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Jim Harbaugh

Chargers Hire Jim Harbaugh As HC

January 24th, 2024 at 10:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jim Harbaugh rearranged his interview schedule this week, and it turns out no more meetings will be in the cards. The Chargers will complete this long-rumored hire. The Bolts are set to name Harbaugh as their next head coach, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports.

The 60-year-old coach will return to the NFL after nine seasons at his alma mater. Harbaugh’s stock veered to a strange place, thanks to Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal last season, but his NFL value never appeared to take a substantial hit. On the heels of the Wolverines’ national championship, the former 49ers HC will pick the Chargers as his NFL return vehicle.

This comes nearly 24 years after the former quarterback took his final NFL snaps, which came as a member of the Chargers. Harbaugh agreed to a five-year contract Wednesday, Schefter reports. This nearly overlaps with the extension Justin Herbert signed last year; Herbert is signed through 2029.

After interviewing for the Vikings and Broncos’ jobs over the past two offseasons, respectively, Harbaugh reached an agreement to return to the NFL — a previously stated goal. His arrival will give the AFC West three coaches who have led teams to Super Bowls. Harbaugh will arrive as an Andy Reid challenger a year after Sean Payton did. While Payton was interested in this job as the 2022 season progressed, the Bolts held onto Brandon Staley for a third season. With the team moving on from Staley, it set out to land a higher-profile leader. Harbaugh checks that box, having been a winning coach everywhere he has been.

Upon firing Staley in mid-December, the Bolts sent out Harbaugh feelers. This process accelerated from there. Harbaugh also interviewed with the Falcons, but the sides’ second meeting — scheduled for today — did not come to pass. Atlanta will look elsewhere, while Harbaugh assembles a staff in Los Angeles. Long accused of skimping on their head coaches, the Chargers are believed to have upper-crust salary parameters in place with Harbaugh. Negotiations this week are believed to have produced a figure north of the $12.5MM-per-year offer Michigan made.

Harbaugh returns to the NFL as a historically successful coach, in terms of win percentage. While a Super Bowl title eluded Jim Harbaugh against his brother 11 years ago, the younger sibling’s .695 win percentage — compiled from 2011-14 in San Francisco — ranks fifth in NFL history. That number, however, leads all coaches who began their career after the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

The Chargers regularly assembled well-regarded rosters in recent years, but they have routinely fallen short of expectations. During Tom Telesco‘s GM run, the team went 3-for-11 in playoff appearances — these seasons all coming with Herbert or Philip Rivers at quarterback. Harbaugh guided the 49ers to three straight NFC championship games with Alex Smith or Colin Kaepernick at the controls. Coaching Herbert naturally appealed to this year’s lot of coaching candidates, and Harbaugh’s work with Smith and Kaepernick effectively illustrates his coaching acumen. Ditto Michigan’s recent run, which includes three straight CFP appearances and a convincing win over Washington in this year’s title game.

Herbert’s presence and a return to California — where Harbaugh has coached in four cities in the college and pro ranks — provided a natural appeal. The Chargers making a much bigger financial commitment will as well. Harbaugh will follow first-timers Mike McCoy, Anthony Lynn and Staley, residing in a different stratosphere in terms of prestige. The Chargers joined the Raiders in expressing significant Harbaugh interest at the end of the regular season, but the Silver and Black did not opt to interview any of this year’s top candidates, instead elevating Antonio Pierce to the full-time post. This left the Chargers as the Harbaugh favorites, and the sides used this week’s second interview to discuss staffing.

Ex-49ers and Ravens OC Greg Roman has been mentioned as a candidate to rejoin Harbaugh, but no coordinators are in place yet. Neither is a GM. One finalist, Giants assistant GM Brandon Brown, has emerged. It was long assumed Harbaugh would want to handpick his GM, but that does not appear the case any longer. Although Harbaugh and ex-49ers GM Trent Baalke‘s feud is largely responsible for his 2015 San Francisco exit, the fiery HC is not believed to be strongarming the Chargers on this front. That said, the Bolts will assuredly hire a front office boss that Harbaugh approves.

