Although Jim Harbaugh has his Michigan Wolverines readying for a clash with the Washington Huskies for a national championship, it still has not slowed down the rumors of his availability and interest in getting back to the NFL ranks. With it being Black Monday across the NFL, coaches are losing their jobs and teams are looking ahead to securing their futures.
While they do that, it looks as if Harbaugh is going to be a highly sought-after coaching candidate if he chooses to leave his alma mater for another chance in the NFL. With more dominoes to fall, let’s take a look at some possible landing spots for Harbaugh and the reported interest each of these teams has in bringing him in.
Will Jim Harbaugh Go to the NFL?
According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, Harbaugh has made it “very clear internally” that he wants to go back to the NFL. Not surprisingly, Schultz is also reporting that there are several suitors who are interested in his services as well.
“It’s my understanding that Harbaugh has made it very clear internally that he wants to leave college and go back to the NFL.”
With one more game — arguably the biggest of his career — left to coach in the college ranks, just how much time Harbaugh has left in college football is unknown. There’s a very real possibility that Monday night’s championship game will be the last college game Harbaugh is a part of.
Harbaugh’s Landing Spots
As the days go on, names will surely be added to this list as other openings become known. But what we know on Day 1 of the offseason for many teams is that there are at least three potential landing spots for Harbaugh at this time.
In addition to Schultz reporting that Harbaugh wants back into the NFL ranks, he also listed three teams that have begun to show initial interest in the coach’s services.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are fresh off firing Ron Rivera after his unsuccessful four-year tenure as the team’s head coach. Schultz reports that the Commanders have wasted no time in showing their interest in Harbaugh.
Reportedly, Washington has already reached out to Harbaugh’s agent looking to speak with the coach in regards to their vacant position.
MORE: 2024 NFL Black Monday Tracker
While Harbaugh will surely have a choice of teams to comb through, the Commanders present an intriguing option that may be appealing to him. They own the No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, have a new ownership group in place with a fresh vision, and have a solid nucleus of talent to build around.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders present a unique situation for Harbaugh. Not only does the team have interest in him, but the feeling is mutual.
Harbaugh being in Sin City, back on the West Coast like his last NFL stop with the San Francisco 49ers, may be a match made in heaven.
The Raiders, however, have responded well to interim head coach Antonio Pierce. If the team were to go in another direction rather than making Pierce the man for the job it may ruffle some feathers. Nevertheless, there is mutual interest between the two parties, and it will be a storyline worth watching.
Los Angeles Chargers
Much like with Vegas, Harbaugh has a chance to go back to the West Coast and coach in the state he did before his college stint.
The Los Angeles Chargers have far too much young talent and ability to be as inconsistent as they have been lately. Harbaugh may be the one to pull that potential out of them.
With a quarterback like Justin Herbert under contract, the Chargers present a desirable situation for any head coaching candidate.
It would not be a surprise if Harbaugh ended up being the man for the job.
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