January 8: As expected, Harbaugh’s public statement that he plans to remain in Ann Arbor in 2023 is not deterring interested NFL clubs. The Broncos, who have been given permission to interview Sean Payton and who reportedly are in agreement with the Saints on the framework of a trade package to acquire Payton’s rights, still plan to interview Harbaugh, per Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
The NFL.com tandem suggests that Michigan could offer Harbaugh a contract that further entices him to stay put. After the former 49ers HC took a pay cut in 2021 following the pandemic-shortened season, he had his pay restored last year. However, he still earns less than Big Ten contemporaries James Franklin and Mel Tucker.
Interestingly, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that the recent conversation between Harbaugh and the Panthers was not initiated by Tepper, but by Harbaugh himself. Sources tell Jones that Harbaugh’s behavior during his summit with the Vikings last year was “odd,” and that has made Tepper wary. Pelissero and Rapoport confirm that the conversation “didn’t amount to anything,” so it appears that Carolina is out of this particular race.
January 5: Jim Harbaugh‘s NFL market looked to be heating up this week. The Broncos want to interview him, and Panthers owner David Tepper has already spoken with him about the position. The Colts, the team Harbaugh led to the 1995 AFC championship game as a quarterback, are also on the radar.
The Michigan coach said in December he planned to stay in Ann Arbor. Following the run of Harbaugh-to-NFL rumors, the eight-year Wolverines HC attempted to double down. His December statement, however, was a bit more declarative.
“I am aware of the rumors and speculation over the past few days. College and NFL teams have great interest in all our personnel, from players to coaches to staff,” Harbaugh said (Twitter link). “… As I stated in December, no one knows what the future holds. I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.”
Harbaugh landing on NFL radars and then deciding to stay at his alma mater has become a recent offseason tradition, though a return to the league has gained steam over the past two years. The former 49ers HC interviewed for the Vikings job but was not offered the position. Teams are under the impression Harbaugh can be lured back to the pros this year. The Broncos and Panthers seem to be under that impression. Denver is believed to view Harbaugh as its 1-A candidate early in the process.
Thursday’s statement obviously gives the longtime Michigan leader some wiggle room, and Harbaugh going from this proclamation to an NFL job would certainly not be the first time a coach has changed his mind and/or offered misleading comments about his intentions. It does not seem like this statement will force interested NFL teams to back off.
Harbaugh has said in the past he has unfinished business in the NFL. Approaching 60, time is running out for a return to the league. Not too many coaches have been hired north of 60 in NFL history. The fiery HC ranks sixth in NFL history for win percentage (.695), going to three NFC championship games in four seasons in San Francisco. A falling out with the 49ers led Harbaugh to Michigan, where he has elevated the program. The Wolverines went 5-7 in 2014; they have won at least 10 games five times under Harbaugh and have made the past two College Football Playoff fields.
Yeah right. That’s just a guy whose trying to make sure he still has a paycheck while he looks around.
Well, I think it’s more about wanting to keep his recruiting class together in case other offers don’t pan out, but your point remains valid.
Harbaugh isn’t money motivated. He’s made millions and isn’t leaving just for a bigger paycheck. If an owner offers him a Belichick type position where he calls the shots he’ll take it. Otherwise, he’s staying at Michigan where he runs the show. He’s just being realistic and acknowledging that those roles don’t seem to exist anymore in the NFL.
I’m not saying he’s looking for a bigger check. I’m saying he’s trying to maintain the one he has in case the others don’t work out.
Yeah he expects to stay at Michigan till one of those clueless new owners like Tepper or the Broncos new owner gives him a contract that Harbaugh can’t pass up.
Another POV, he’s working Michigan for a new contract that will pay him like Saban, Kelly, or Dabo. Right now, he makes less than Mel Tucker.
That’s extremely pathetic if that’s the case if he makes less than Tucker lol
Last article about him talking to Panthers every one dumped on him for not being loyal, now he stays and everyone dumps on him for staying smh
He is a King in Michigan – thus there’s no reason to give that up if they are willing to compensate him commensurate with the NFL.
He’d absolutely be crazy to leave Michigan for the NFL again. I’ve never understood why college coaches in good positions do it. Coaching college and the pros are almost two entirely different things, and to a degree, require different skillets.
King of what?? Runner up in his best year? King of living in the cold?
I’m a bit surprised that NFL owners would put up with his whining.
What exactly do you mean by “whining”? I hear people say dumb stuff like that all the time but nothing real to base it on.
Same tired act every time he says he might leave. Whatever man who cares?
He’s not the one saying he’d leave. He’s simply responding to the annual rumor mill.
From what I’ve heard, he is absolutely indicated that he is willing to listen on NFL opportunities. As usual.
You do because here you are
No, I’m here for other stories. After seeing this, yet again, I chose to comment. But thanks for playing.
No question that the statement he released was totally noncommittal. Essentially confirming that he’d like to go to the NFL, but only for a situation he likes. Which is smart. He’s got a great gig at Michigan, no reason to ditch it for a bad NFL situation. Like Denver.
If Harbaugh approached the Panthers, maybe he’s trying to extort a raise from UM. He’s probably looking for a contract on par with the other B1G heavyweights and generating NFL buzz as leverage.
Why all these Harbaugh-to-the-NFL rumors? On Friday news broke that the NCAA is investigating him and Michigan for major violations, such as holding practices with more coaches than allowed and contacting recruits during an extended Covid-19 “dead period”. The most serious violation involves Harbaugh misleading NCAA investigators and that would be considered grounds for dismissal from Michigan.
Holding a practice with too many coaches. Wow, that’s an idiotic infraction.
The misleading violation is considered a level 1. Michigan would have the ability to fire him with no salary owed.
Which they wouldn’t do at all. So what exactly is your point?
My point os they would have the ability to do it f wanted…what is your point? No where said the would or would not…just that point.