Even before Jim Harbaugh led his Michigan Wolverines to the national title, rumors persisted that he was headed back to the NFL.
That hasn’t changed since. In fact, Harbaugh is slated to interview with the Los Angeles Chargers for their head coach vacancy next week after they fired Brandon Staley during the 2023 NFL season. It’s been a foregone conclusion that Harbaugh will in fact make his way back to the pros after coaching the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14.
However, this one report could very well quiet this speculation. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, contract extension talks between Harbaugh and Michigan are still ongoing.
“Sources say negotiations are ongoing with Michigan as the school makes an effort to sign Harbaugh to a contract extension, particularly in light of other recent movement within college football,” report on Jim Harbaugh contract talks.
This college football movement has included the shocking retirement of Alabama great Nick Saban earlier in the week. If it’s possible for Michigan to retain Harbaugh after he led the program to the title, it has to do everything possible to make that happen.
The Wolverines had previously offered Harbaugh a 10-year, $125 million contract. Said offer included a clause in which he could not seek out NFL coaching opportunities during the 2024 cycle. Given the report about his interview with the Chargers, said offer might be off the table.
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Jim Harbaugh contract talks aside, a return to the NFL likely
We’ve seen Harbaugh linked to pro jobs over the past few cycles. These rumors ended up being more about him seeking a raise from Michigan.
This does not seem to be the case during the 2024 cycle. Harbaugh’s issues with the NCAA (two suspensions last season) coupled with leading Michigan to a title seems to make it a foregone conclusion he’s heading to the NFL.
As mentioned above, Harbaugh coached the 49ers from 2011-14. That span saw him lead the team to three NFC Championship Game appearances and a conference title. He’s widely respected. There is going to be a bidding war.
In addition to the Los Angeles Chargers, Harbaugh has primarily been linked to the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach opening. Though, recent developments in that regard could take Vegas out of the running.
At the very least, Michigan is doing whatever is possible to retain Harbaugh. Do you blame the program?