Michigan Wolverines News: Smoke about Jim Harbaugh to NFL and a transfer out
The Michigan Wolverines could be looking for a new head coach as rumors circle about Michigan Football’s Jim Harbaugh and the NFL.
Just when we thought Michigan football was going to be done with the annual “Harbaugh Watch” regarding his coaching future, the NFL rumors popped up for a third straight year.
Fans of the Michigan Wolverines have had to listen to rumors about Harbaugh going to the NFL, more or less, since the day he arrived in Ann Arbor.
Harbaugh shot down those rumors for years but after completing his seven-year deal after the 2021 season, Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings. He didn’t get offered the job and said he would stay at Michigan as long as it would have him.
Maybe not.
“I think it is a done deal if he gets an offer.” Jim Harbaugh's led Michigan to consecutive B1G titles, but also been great as an NFL coach. If an NFL team wants him, will he leave Michigan? Reporting w/ @NicoleAuerbach @byAustinMeek on Harbaugh/NFL 2.0: https://t.co/q4VrLN7OLu
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 2, 2023
The Athletic reported on Monday that if Harbaugh was offered an NFL job, “it’s a done deal.” That was worrisome and then, despite some pushback earlier against the rumors, John Bacon, the well-known author who has written many books on the Michigan Wolverines, confirmed it’s a possibility that Harbaugh could leave for the NFL.
From very good sources: the possibility of Harbaugh leaving for the NFL is real. Could even happen fast.
— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) January 3, 2023
NOTHING FINAL, but IF he goes, it would not be because of money, NIL, control, or just about anything regarding UM, but his growing frustration with college football itself.
Scott Bell also tweeted that he’s hearing plenty of “smoke” about Harbaugh leaving the Michigan Wolverines for the NFL too.
To the people dismissing the "Harbaugh to the NFL" reports -- you shouldn't. After some conversations I've had today, I think there's quite a bit of smoke here.
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) January 2, 2023
Bacon indicated if it were to happen, it could happen fast. The two teams seemingly in the mix would be the Broncos and Colts. At the very least, if Jim Harbaugh does decide to leave for the NFL, a decision needs to be made soon so Michigan football can try to recover recruiting-wise.
It would kill the 2024 recruiting class and Jadyn Davis won’t happen. That’s why Jim either needs to come out publicly and say that he’s staying or take the job. He did say he would be coaching Michigan football in 2023, but also recently said no man knows his future.
Either way, Michigan can’t afford another month-long dalliance with the NFL. It destroyed the 2023 recruiting class and it can’t happen again.
Michigan football loses Deuce Spurlock in transfer portal
In other news, Michigan saw a freshman enter the transfer portal as linebacker Deuce Spurlock, a first-year Wolverine who was part of the 2022 class, announced he was entering the portal.
Thank you Ann Arbor💙 pic.twitter.com/t9yWbWEvcd
— 𝘿𝙚𝙪𝙘𝙚 𝙎𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠 (@deucespurlock) January 2, 2023
Spurlock has impressed coaches since he got on campus. However, the Wolverines have a loaded depth chart at linebacker with Junior Colson, Jimmy Rolder, Nikhai Hill-Green, and potentially Michael Barrett returning.
Ernest Hausmann, the No. 2 ranked player in the transfer portal, also committed to Michigan football, so there are a lot of people standing between Spurlock and a starting job.
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So you can understand it. There could be other motivations too. It’s a bummer because I like his upside and potential, but it seemed like the depth chart impacted this decision.