Will Jim Harbaugh leave Michigan for the NFL? His most recent comments suggest it’s not such a done deal, after all.
Jim Harbaugh has already been connected to job openings with the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers, with The Athletic reporting that if the Michigan coach receives an offer, he will likely take it. That doesn’t sound good for the folks up in Ann Arbor.
However, Harbaugh didn’t make it sound that way. When asked about a potential departure for the NFL, Harbaugh stated that he thinks he’ll be at Michigan to start the 2023 season.
“Although no one knows the future, I think I will be coaching Michigan next year,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh had a recent conversation with Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper about the team’s head coach opening, though it wasn’t a formal interview.
Will Jim Harbaugh leave Michigan for the NFL?
Much of Harbaugh’s frustration reportedly lies in the lack of parity in college football — not necessarily NIL or anything else. It might be time for a new challenge for Harbaugh, who conquered his demons in Ann Arbor with back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, and wins over Ohio State.
What more could Wolverines fans ask for?
This could all just be a ploy to get a raise for Harbaugh. However, he was just given one last offseason after Michigan boosters cut his pay after the 2020 campaign.
Next Monday (depending on when/if Bills vs Bengals is rescheduled) is ‘Black Monday’ in the NFL, when head coaches are notoriously fired in droves. Opening that previously weren’t available to Harbaugh will be wide open, and he can officially evaluate the landscape since Michigan was knocked out of the College Football Playoff by TCU last Saturday.
For now, this is all a ploy, or perhaps a chance to put more pressure on interested NFL teams.