Jim Harbaugh stays with Michigan: These 3 NFL teams missed out

University of Michigan president Santa Ono announced that Jim Harbaugh is remaining as the Wolverines head football coach. These three NFL teams missed out on him.

It was once another year in which Jim Harbaugh flirted with making a return to the NFL, eight years since he was let go by the San Francisco 49ers. He interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings last year for their head coach opening, but returned to Michigan to lead the program to its second consecutive College Football Playoff Semifinal appearance. This year, Harbaugh once again explored making a return to the NFL.

Well, Harbaugh is not leaving Ann Arbor, Mich. after all…again.

University of Michigan president Santa Ono announced on Monday, Jan. 16, that Harbaugh has informed him that he will remain the head football coach of the Wolverines. Harbaugh released a statement shortly thereafter, saying that his “heart is at the University.”

There are five teams that are in need of a new head coach as of Harbaugh’s announcement. Three teams in particular missed out big time on landing Harbaugh, who has proven to win at the NFL level, and can develop quarterbacks.

Denver Broncos missed out on Jim Harbaugh

The Denver Broncos were the only NFL team to actually hold an interview with Harbaugh this offseason. In fact, they were the only ones to request an interview with him. Yet, they have to officially cross out Harbaugh’s name on their head coaching candidates list.

Denver desperately needs to hire the right head coach after massively missing last offseason when hiring former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. The team was supposed to contend for the AFC West title with Russell Wilson at quarterback. Instead, they went 4-11, Wilson seemingly regressed, Hackett had issues with clock management, and the offense was among the worst in the league. After a 51-14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas, Hackett was fired the next day, just 15 games into his tenure.

With the team being committed to Wilson long-term due to his contract, the Broncos need to hire the right head coach to get the most out of the team, not just the quarterback. Harbaugh has a winning record at the NFL level, going 44-19-1 in the regular season and 5-3 in the playoffs.

Denver is linked to former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and current Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.