was in Minnesota in an interview for the Vikings’ head coaching vacancy. Now, we could be seeing more of the same. A week ago, before releasing his statement, Jim Harbaugh spoke with the Carolina Panthers’ owner about their head coaching opening.

Report claims Jim Harbaugh set for virtual interview with Denver Broncos this week

STORY: https://t.co/xAkDYc3KsV pic.twitter.com/eeBJiVL0nw

— TheWolverine.com (@TheWolverineOn3) January 8, 2023

Now, even after claiming that he will be back at Michigan in 2023 (or at least expects to be), Jim Harbaugh is reportedly set to interview with the Denver Broncos.

Denver could be a likely landing spot

After Michigan’s loss in the CFP, the Denver Broncos were the first team reportedly interested in hiring Jim Harbaugh. Not even 24 hours after the Wolverines’ season came to a close, Denver was in contact with Harbaugh about the opening. Fast forward to now and it seems as if the interest is still very mutual seeing as Harbaugh is going to take the interview.

These are not just rumors either; in fact, two of the NFL’s top reporters both broke the news earlier today. Could this be a contract ploy by Harbaugh and Co. to get a pay raise? Absolutely it could, and in fairness, he does deserve to be paid more. Jim Harbaugh constantly talks about how much he loves U-M and being its head football coach, however, being paid less than James Franklin (Penn State) and Mel Tucker (Michigan State) is downright disrespectful.

According to reports, the Broncos are willing to pay Jim Harbaugh up to $20 million per year if he is to sign with them. I don’t see Michigan football matching anything close to that, but there is still time to up the offer on the table and give Harbaugh a notable raise. After a 25-3 record, two Big Ten Championships, two CFP appearances, and two wins over Ohio State since 2021, Harbaugh has earned every penny that Michigan is willing to give him.

Harbaugh needs to make up his mind and fast

Statements don’t matter anymore, Michigan fans and recruits need to see action. A few days ago, Jim Harbaugh claimed that he is locked in at Michigan and sees himself in the Maize and Blue in 2023. Now, the Wolverines’ head coach is interviewing with NFL teams just days later. Could this be a result of the pending investigation into Michigan’s program over ‘Burgergate?’ Sure, however, I don’t see that forcing Harbaugh away from his alma mater.

As Harbaugh’s agent continues to pull as many strings as possible, Michigan needs one thing above all else: a decision. If Jim Harbaugh wants to stay, then Warde Manuel should open the school’s checkbook and give him whatever he is asking for. If Harbaugh wants out, then he should leave as fast as he can so that the university can find his replacement and try to keep the team intact. Either way, U-M just needs a decision right now.