Jim Harbaugh to the NFL — a rumor as old as Harbaugh’s nine-year tenure with the Michigan Wolverines, dating back to 2015. Amid the sign-stealing scandal, changes (such as the transfer portal, NIL, realignment, etc.) in college football, new jobs opening up in the league, and more, the Michigan football coach appears to be rumored to jump ship annually. In fact, after the LA Chargers fired their head coach this morning, Harbaugh is already being linked to the opening by the media.
Michigan football coach once again linked to NFL openings
Jim Harbaugh is in the middle of one of the best seasons in Michigan football history — the Wolverines are 13-0, have a Big Ten title, and are about to face Alabama in the Rose Bowl game on January 1. Still, despite all of this success, there are some negative storylines floating around Michigan’s storied program; in fact, there are cheating allegations against former UM staffer Connor Stalions.
With the sign-stealing scandal going on, Michigan football close to a national title, impending roster turnover, and more ahead of the Maize and Blue, Jim Harbaugh is being pinned as a major NFL coaching target right now — especially for the LA Chargers job, which opened up this morning after they fired their head coach following a 63-21 beatdown on Thursday Night Football Against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Media thinks Jim Harbaugh could fill HC role with LA Chargers in 2024
Outlets like Athlon Sports, USA Today, and more are all linking Jim Harbaugh as a prime target for the Chargers, and frankly, there are few rebuttals that he will have some interest this offseason. Over the past two years, Harbaugh has elected to remain the head coach of Michigan, though he has done some serious flirting with the NFL nonetheless. On top of that, some college football insiders — like Burce Feldman — are casting heavy doubt that Jim Harbaugh will still be with the Michigan Wolverines come 2024.
Again, this is nothing new for Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines — these rumors are an annual occurrence. That said, since it has been reported that a major holdup in Harbaugh’s contract extension pertains to his interest in the NFL this year, it is worth keeping an eye on what Harbaugh does once the Wolverines’ CFP run comes to an end this fall. Again, ideally, this run ends with a national championship ring on Jim Harbaugh’s finger either way.
While Harbaugh’s attention is undoubtedly still entirely on beating Alabama, it will be interesting to see if there is more NFL flirtation this offseason or if Michigan football can keep his interest set in Ann Arbor for 2024.
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