Prior to Harbaugh’s 2011 San Francisco arrival, the 49ers had missed eight straight playoff brackets. Their stampede to three consecutive NFC title games included a comeback win over the Falcons in the 2012 conference decider, leading to a Super Bowl XLVII appearance that ended with the Harbaugh-Kaepernick operation on the doorstep of completing a historic rally. Herbert is more talented than either of the QBs Harbaugh worked with to reach that stage, setting the stage for one of the most interesting stretches in franchise history.

Harbaugh, whose two-year run as a Bolts quarterback transpired just before the team drafted Drew Brees, will have some other roster issues to address. Injuries have been a notorious issue for this franchise, with each of the team’s skill-position regulars sustaining notable setbacks over the past two seasons. Austin Ekeler is a free agent, while Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are each attached to $20MM-per-year deals. Allen will be 32 this year, while Williams (29) is coming off an ACL tear. The Bolts possess some pieces up front, headlined by Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater, and have both edge rushers (Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack) under contract for 2024. Bosa, however, is attached to a $27MM-AAV accord and has continually encountered injuries.

After restructuring Allen, Williams, Bosa and Mack’s contracts last year, the Chargers are projected to be more than $45MM over the 2024 cap. Only three teams are in worse situations presently. While the Bolts are hiring Harbaugh for the long haul, he is 60 and lasted only four years during his previous NFL run. The roster issues coming up will be pivotal, given Herbert’s presence and the $52.5MM-per-year contract to which he is tied.

Upon firing Staley, owner Dean Spanos said the team would make an effort to reimagine its operation. Team president John Spanos confirmed he has a regular role in football ops, having come up through the scouting ranks with the family-owned franchise. Harbaugh’s presence will likely come with more control than the Chargers have given to their previous coaches.

Considering Michigan’s effort to retain Harbaugh and the Falcons entering the pursuit, the veteran coach carried substantial leverage. As Big Ten fans will surely note, this NFL jump will also be a way for Harbaugh to evade an NCAA suspension for the above-referenced scandal. He served two three-game bans in 2023, for different infractions, but potentially faced more punishment. That topic came up during his recent Wolverines re-up talks.

Excluding Sid Gillman‘s AFL tenure, the Chargers have underachieved for most of their history. Air Coryell could not book them a Super Bowl berth. Neither could the Brees draft choice or the Rivers acquisition. Only a 1994 one-off did the trick. The franchise will entrust Herbert’s prime to Harbaugh, making for one of the most fascinating partnerships in recent NFL history.

Falcons Give Ejiro Evero Second HC Interview, Meeting With Mike Vrabel

January 24th, 2024 at 1:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

As a Falcons-Jim Harbaugh partnership hit a notable snag today, the team is still going about its HC search. Ejiro Evero went through a second interview with the team Wednesday.

In addition to the Evero meeting, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes Mike Vrabel‘s rumored summit is scheduled for today. Word of the Vrabel Atlanta meeting surfaced just as the second Harbaugh interview did, but the former might be more attainable by comparison considering recent developments. This is Vrabel’s first interview for the Falcons’ job; the six-year Titans coach is in Atlanta for the meeting.

Harbaugh has been in serious talks with the Chargers about becoming their next head coach. This has led to Harbaugh’s second Falcons meeting — scheduled for today — being nixed. The sides have not shut down the prospect of rescheduling, but the Michigan HC calling off a scheduled interview does point to the Bolts buzz being legitimate.

Pelissero, however, indicates the Harbaugh meeting is now scheduled for Thursday. Though, that interview is being classified as tentatively slated to occur. Indeed, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adds Harbaugh’s Falcons meeting could occur later this week if he decides to go through with it. Harbaugh is believed to have an agreement on his Chargers HC salary, though other matters are still being worked out. Even if that hire is imminent, the Falcons are conducting a widespread search.

The Falcons have interviewed 14 candidates, and although Bill Belichick was the first of those to meet with team brass twice, the longtime Patriots icon’s momentum for this job appears to have slowed. Others are being given second interviews, potentially reopening the race.

Evero is part of that contingent, with the Panthers’ defensive coordinator still possessing momentum despite a 2-15 Carolina season. Evero has managed to place himself as a fixture on two HC carousels despite both his past two teams — the Broncos and Panthers — struggling. Evero still elevated his candidacy considerably by keeping Denver’s 2022 defense afloat. Evero’s Carolina defense ranked 29th in points allowed but fourth in yardage, though DVOA slotted the Panthers’ defense 25th.

