The Chargers have joined the Raiders and Panthers by making an in-season head coach firing. That adds them to the list of clubs on the lookout for a replacement during (or in advance of) a hiring cycle which figures to have a few big-name candidates. 
One of those could be Jim Harbaugh. The former 49ers bench boss has not been in the NFL since he took charge of Michigan in 2015. A new deal with the Wolverines could be in play, something which would mark an end to the latest round of speculation pointing to an NFL return. People around the league remain convinced Harbaugh does have his eyes on the pro ranks, though, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post notes.
Harbaugh has been met with two separate three-game suspensions this season, but Michigan’s sign-stealing scheme is not believed to be a hindrance to his prospects of taking an NFL job. Once again, the 59-year-old has been connected to a number of openings with his future in question. Reports have pointed to a 2024 return, but no firm decision has been made at this point.
On that note, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes Harbaugh will wait until after the upcoming College Football Playoff has concluded. Ranked No. 1 in the country, the Wolverines have a strong chance of winning a national title for the first time under Harbaugh, who could pursue unfinished business by returning to the NFL. He led to 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012, but came up short of a Lombardi Trophy during his four-year tenure in San Francisco.
Still, Harbaugh’s track record in the NFL, along with his stints at Stanford and Michigan, have made him a high-profile coaching candidate. He interviewed with the Vikings in 2022, and met with the Broncos before any other HC prospect in Denver’s search this offseason. That process was followed by a new commitment to remaining at Michigan, but Harbaugh has unsurprisingly been linked to numerous openings – both amongst teams which have a vacancy and those which are presumed to make a change this offseason – around the league.
Prior to dismissing Staley earlier today, the Chargers showed informal interest. Outkick’s Armando Salguero reports a “Spanos family confidant” reached out to people connected to Harbaugh before reporting back to the Chargers’ owners. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, comes of that backdoor inquiry with Los Angeles now on the lookout for a new coach.
Unlike coordinators currently under contract in the NFL, Harbaugh is a candidate not subject to the rules related to when prospective coaches are allowed to be interviewed for HC positions. As a result, he can agree to join an NFL staff at any time, though his attention will remain on Michigan’s title hopes in the coming weeks. In any event, Harbaugh’s name will remain on the front burner for the time being.
“Head coach wanted. Experienced cheater preferred. You being introduced as another team’s head coach the day before is not an impediment for us. Ask for Robert.”
Do you think that Jim will keep the current video guys working for the Pats or bring in his own?
As a Charger ‘fan’ I wouldn’t want this narcissistic guy as the HC, but I’m just a Chargers fan so my vote doesn’t count.
AFC West all day – exception Denver (piss on that team)
Some fans are so damn dumb! The whole “cheating” BS is so laughable. The 1st the game suspension for buying a recruit a cheeseburger and the last 3 game suspension for “sign stealing”, something that every single team does and other coaches have admitted to. I’m sure Harbaugh wants nothing to do with a team that is secondary in its own home city. Enjoy paying rent to Kronke for the next 20 years! Lol
I have nothing but good things to say about harbaugh. If it wasn’t for the meddling York family he would never of gone to Michigan, and the 49ers would not have gotten the Shanahan/Lynch duo, sans meddling.
Also, let’s face it, every college program worth its salt is bending or breaking stupid administrative rules.
Jim harbaugh will go to the highest bidder. Same story as it’s been every off-season for almost 20yr now
They will be an opening in Chicago too
Harbaughs are creeps