FOOTBALL

There is a real chance that Jim Harbaugh heads to the NFL

Like we saw a year ago, Michigan football could have its hands full with the NFL trying to poach Jim Harbaugh away from the program yet again.

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2023

Blue by Ninety

Nov 5, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh slaps hands with Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Olusegun Oluwatimi (55) after a Wolverines touchdown during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

According to numerous inside sources, including John U. Bacon and other Michigan football insiders, there is a very real chance that Jim Harbaugh takes an NFL position if one is offered.

Sources confirm the NFL is interested in Harbaugh

As we all know, the NFL appears to want Jim Harbaugh back. Since leaving the San Fransisco 49ers in late-2014, Harbaugh has turned around a struggling Michigan football program and established himself as one of the nation’s top coaches.

From very good sources: the possibility of Harbaugh leaving for the NFL is real. Could even happen fast.
NOTHING FINAL, but IF he goes, it would not be because of money, NIL, control, or just about anything regarding UM, but his growing frustration with college football itself.

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) January 3, 2023

Now, just days after the Wolverines’ season came to a close, the NFL is knocking once again. Despite last year’s flirtation with the NFL, most thought Harbaugh had shut these rumors down in early-December; however, Michigan’s head coach is yet to say anything.

The day after the Wolverines’ 51-45 loss to TCU in the College Football Playoff (CFP) it came out that Jim Harbaugh is on the Denver Broncos’ shortlist for the 2023-24 coaching position.

Now, more NFL teams are emerging as potential destinations for Harbaugh, including the Indianapolis Colts, a franchise that has already inducted Harbaugh into its Ring of Honor.

Jim Harbaugh could have mutual interest

The NFL wanting Jim Harbaugh is nothing new for Michigan football fans — this has been a yearly occurrence since Harbaugh’s first season in 2015. That being said, Harbaugh having an interest in leaving the college football scene is the variable in play here.

As John U. Bacon pointed out on his Twitter account, Harbaugh promptly shut these rumors down from 2015-2020. In 2021 Harbaugh was awarded a new contract extension after his 2-4 Covid-19 season. Last year, off the heels of the Wolverines’ 12-2 season and Big Ten Championship, Harbaugh started to have second thoughts.

We are all aware that Jim Harbaugh was in Minnesota interviewing for the Vikings head coaching job on National Signing Day in January of 2022. That being said, after Harbaugh announced that he would be returning to U-M for the 2022 season and beyond, most thought that this was the end of Harbaugh’s NFL desires.

That being said, a year later we appear to be in the same position. Since Michigan’s 13-1 season came to a close just days ago, many reports from well-known and trust worthy college football insiders and writers have confirmed that Harbaugh has interest in making a return to the NFL.

Jim Harbaugh is expected to leave Michigan for the NFL if he is offered a job, per @BruceFeldmanCFB, @NicoleAuerbach and @byAustinMeek pic.twitter.com/KLlD7HSFQC

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 2, 2023

According to Bruce Feldman — one of the most trusted and well-known college football reporters — Jim Harbaugh is expected to take an NFL position if one is offered to him. Unlike last year, Harbaugh now has an agent, so I’d expect this year’s process to be a little smoother.

While no decisions have been made and Jim Harbaugh has maintained radio silence on the matter thus far, these rumors are gaining momentum. We are not saying Harbaugh is gone; however, it would not shock anyone if the Wolverines have a new head coach to kick off the 2023 season.