It’s looking increasingly likely that Jim Harbaugh will be leaving Michigan and returning to the NFL.
Per “The Insiders” on NFL+, Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers are “within striking distance” of making a deal.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson also reported that, per league sources, Harbaugh’s staff could feature:
- Greg Roman as offensive coordinator
- Jesse Minter as defensive coordinator
- Harbaugh’s son, Jay, as special teams coordinator.
Minter and Jay Harbaugh worked on Jim’s staff at Michigan, holding the same titles. Roman last worked in 2022 when he resigned as the Ravens’ OC. Roman was Harbaugh’s OC for all four of his seasons in charge of the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14).
Mike Garafolo said on “The Insiders” that, from his understanding, the Chargers made Harbaugh an “ extremely strong offer financially.”
“They’re now in the point where they’re going to discuss staffing when it comes to the general manager and, obviously, the coaching staff who is going to work alongside Harbaugh, as well,” Garafolo said.
“This feels like advancing to the point where if everybody’s comfortable with a lot of the principal factors at play, this team could move on Jim Harbaugh and try to get him under contract here in the near future.”
Harbaugh is coming off the highest of college football highs: winning a national championship.
To make things better for Harbaugh, he won his first national title at his alma mater.
Only three coaches— Pete Carroll, Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer— have won both a Super Bowl and national championship. The possibility of joining that group could help lead to Harbaugh returning to the NFL.
If Harbaugh has indeed coached his last game at Michigan, he’ll finish with a 6-3 record against Penn State
