Jim Harbaugh’s time in Ann Arbor could be coming to a close.
In the middle of their second interview, reports claim that Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers are “striking distance” from a contract.
The veteran Michigan coach, who won the team’s first national championship since 1997, is widely regarded as the front-runner for the job.
“This feels like we’re now in the zone where something could happen between the Chargers and Jim Harbaugh in
the foreseeable future,” Mike Garafolo of NFL Network stated. “From what I understand, they have given him a very attractive cash offer. This brings them to the point where they will talk about hiring the general manager and, of course, the coaching staff, who will work with Harbaugh.
In each of the previous three offseasons, Harbaugh has toyed with the notion of bringing back the professionals. Harbaugh interviewed for the Minnesota Vikings opening after leading Michigan to its first College Football Playoff berth in 2021; however, the position went to Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.
Last season, rumors swirled that if the right team came calling, Harbugh could entertain the offer after losing to TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal Fiesta Bowl. He reportedly interviewed virtually with the Denver Broncos and drew interest from other teams, but ultimately decided to run it back in Ann Arbor.
Since the NCAA began its investigation into the sign-stealing scandal back in October, the sense has been that
Harbaugh is leaving collegiate football to try his hand at the Super Bowl. The NCAA has not yet issued a final decision about the case involving Connor Stallions, who is accused of buying tickets to over 35 games at 17 different stadiums throughout the nation that featured Big Ten opponents from Michigan and prospective opponents of the College Football Playoffs.
The school suspended Stallions on October 20 with pay, and he resigned in early November. During the last three regular seasons, including The Game versus Ohio State, Harbaugh was suspended.
Harbaugh has led the Wolverines to three straight conference crowns, the longest winning streak for Michigan since 1995–1997. He has defeated the Buckeyes in each of the previous three seasons.
Harbaugh and the Chargers have a long connection that dates back to their days in San Diego. Between 1999 and 2000, Harbaugh spent two seasons as a quarterback for the Chargers, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards, eighteen touchdowns, and twenty-four interceptions.
After succeeding his father, Alex Spanos, as the Chargers’ owner in 1994, Dean Spanos had a significant role in luring Harbaugh to the team as a player.
Given his links to the state, California also appears to be a top choice for Harbaugh. Before taking the helm at the University of San Diego in 2004, he started his coaching career as the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders from 2002 to 2003. After taking over at Stanford for four seasons (2007–10), Harbaugh was named head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2011.
In four seasons with San Francisco, Harbaugh guided the franchise to three NFC playoff appearances and a Super
2013 bowl berth. Before agreeing to a mutual separation with the 49ers in December 2014 to accept the Michigan position, he had a 44-19-1 record.
“This has felt like Harbaugh has had his eyes locked on returning to the NFL and this could be the move in the near future – to Los Angeles, back to California where he’s coached before, where he’s played before, where he’d be comfortable,” said Garafolo.
According to ESPN, the Atlanta Falcons have also asked Harbaugh for a second interview in case Los Angeles decides to focus elsewhere. The first interview with Atlanta took place on Tuesday, the experienced coach’s first after longtime New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick retired.
