The upcoming 2023 college football season might mark Jim Harbaugh’s final stint with the Michigan Wolverines. Amid lingering uncertainty about his long-term future with the college team, Harbaugh is poised to become a notable candidate for potential NFL head coaching vacancies.
Sources, as reported by Mike Jones of The Athletic, reveal that high-ranking NFL officials have engaged in discussions about prospective coaching candidates, with Harbaugh’s name in the mix. If Harbaugh decides to transition to the NFL, two teams expressing interest in his coaching services are the Chicago Bears and the Las Vegas Raiders.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥:
We have heard that the #Bears and #Raiders are already interested in Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh, if he decides to leave college football.Expect the list of teams to grow as the season ends. pic.twitter.com/KDnfmN9r2t
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) November 16, 2023
The Bears, in particular, would be wise to explore the possibility of bringing in Harbaugh, given his track record of establishing a distinct team style throughout his coaching career. Having showcased his coaching prowess at various levels, Harbaugh’s potential departure from Michigan opens up intriguing opportunities.
The Las Vegas Raiders recently parted ways with head coach Josh McDaniels. If the team opts not to go with Antonio Pierce, Harbaugh emerges as a compelling option for consideration. Harbaugh has previously engaged in discussions with the Raiders on multiple occasions, adding an element of familiarity.
Harbaugh’s coaching journey includes a stint with the San Francisco 49ers, where he assumed the head coaching role in 2007. His tenure with the 49ers, spanning four years, resulted in a remarkable record of 44-19-1. This included three playoff appearances and an NFC Championship, showcasing Harbaugh’s ability to lead teams to success at the highest level.
Notably, Harbaugh’s NFL winning percentage of .695 ranks him fifth all-time, placing him in esteemed company alongside coaching legends such as Guy Chamberlain, John Madden, Vince Lombardi, and George Allen. As the coaching carousel begins to turn in the NFL, Harbaugh’s name is one to watch for potential head coaching opportunities.