Jim Harbaugh exit from Michigan to Chargers gains momentum, potential coaching deal in works

Jim Harbaugh has entertained many teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos for potential coaching job, in recent years.

Jim Harbaugh exit from Michigan to Chargers gains momentum, potential coaching deal in works

Jim Harbaugh (Via SI)

The NFL awaits the return of Jim Harbaugh, and the rumors seem to have more momentum entering the year 2024, as the head coach is likely to return with numerous prospects in hand, particularly the Los Angeles Chargers. For quite some time now, there have been speculations surrounding the addition of Harbaugh in the National Football League, considering the various teams he entertained.

Those speculations became more evident with the New Year, as Harbaugh could be coaching his last game to the Michigan Wolverines on Monday night in the College Football Playoff Championship against Washington. Meanwhile, the Chargers fired Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco last year, in December after a tragic loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

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Given that, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also reported that within the inner circles of the league, the addition of Harbaugh in Los Angeles seemed to have gained quite the momentum. He also indicated some preliminary paperwork in the process. Sports journalist Dan Walker also reported with an update:

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The Chargers and Jim Harbaugh rumored to have already met more than once, and a deal is already being worked on.
Dan Walker’s update

Michigan’s head coach never hid the fact that he’s open to a return to the NFL. In recent years, he has entertained many teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos however, nothing worked out in the end. But this time, the conversation seemed to have proceeded to the next stage as the paperwork was already in the process.

On the contrary, Harbaugh reportedly has a contract extension offered by his current college football team, Michigan. The head coach could be signing the biggest contract of 10 years worth $125 million in the history of college football, surpassing Clemson HC Dabo Swinney‘s contract worth $115 million. This contract extension offer might preclude them from going after the NFL job for the 2024 season, hence, ruling out the possibility of him joining the LA Chargers, as Ian Rapoport from NFL Network reported. However, the offer is not yet on the table, therefore Harbaugh is open to all possibilities.

What makes the Chargers a suitable potential destination for Jim Harbaugh?

The reason why the 60-year-old coach is inclined towards joining the Chargers, among all the teams with a coaching vacancy is because of quarterback Justin Herbert, who again is the best quarterback across the available teams. This gives Harbaugh a fair chance to build it into something legendary.

Jim Harbaugh with the San Francisco 49ers as HC
Jim Harbaugh with the San Francisco 49ers as HC (Via SBNation.com)

After his career as the quarterback, Harbaugh began his head coaching in California. The first coaching job was at the University of San Diego, from where he got an opportunity in the NFL with the San Francisco 4ers.

After leaving the 49ers in 2014, this would be his eventual return to the league again. The deal from the Chargers seems quite surprising as well because owner Dean Spanos‘ best trait is far from spending huge sums of money on coaches. But it seems like, in pursuing Harbaugh, with the hope to build a contending team.

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