Evero is far from the only non-Belichick candidate to meet about this job twice. Connected to a wide-ranging search to replace Arthur Smith, the Falcons have now reached out to several options about second meetings. Via PFR’s Head Coaching Search Tracker, here is how this process stands Wednesday afternoon:

Falcons, Michigan Still In Play For Jim Harbaugh

January 24th, 2024 at 12:22pm CST by Sam Robinson

12:22pm: The Atlanta meeting is on hold. Harbaugh will not go through with his second Falcons interview today, The Athletic’s Josh Kendall reports. The parties could circle back, but the postponing or canceling of an interview obviously does not bode too well for a Harbaugh path to Georgia.

11:27am: Harbaugh’s second Falcons interview is scheduled for today, according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. The Michigan HC has spent the early part of his week in Los Angeles in serious discussions with the Chargers. Harbaugh trekking to Atlanta at this stage could certainly throw off Chargers talks, though he has been rather effective at maximizing his leverage in the recent past. A bidding war would do the trick. Schultz also confirms Michigan is not bowing out, making a continued push to retain the accomplished sideline bastion.

10:43am: As of Wednesday morning, the Chargers appear the favorites to employ Jim Harbaugh in 2024. But the two other teams interested in the national championship-winning head coach are not bowing out.

A return to Michigan remains in play for the nine-year Wolverines leader, according to the Washington Post’s Mark Maske. Harbaugh interviewed for NFL jobs in each of the previous two offseasons before ultimately staying at Michigan. The Big Ten program and its successful but polarizing HC have been in discussions on an extension for several weeks, but Harbaugh-Chargers talks have overshadowed Michigan negotiations.

[RELATED: 2024 Head Coaching Search Tracker]

The prospect of Harbaugh again backtracking and staying in Ann Arbor is viewed as more remote this time around, Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline notes. The Wolverines are believed to have made multiple extension offers to Harbaugh, one a 10-year, $125MM deal. The latest update here included Harbaugh seeking several provisions in the deal, one believed to be assurance the Wolverines would not fire him if an NCAA suspension in connection with Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal comes to pass. The Chargers would need to pay Michigan $1.5MM to hire Harbaugh; the school is also attempting to bump that number to $4MM.

Already suspended twice in 2023, Harbaugh could face a harsher punishment from the NCAA for his alleged role in the scandal. He has since hired an agent and met with two teams. This all points to the former 49ers HC determining 2024 to be his NFL return window. It is not decided Los Angeles will be the place for it, though the Bolts remain in the lead. Harbaugh’s second Bolts interview is believed to have produced an agreement on salary.

The Falcons have also attempted to set up a second Harbaugh meeting, and Pauline adds the fiery HC has family in Florida. The subject of Harbaugh’s family relocating is key here, per Pauline, though the former 49ers, Stanford and University of San Diego HC obviously has extensive ties in California. Harbaugh saw his final NFL action as a Chargers quarterback and began coaching on the then-Oakland Raiders’ staff soon after. But the Falcons are believed to be prioritizing experience this time around. They have interviewed Bill Belichick twice and are expected to meet with Mike Vrabel. The assumed Atlanta frontrunner, Belichick may be losing some steam as the sides discuss how a fit would work.

Harbaugh’s Chargers meetings have gone well, and Maske adds discussions are ongoing. One source informed Pauline the Harbaugh-to-L.A. scenario should be given a 90% chance to happen. The Chargers have begun their second round of GM interviews, likely with a Harbaugh pairing in mind. While we could be hours away from this hire coming to pass, the Bolts remain without a head coach for now.

Latest On Chargers, Jim Harbaugh

January 23rd, 2024 at 9:44pm CST by Sam Robinson

It now looks like it would be an upset if Jim Harbaugh is not coaching Justin Herbert next season. While the longtime Michigan HC has been known to go through with extensive NFL flirtations during the 2020s, the Chargers are much farther down the road here compared where the Vikings and Broncos ventured in the past two offseasons.

Harbaugh is going through his second interview with the Chargers, and this meeting looks to be about more than his mere candidacy. Assistants are being discussed, and Outkick.com’s Armando Salguero reports the sides are believed to be in agreement on salary.

