Could Jim Harbaugh deliver big at Michigan and go back to NFL?

Jim Harbaugh was brought back to Michigan to boost the program, but could he go back to the NFL after reaching the highest of highs this year?

Since a season-opening loss to Notre Dame, the Michigan Wolverines have won 10 games in a row. Heading into Saturday’s game against Ohio State, they’ll try to beat the hated Buckeyes for the first time under head coach Jim Harbaugh and head to the Big Ten title game against Northwestern on Dec. 1.

As of right now, the Wolverines would be in the College Football Playoff as the No. 4 seed, behind the unbeaten trio of Alabama, Clemson and Notre Dame. Wins over Ohio State, and in Indianapolis against Northwestern would seal a spot in the final four and a chance to win a national title.

Over his first three seasons back at his alma mater, Harbaugh brought hype with little in the way of results to back it up ( 28-11 record). An 8-5 campaign in 2017 made this year something of a make-or-break year for Harbaugh in the eyes of national talking heads, with little to indicate he was actually on the hot seat. But finding a capable quarterback, after Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson was deemed immediately eligible to play this year, has been the driving force for a good season to this point with a potent offense to back up a top-tier defense.

The Wolverines have to finish the job with at least two more wins, but this year’s results have finally backed up Harbaugh’s off-field gusto.

Harbaugh went 44-19-1 over four seasons as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers (2011-2014), with two trips to the NFC Championship Game and one trip to the Super Bowl in his first three seasons, but conflict with the front office led to his departure. He has been somewhat mentioned in rumors for NFL jobs since going back to Michigan, with no real indication he is seriously considering leaving to go back to the pros.

For Harbaugh to leave Michigan on his own motivation anytime soon, or possibly ever before he retired from coaching, it would have to be a unique opportunity. There is no college job that would realistically spur him to leave his alma mater.

Beyond his resume of success as a head coach, Harbaugh brought buzz and a re-invigoration of expectations in Ann Arbor. If he met those expectations and won a national title, this year or in the near future, it’s worth wondering if he’d consider his mission of restoring Michigan football to be fully accomplished.

Among NFL jobs that will be or are expected to be open, one that has a rising star at quarterback and one that has a high-level established veteran under center stand out as opportunities that may intrigue Harbaugh (and will intrigue plenty of others).

The first is the Cleveland Browns, with Baker Mayfield as the rising star quarterback and a growing base of young talent. But if the Green Bay Packers follow through and fire Mike McCarthy, which should happen with anything shy of a deep playoff run, the chance to work with Aaron Rodgers may push Harbaugh back to the NFL in short order.