It looks like Jim Harbaugh has coached his last game at the University of Michigan.
According to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Harbaugh will be leaving Michigan to become the next head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Breaking: Jim Harbaugh is leaving Michigan to accept the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Chargers, sources tell ESPN.
The Chargers get their man while the national champions now have a head-coach opening. pic.twitter.com/e937qd03hP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2024
If this becomes official, Harbaugh will be returning to the NFL after nearly a decade away.
Before taking over at Michigan in 2015, Harbaugh was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons and went to three AFC title games, highlighted by a Super Bowl appearance in early 2013. Only three coaches— Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer and, most recently, Pete Carroll— have won both a Super Bowl and national title. Harbaugh now has a chance to become the fourth.
Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore is the favorite to be promoted to head coach. Moore ended up being Michigan’s interim for six games due to two separate suspensions for Harbaugh due to NCAA investigations, going 6-0 and including wins at Penn State Nov. 11 and at home against Ohio State Nov. 25. Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, other candidates include Kansas head coach Lance Leipold, Kansas State coach Chris Klieman and Wake Forest boss Dave Clawson. Other names Thamel mentioned are Nebraska coach Matt Rhule and Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell.
Offensive coordinator and part-time 2023 interim Sherrone Moore is the favorite to replace Jim Harbaugh at Michigan. Other names: Lance Leipold, Chris Klieman and Dave Clawson. Matt Rhule and Luke Fickell have been considered amid past Harbaugh flirtations with the NFL.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 24, 2024
Harbaugh— the son of legendary Western Kentucky coach Jack Harbaugh and brother of Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh— would be leaving Michigan with a 5-3 record against Penn State. That doesn’t count this past season’s game, which he’s suspended for.
Unfortunately for Penn State fans, Jim Harbaugh leaving Michigan coincides with the Big Ten expanding to 18 team’s, which has led to Michigan not being on Penn State’s schedule in 2024 or ‘25.
Penn State’s last win over Michigan came in 2020.