The Bolts, who have not hired a coach with previous NFL HC experience since bringing in Norv Turner in 2007, have attempted to push back on the narrative they are cheap when it comes to coach spending. Harbaugh’s would-be salary looks set to back that up. They have offered more than Michigan, per Salguero, who indicates the “extremely strong” proposal the Bolts made surpasses the $12.5MM-per-year number from his Wolverines talks.

Harbaugh’s next NFL salary would not hit his initial asking price, however, with Salguero adding that number is believed to have checked in around $18MM. That aligns with what the Broncos are believed to be paying Sean Payton. Denver brass, which met with Harbaugh twice last year, gave Payton the monster salary due to his credentials and the leverage he held. With FOX at the time, Payton was linked to having interest in the Chargers’ job. The team did not fire Brandon Staley following the 27-point collapse in Jacksonville, helping lead Payton Denver via trade. Payton’s Super Bowl win and the potential for the ex-Saints HC waiting another year — perhaps for the Bolts’ job — gave him rare leverage, and he is believed to be earning a top-five coaching salary.

The Chargers’ past three searches produced first-time HCs (Mike McCoy, Anthony Lynn, Staley); Harbaugh’s experience laps those candidates’. His four-year win percentage from the 49ers period (.695) ranks fifth in NFL history — higher than any active NFL coach. The 60-year-old leader is also coming off a national championship.

Also linked to a potential Harbaugh pursuit, the Raiders having followed through with their long-rumored Antonio Pierce promotion left Harbaugh with one less option. The Falcons have a second interview scheduled, but they have also been closely linked to Bill Belichick, Mike Vrabel and others. Vrabel met about the Chargers’ vacancy last week, but it certainly appears he trails Harbaugh.

Personnel matters are also on today’s agenda, per Salguero. Harbaugh and Trent Baalke famously feuded during the latter’s time as 49ers GM, leading to a power struggle that sent Harbaugh to his alma mater. While Harbaugh is not exactly a universally liked presence among NFL front office figures, his coaching credentials are strong. He would undoubtedly carry significant input regarding the Chargers’ next GM hire, though it is not believed he would force a GM on the Bolts.

This process appears near the goal line, but it will be interesting if more updates come on the Michigan side; negotiations on another extension have transpired for weeks. Harbaugh has returned to the college ranks after the meetings with the Vikes and Broncos, but a long-rumored NFL return appears close.

Chargers, Jim Harbaugh Meeting For Second Time; Parties Working Toward Agreement?

January 23rd, 2024 at 11:42am CST by Adam La Rose

Jim Harbaugh‘s second interview with the Chargers marks another important milestone in his presumed return to the NFL. The latest update on the situation points to an agreement potentially being on the horizon.

Harbaugh’s second interview is taking place today, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes (video link). It was reported yesterday that the parties would meet for a second time, so it comes as little surprise that a follow-up has been worked out rather quickly.

Pelissero’s colleague Mike Garafolo adds that Los Angeles has made an “extremely strong offer” to Harbaugh, whose value has spiked in the wake of an undefeated, championship-winning season at Michigan. He is still in the process of negotiating a new Wolverines extension, but interest involving the Chargers is not seen as a mere ploy to leverage a better incentive package, Garafolo explains.

Rather, talks between Los Angeles and Harbaugh have progressed to the point where coaching and front office staffs are being discussed. Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, Greg Roman could be a top candidate to take on offensive coordinator duties. A Harbaugh-led Chargers staff could also, to little surprise, include familiar faces at the other coordinator spots. Wilson names Michigan DC Jesse Minter and Harbaugh’s son Jay as options to lead L.A.’s defense and special teams, respectively.

Harbaugh has been connected to the Chargers early and often this year, and a report pointed to him being particularly interested in the Los Angeles gig. The team, in turn, is believed to be the favorite to land him in the event he does indeed return to an NFL sideline. Harbaugh has been at Michigan since his 49ers tenure came to an end in 2014. His four-year tenure in the Bay Area included a .695 winning percentage and a Super Bowl appearance, though, and his strong performances have continued with the Wolverines in recent years in particular.

