Is Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan Football? A brief overview of what we know
Jim Harbaugh is a name that is both loved and hated by many. Michigan football fans have gone back and forth; however, at the moment Harbaugh has returned to prominence following his 12-2 campaign in 2021.
Since the Wolverines’ 34-11 loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff, rumors have been flying around the sports world that Harbaugh is interested in making a return to the NFL.
At first, these rumors seemed like the usual off-season banter, just fans and media doing what they routinely do; however, these rumors have gradually become more and more problematic for Michigan football fans.
John U. Bacon, a source close to the action, still claims that no one knows anything. While that has some truth, here are the facts that we do know about the Jim Harbaugh situation.
The rumors
Starting in early January, reports surfaced that Harbaugh was interested in NFL positions that could be opening up this off-season. While many blew these reports off, both Michigan and NFL insiders have since confirmed truth to these rumors.
Shortly after, Sam Webb reported that Michigan recruits were told Harbaugh “would explore” NFL options this off-season, though he had no solidified plans to leave the program. These reports sent Michigan fans into a justified panic.
Following these reports, it came out that Michigan and Harbaugh were working on a new contract that would fairly pay him for the success he had just displayed in 2021. While these reports were also accurate, Harbaugh soon became quiet in negotiations, once again forcing Wolverine fans onto the edge of their seats.
Since these initial reports, rumors and insiders have gone back and forth about what is happening with Jim Harbaugh. Some reports will claim Harbaugh is coming back for sure, while others claim he will be leaving for the NFL.
What we think we know
If Jim Harbaugh were to leave, it would likely be for the Chicago Bears or the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harbaugh played for the Bears in the NFL and knows that he could get a solid paycheck to coach in Chicago. Harbaugh also reportedly has strong feelings and connections with the Bears, leading some to believe he will be drawn to the Bears in that regard.
A more likely NFL landing spot is the Las Vegas Raiders. Harbaugh’s first coaching job was given to him by Al Davis, the legendary former Raiders owner who has since passed the team down to his son. The Raiders are in a very winnable division that appeals to Harbaugh’s competitive side and has a talented roster meaning he could win games immediately.
Harbaugh reportedly has personal connections to the area. Jim met his wife Sarah in Las Vegas back in 2006. Sarah Harbaugh reportedly loves the Las Vegas area as well.
All of this being said, both Jim and Sarah Harbaugh have claimed that they love the Ann Arbor area as well, meaning Michigan fans should take these reports with a grain of salt.
The Raiders’ current owner, Mark Davis, is a big fan of Jim Harbaugh and will likely pursue him as a candidate for their head coaching vacancy. Mark and Jim are said to get along very well, and Mark is reportedly ready to pay Harbaugh an amount that would be hard to turn down on Harbaugh’s end and hard to match on Michigan’s end.
What we know
Notice that I have used the term “reportedly” often? That is likely because few people have confirmed that anything is actually happening.
We know that Harbaugh is negotiating with the university and wants the school to help him with NIL deals and the transfer portal.
We also know that Harbaugh is actively entertaining NFL offers; However, all are unsure about how serious he is taking them and whether or not he is using them for leverage in his negotiations with Michigan.
Not too long ago, Harbaugh hired a new defensive coach, Mike Elston from Notre Dame. Harbaugh has also been touring the country for recruiting purposes, making many public appearances over the past few days.
All of that being said, the only one who truly knows what will happen is Jim Harbaugh. As of right now, he is the head coach of Michigan football and is still under the same contract he signed following the 2020 season. This means a new contract is not necessarily needed to keep Harbaugh in Ann Arbor.
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Sometime in the next month we should know more, but for now, Michigan fans will have to white-knuckle it out until Jim Harbaugh makes up his mind.