Michigan football: 5 replacements for Jim Harbaugh if he goes to NFL

Bill O’Brien could replace Josh McDaniels in New England, or return to the Big Ten

The Nick Saban rehabilitation clinic for fired coaches may have its newest graduate. Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien took over for Steve Sarkisian in Tuscaloosa just last year after being fired by the Houston Texans. All he did was help Bryce Young become the first quarterback in school history to win the Heisman Trophy, as well as play for the national title.

Though Alabama lost to Georgia in Indianapolis, O’Brien has been linked to other jobs this offseason. Whether it was the Jacksonville Jaguars head-coaching vacancy or the New England Patriots offensive coordinator post, O’Brien can handle both spots. However, if he wants to lead his own team again, the former Penn State head coach could return to the Big Ten this offseason.

If O’Brien takes over the Wolverines, all it will do is strengthen their rivalry with the Nittany Lions.

If the Wolverines promote from within, Josh Gattis would have to be the favorite

If Michigan decided the best course of action to replace Harbaugh was by promoting from within, then offensive coordinator Josh Gattis might be the guy for the job. He has been with the Wolverines since 2019 and was the co-offensive coordinator at Alabama the year prior in 2018. Gattis had been linked to the Virginia Cavaliers opening that ultimately went to Tony Elliott.

This is an opportunity for Michigan to maintain some continuity despite losing its long-time head coach. Taking over a blue-blood like Michigan could lead to an adjusting period for Gattis. However, the offense did have an identity under him last year, which was incredibly ground-centric. Michigan will need to be led by its defense while the offense adjusts to Harbaugh’s NFL departure.

Even if Gattis does not get the job, he would presumably be a finalist during the interview process.