Harbaugh also has a second interview scheduled with the Falcons, but the urgency which the Chargers appear to be showing could make that meeting a moot point. As Pelissero notes, Los Angeles has satisfied the Rooney Rule’s requirements of in-person interviews with at least two external minority candidates. As a result, an agreement with Harbaugh (or any other coach) could take place at any time.

The 60-year-old met with the Vikings and Broncos over the past two hiring cycles, keeping his name in the conversation for a jump from the college game back to the pros. Neither case saw that take place, but Harbaugh’s contract demands with Michigan and his decision to hire an agent have pointed to 2024 as being a strong possibility for his return date regarding an NFL gig.

Harbaugh finished his playing career with the Chargers, and a return to the franchise in a coaching capacity could give the team a high-profile Brandon Staley replacement. Los Angeles has not met for a second time with any other candidate, and CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes the team was expected to issue requests at some point this week. That has yet to take place, another sign that Harbaugh may soon be tapped as the Chargers’ next head coach.

Chargers To Conduct Second HC Interview With Jim Harbaugh

January 22nd, 2024 at 10:54am CST by Adam La Rose

Jim Harbaugh has been linked to the Chargers on a number of occasions, and signs continue to point him to Los Angeles. The parties will meet for a second interview this week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

The longtime Michigan coach has appeared to be on the verge of an NFL return in each of the past three years. 2024 has seen him linked to a number of openings, but with the Raiders having promoted Antonio Pierce to their full-time gig, the Chargers remain a logical destination. A report from the weekend confirmed Los Angeles is in pole position to acquire Harbaugh.

The 60-year-old led the Wolverines to an undefeated season and a national championship this season. 2024 would thus mark a reasonable time for Harbaugh to return to the pro game, and he is believed to have serious interest in the Chargers’ posting. The outcome of the impending interview will thus be worth watching closely.

Harbaugh’s first 2024 interview took place with the Chargers, and meeting took place in person. It also spanned two days, a sign of the mutual interest which appears to exist between the parties. Harbaugh has been a top target for other teams as well, however, and he has spoken with the Falcons. Los Angeles may need to move quickly if the team is committed to Harbaugh as the top target.

Michigan is seeking to keep him in the fold, and talks on another contract extension are ongoing. Notably, though, Harbaugh is seeking (among other things) a delay in the time at which his latest extension kicks in. That would lengthen the window during which NFL suitors would be required to pay a smaller buyout fee to hire him, another sign that a pro contract could be forthcoming. Armed with signficant leverage on talks with any interested team, Harbaugh recently hired an agent to assist with negotiations.

With Harbaugh still firmly in the running to land the Chargers’ gig, here is an updated look at Los Angeles’ ongoing search:

Chargers Remain Frontrunner For Jim Harbaugh?

January 20th, 2024 at 10:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jim Harbaugh continues to be connected to an NFL return amidst interest from multiple teams. As has been the case for quite some time, however, one in particular appears to be in pole position to land him.

The Chargers are still “the most likely destination” for Harbaugh should he elect to depart Michigan this offseason, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes (video link). Throughout a season which culminated in a national championship, the former 49ers HC has been mentioned as a name to watch once again with respect to a jump to the pro game. Los Angeles was the first team to interview him, arranging an in-person meeting which spanned two days.

The Chargers sent out feelers to gauge Harbaugh’s interest prior to that interview, and the team represents an attractive opening in many respects given the presence of quarterback Justin Herbert on a long-term deal. Harbaugh has also been linked to the Raiders’ vacancy (though that has since been filled), as well as that of the Falcons. Atlanta interviewed Harbaugh earlier this week, and a second sit-down is being arranged.

The Falcons have been increasingly connected to Bill Belichick, but the longtime Patriots coach is joined by Mike Vrabel in terms of being an experienced staffer who has received interest from Atlanta. The team could thus go in a number of directions other than Harbaugh pending the outcome of his second interview. The 60-year-old is among the most high-profile names in the 2024 hiring cycle in general and on the Chargers’ radar in particular.

Of course, Harbaugh also has the option of remaining in Ann Arbor for at least another year. After leading the Wolverines to an undefeated season, he has plenty of leverage to work out a new contract. Talks on that front are ongoing, and Harbaugh is reportedly seeking protection from a firing due to any potential NCAA sanctions against Michigan. He met with the Vikings two years ago and the Broncos last offseason, but signs continue to point to 2024 being the year in which he returns to an NFL sideline.

