Inside the Article:
Jim Harbaugh is reportedly considering a return to the NFL after leading the University of Michigan to an impressive season, including an undefeated regular season and a dominant win over Ohio State.
Harbaugh has shown continued growth as a head coach and has led a dramatic turnaround at Michigan. However, the Wolverines were upset in their College Football Playoff semifinal game against TCU.
Why it matters
Jim Harbaugh’s potential return to the NFL is significant because of his college and professional success as a head coach. In his first season with the San Francisco 49ers, he led the team to the NFC title game, and in his second season, he took them to the Super Bowl. His return to the NFL would bring a proven winner to a team needing a successful head coach.
Multiple sources close to Harbaugh have stated that he will likely leave Michigan for the NFL if a franchise offers him a coaching job. His current buyout with Michigan is $3 million, which decreases each year of his contract. Harbaugh has a successful track record in the NFL, with a 44-19-1 record as a head coach, including leading the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC title game in his first season and the Super Bowl in his second.
The Big Picture
The Denver Broncos recently fired Nathanial Hackett as their head coach, and ever since that happened, there has been speculation that they would be interested in Harbaugh.
According to a report from Mike Florio, the Broncos recently reached out to Harbaugh about their head coach opening.
Following the Big Ten Championship Game, Harbaugh told reporters that he is not leaving Michigan.
“I will be back enthusiastically coaching the Wolverines in 2023,” Harbaugh said at the time.
Jim Harbaugh By the Numbers
- Jim Harbaugh has a 44-19-1 record as an NFL head coach.
- He led the team to the NFC title game in his first season with the San Francisco 49ers.
- In his second season with the 49ers, he took the team to the Super Bowl.
- Jim Harbaugh’s buyout with the University of Michigan is $3 million, which decreases each year of his contract.
