Jim Harbaugh has only been linked to the Raiders in this year’s HC hiring cycle, but a team in Big Ten country is also pursuing the Michigan leader. The Vikings are set to interview Harbaugh, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk tweets.
This certainly injects additional intrigue into this year’s carousel and adds the biggest name to the Vikings’ search. Before Harbaugh surfaced in this search, the Vikes had already interviewed nine coaches. New GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, however, was with the 49ers during part of Harbaugh’s tenure.
Adofo-Mensah began his NFL career with the 49ers in 2013, Harbaugh’s third year with the team. While Minnesota’s current GM stayed in San Francisco long after Harbaugh’s exit, this connection is certainly interesting given Harbaugh’s stature. The Michigan HC surfaced on the Raiders’ radar earlier this month, but not much has emerged on that front in recent days. The Raiders may be moving toward giving Josh McDaniels another chance at being a head coach.
Harbaugh, 58, spent four seasons with the 49ers before leaving for Ann Arbor after the 2014 season. He has been connected to various teams in the past, but this year represents the closest link to the former NFC champion coach returning to the NFL. Harbaugh is coming off his best season with the Wolverines, who qualified for the College Football Playoff for the first time. Given his NFL past and persistent connections to the league, it would not shock if the seven-year Big Ten leader would leave his alma mater and try his hand with another NFL team.
The Vikings finished their Patrick Graham HC interview Saturday. Beyond Harbaugh, no more known interviews are scheduled. The team has satisfied its Rooney Rule requirements, meaning a hire could come at any time. Here is how Minnesota’s search looks:
- Todd Bowles, defensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/21
- Jonathan Gannon, defensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/20
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Mentioned as candidate
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/29
- Nathaniel Hackett, offensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/16; hired by Broncos
- Jim Harbaugh, head coach (Michigan): To interview
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/19
- Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/21
- Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/21
- Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/19; remaining in Dallas
- DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/23
Pederson
Pederson needs to show actual internet in the job. He has had plenty of time to interview but has not even scheduled one yet last I saw.
Surprised no one has looked more into college coaches. Lincoln Riley was a huge candidates at year.
because he just signed a huge contract with USC.
That would be an immediate Super Bowl contender. He just would need to fix their offensive line and upgrade from Cousins long term. The NFC is wide open.
Lol
They’d be signing him to coach, not play QB.
This HAS to be a joke, right? Lol
He leaves and enter Urban Meyer.
But out of all teams I didn’t see Minnesota going for Harbaugh
Yyyyyyuck
So the Raiders aren’t even interviewing him? Seems at the very least he should interview for a 2nd team to create leverage.
His leverage is against Michigan. He can leave and I’m sure MN will pay whatever to Michigan or Michigan signs him to an extension.
He finally had a successful college season. One hell most likely never duplicate. Might as well jump now, while able. Based on that list, Vikings are clearly eying a defensive mind at HC..which is such an old school and questionable way to go. They just fired a great one. Maybe try something different?!
A .722 winning percentage for a program that has won one national championship in 75 years is unsuccessful, lol. Oh boy. Not to mention he’s not an unknown commodity. He kind of has a .690 winning percentage in the pros with a failed goal line conversion with Kapernick as his QB away from a Super Bowl title. But I’m sure the unknown coordinators will kill it. Brian Daboll and the guy he’ll be pounding into the ground from Indy with the Bears or I’ll bite your kneecaps off guy in Detroit.
Jim Harbaugh is the Mr. Hyde version of John.
Something off with that guy.
Vikings would be stupid to not give him the job at the conclusion of the interview
Harbaugh is going to Miami
You are so right. Unbelievable insight on the subject. When this comes to be true, all will hail your wisdom from coast to coast. Such a special person!