If that move does indeed happen, the Chargers will present a roster which has not met expectations. Shortcomings on defense in particular helped lead to Brandon Staley‘s dismissal, and general manager Tom Telesco was let go as well. The latter’s replacement has not yet been identified, and the relationship between the new GM and Harbaugh (should he wind up in L.A.) will no doubt be a signficant storyline to watch. For now, though, the Chargers can still be considered the frontrunners to finalize a deal with Harbaugh.

Falcons Scheduling Mike Vrabel HC Meeting, Arranging Second Jim Harbaugh Interview

January 19th, 2024 at 5:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Chargers secured the first HC meeting with Mike Vrabel, the Falcons came up as one of the other interested parties. Unsurprisingly, Atlanta intends to meet with the recently fired coach.

The Falcons are scheduling a Vrabel meeting for next week, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. This comes as the Falcons appear to be giving serious consideration to hiring Vrabel mentor Bill Belichick. The latter is in Atlanta for his second interview.

[RELATED: Head Coaching Search Tracker]

Additionally, the Falcons intend to bring back Jim Harbaugh for a second meeting, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. We heard earlier today the team, Belichick ties notwithstanding, is aiming to conduct a thorough search. Vrabel being added to the list, along with a second Harbaugh summit, would help the team meet that criteria. Harbaugh’s meeting is also expected to take place next week.

Harbaugh came in for his first Falcons interview Tuesday. While the Raiders reached out to the coach’s new agent, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, they did not bring in any high-profile candidates for an interview. The team has since elevated interim HC Antonio Pierce to the full-time position. Harbaugh, however, has met with the Chargers — the other team closely connected to the Michigan coach as the season wound down.

Both coaches are not subject to the recent rule change that prevents candidates attached to NFL staffs from interviewing in-person for jobs until after this weekend’s divisional-round slate. Vrabel and Harbaugh have met with the Chargers in Los Angeles. The Seahawks are being connected to Vrabel (but not Harbaugh), though they have not met with the ex-Titans HC yet. The Falcons are believed to be prioritizing experience this time around. Belichick, Harbaugh and Vrabel obviously would satisfy this new goal for a franchise that has not hired a former head coach to lead the team since its 1997 Dan Reeves addition. That came before Arthur Blank‘s ownership tenure; Blank fired Reeves in 2003. Blank’s five HC hires came in as first-time NFL leaders.

Harbaugh is coming off a national championship win but has again showed interest in an NFL return. The fiery HC interviewed for jobs with the Vikings in 2022 and Broncos in 2023. Harbaugh’s clash with 49ers brass has been well documented, but the nine-year Michigan coach still carries one of the best win percentages in NFL history; his .695 percentage ranks fifth all time. He has guided the Wolverines to three straight CFP fields, a stretch culminating with the program’s victory over Washington this month.

Vrabel’s Titans run cannot match Harbaugh’s San Francisco success, but the former linebacker gained a reputation for fostering toughness and coaxing the most out of his personnel. Despite the lack of a top-tier quarterback, the Titans ventured to three straight playoff brackets. This included an AFC championship game berth (2019) and a No. 1 seed (2021). Clashes with ownership also brought down Vrabel in Tennessee.

Both coaches have been tied to having personnel input, with Vrabel going so far as to request it — during the period in which the Titans did not have a GM in place — in his final year with the Titans. Harbaugh is not expected to require suitors “to allow him to hire his own GM, understanding that the structure [in] NFL buildings has changed and evolved since he last worked in the league.” A team that hires Harbaugh would presumably only do so — based on his undoing with the 49ers — if the accomplished HC approves of the front office decision-maker in place. With Harbaugh still in talks with Michigan about another extension, interested NFL teams will need to present a compelling offer.

The Falcons have Terry Fontenot going into his fourth year as GM, but with these high-profile coaches coming in for meetings, it should not be assumed the young exec is certain to retain his current role into the 2024 season.

