Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is being considered for several potential head coaching jobs in the NFL, per a report from Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. But don’t assume Harbaugh is headed back to the league.
Several sources told NFL.com their teams have done “background work” on the Michigan Man. One source said they believed Harbaugh would consider a return to the NFL, while another said they believe he would be open to at least discussing a return to the league.
However, Harbaugh made quick work shutting down those rumors Sunday evening, telling reporters he will be back in Ann Arbor in 2023.
Jim Harbaugh on NFL rumors: “I will be back enthusiastically coaching the Wolverines in 2023.”
As firm of a shutdown as he’s given on this.
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) December 5, 2022
His name is certain to draw intrigue despite him denying a possible move. The Panthers and Colts already have made in-season coaching changes, and Harbaugh’s name naturally will be connected to the Indianapolis job since he played quarterback there from 1994-97, but other openings will follow by the end of the NFL regular season.
Harbaugh coached the 49ers from 2011 through 2014, leading San Francisco to a 44-19-1 record in that time. That included two finishes atop the NFC West, three playoff appearances in his first three seasons, and a Super Bowl appearance in 2012. He left San Francisco following an 8-8 season in 2014.
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The following year, Harbaugh returned to his alma mater, where he played quarterback from 1983 through 1987. He has coached the Wolverines to five double-digit-win seasons in the ensuing eight years. That includes consecutive seasons in 2021 and 2022 in which he coached the Wolverines to the Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff. They went 12-2 and 13-0 in those campaigns, respectively.
That said, Harbaugh was tied to an NFL head coach vacancy following his breakout 2021 campaign in Ann Arbor. He interviewed for the Vikings’ head coaching job once via video call, and again in person. Minnesota did not offer him the job, instead offering the position to Kevin O’Connell, who has the team 9-2 and in position to clinch a playoff spot as early as Week 13.
Harbaugh returned to Michigan after flirting with the Vikings, later saying his interview with the NFL team was a “one-time thing.”
“I called (Michigan athletic director) Warde (Manuel) and I asked him if he wanted me to be the head coach. And he said, ‘Yes, 100 percent,'” Harbaugh said. “And I said, ‘OK then. That’s what I want to do.’
“And I told him, ‘Warde, this will not be a reoccurring theme every year. This was a one-time thing.'”
Michigan in February reworked Harbaugh’s contract to extend it through the 2026 season and pay him no less than $7 million annually. Said Harbaugh at the time:
“I love Michigan Football, the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor community,” Harbaugh said. “My family and I are excited to continue leading this football program, and we are thankful for the support that our athletic department and university administration have demonstrated toward the team.”
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