Report: Jim Harbaugh has already begun evaluating NFL jobs

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh before the 2022 Fiesta Bowl against the TCU Horned Frogs at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reports continue to suggest that Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh is highly interested in returning to the NFL, and the signals are only getting stronger.

Harbaugh has already begun evaluating potential NFL openings as he considers leaving Michigan, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Harbaugh has also updated lists of potential staff members, and NFL teams have already been gathering information about potentially hiring him.

The report suggests that the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders are seen as the two teams that may have the strongest interest in Harbaugh. Sources within the NFL believe the Chargers may be Harbaugh’s preferred landing spot, and that he is much more open to taking jobs with teams that do not also hire his preferred GM than he has been in years past.

If Harbaugh does opt to move to the NFL, it could happen quickly. He is eligible to talk to teams immediately, and one would imagine that interested franchises will quickly try to outmaneuver each other in order to hire him.

It is certainly possible that Harbaugh will be back at Michigan, but there are plenty of signs pointing the other way. He has yet to agree to a contract extension with Michigan, and with two NCAA investigations looming, this might be the right time for him to go. NFL teams have apparently believed for a while that Harbaugh is likely to go after an NFL job this year.