Falcons Interview Jim Harbaugh For HC Job

January 16th, 2024 at 9:33pm CST by Ben Levine

After meeting with Bill Belichick yesterday regarding their head coaching vacancy, the Falcons have added another major name to the list of candidates. The team announced that they’ve completed an interview with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

[RELATED: Latest On Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Negotiations]

Similar to Belichick, Harbaugh was rumored to be a potential head coaching candidate in Atlanta. While these two major names navigated the early portion of the head coaching cycle, the Falcons seemingly operated as if neither would be available, with the team requesting interviews with 10 other candidates. Now, owner Arthur Blank has met with the two biggest names on the market.

Since parting ways with the 49ers after the 2014 campaign, Harbaugh has guided Michigan to an 86-25 record, including a 37-3 mark over the past three years. His efforts culminated in a National Championship win last week, and that performance put him firmly back on the NFL head coaching map. Harbaugh has already interviewed for the Chargers job, and he’s been a rumored candidate in both Las Vegas and Washington.

While the NFL interest is heating up, there’s also been rumors that Harbaugh could ultimately land back in Michigan. We heard earlier today that the coach continues to discuss a new contract with the school, one that could include a clause that would prevent Michigan from firing him as a result of any NCAA sanctions brought about by the ongoing investigations.

On the flip side, some of Harbaugh’s negotiation tactics have also pointed to an NFL return. At the moment, a suitor would need to pay a buyout of $1.5MM to hire Harbaugh away from Michigan. The school has been pushing to raise that number to $4MM, and while Harbaugh hasn’t necessarily denied that notion, he reportedly wants to push back the deadline that hiring fee to February 15, well after this year’s NFL coaching hires have been made.

Harbaugh would certainly make sense for a Falcons organization that’s desperate for a Super Bowl win. The organization has recently opted for first-time head coaches (a grouping that includes Jim Mora Jr., Bobby Petrino, Mike Smith, Dan Quinn, Arthur Smith), leading many to believe that Blank was seeking a more experienced voice. With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Harbaugh would certainly fit the bill.

There are now 12 definitive candidates for the Falcons head coaching vacancy, a grouping that includes:

Latest On Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Negotiations

January 16th, 2024 at 2:14pm CST by Adam La Rose

Having interviewed with the Chargers yesterday, Jim Harbaugh is once again firmly in the running for an NFL return. His candidacy for a coaching gig at the pro level has helped give him substantial leverage in negotiating a new Michigan contract as well, however.

The national champions have long been in talks with Harbaugh on a new contract, and a number of terms on that hypothetical pact appear to have been worked out. A major sticking point, however, pertains to the matter of potential discipline handed down by the NCAA over Harbaugh’s involvement in Michigan’s various scandals. Yahoo! Sports’ Dan Wetzel reports Harbaugh is seeking a number of provisions in his new Wolverines contract if he elects to remain with the school

Specifically, Harbaugh is aiming to have a clause included in his pact which will prevent Michigan from being able to fire him as a result of any NCAA sanctions brought about by its ongoing investigations. In addition, the 60-year-old wants any potential ‘for-cause’ termination decision to be made by a three-member arbitration panel. Traditionally, such matters would be handled by athletic director Warde Manuel, who under Harbaugh’s proposed terms would still be able to fire him for on-field reasons.

After Michigan went undefeated en route to the national championship (a feat accomplished in spite of Harbaugh being suspended for the three games to begin and end the regular season), interest from the NFL has once again picked up. The Chargers have been connected to him early and often this offseason, but plenty of buzz linking him to the Raiders has existed as well. No matter how the 2024 hiring cycle plays out, Harbaugh will be able to secure a lucrative contract for 2024.

On that note, Wetzel adds Harbaugh is seeking to have the start date of his latest Michigan extension delayed. As things currently stand, an NFL team would be required to pay a buyout of $1.5MM to hire Harbaugh away. The school is aiming to raise that figure to roughly $4MM. Harbaugh wants to push back the point at which that happens to February 15 – in other words, after this year’s NFL coaching hires have been made – per Wetzel. That request, coupled with Harbaugh’s decision to hire an agent, continue to point toward an NFL return.

Harbaugh enjoyed a successful run with the 49ers from 2011-14, and he discussed NFL openings in each of the past two offseasons. If 2024 proves to represent the year in which he made the jump, it will have come after a lengthy negotiating period with his alma mater. If not, he will have protection against NCAA discipline. something which would likely help his market with respect to future NFL opportunities.

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