Jim Harbaugh and his Dockers could be on their way back to the pro ranks in the coming weeks, with the current Michigan head coach eyeing openings around the league. Harbaugh’s NFL return is seemingly a foregone conclusion, according to recent reports. He’s already interviewed with one organization for their head coach spot, with more to come, potentially.
Harbaugh’s desire to head back to the pros isn’t new. Early in 2022, Harbaugh came very close to taking the Vikings opening, but reports over a contract that would amount to several hundred Brinks trucks may have steered him away.
After a very successful run with the 49ers between 2011 and 2014, Harbaugh seems to be on the precipice of returning to the league — sticker shock be damned.
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Here’s the latest on the Michigan head coach’s flirting with the league:
Jim Harbaugh NFL rumors
Harbaugh has ‘positive, constructive’ conversations with Michigan, coach supports president
Date: Jan. 12
Sources: Michigan president Santa Ono, Jim Harbaugh
Harbaugh ’low-balled’ at Michigan
Date: Jan. 10
Source: Huge Show, Michigan-based radio
Harbaugh a ’top candidate’ for Broncos gig
Date: Jan. 10Source: Tom Pelissero, NFL Network
Jim Harbaugh and Broncos brass spoke for over two hours on Monday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Harbaugh has emerged as a “top candidate” in Denver, who are eyeing some heavy hitters for their opening, including former Saints head coach Sean Payton.
Panthers had to be talked into speaking with Harbaugh
Date: Jan. 9Source: Jonathan Jones, CBS Sports
Harbaugh is nothing if not persistent, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. The Harbaugh camp had been hot after a phone conversation with owner David Tepper in recent weeks, with Tepper finally getting on the phone with the Michigan coach to speak. It doesn’t look like Carolina is interested, though, and the organization plans to focus its attention on other candidates.
Colts are eyeing Harbaugh for coaching job
Date: Dec. 19Source: Zak Keefer, The Athletic
Earlier in the NFL season, The Athletic reported that the Colts could be on Harbaugh for their head coaching position. The former Indianapolis QB, though, has yet to be interviewed by the Colts, leading to some thought that no reunion is in the cards between the two parties.
NFL head coach openings
As of Jan. 10, there were five jobs open across the NFL. Harbaugh has interviewed with just one (the Broncos). Here’s the list;
Arizona Cardinals Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos Houston Texans Indianapolis Colts
