By all accounts, it looks like Jim Harbaugh is poised to return as the head coach of Michigan to much of the dismay of pretty much every fan out there. Harbaugh has done absolutely nothing to warrant an extension with the Wolverines considering he has never beaten Ohio State, hasn’t beaten Michigan State nearly enough, has never won a Big Ten title let alone won the Big Ten East.
The good news for Michigan fans and the program itself despite their own bad judgment, Harbaugh isn’t signing the new deal with Michigan until he’s able to fully assess any interest the NFL has in him.
With that, there are two jobs in particular that have gotten Harbaugh’s attention, the opening with the Jets and the potential opening in Los Angeles with the Chargers.
Harbaugh hasn’t signed it yet because he’s waiting to see if any NFL teams have interest in him as a head coach.
The answer to that question could come quickly.
The NFL regular season wraps up Sunday, which is followed by “Black Monday,” when head coaches all around the league are let go.
There are several openings already in the NFL, including with the Detroit Lions, but Harbaugh is said to have interest in the New York Jets. Adam Gase, the Jets head coach who has won just two games this season, will reportedly be fired after Sunday’s finale.
Detroit Free Press
The bad news for anyone hoping that Harbaugh parts ways with Michigan are that NFL teams haven’t expressed interest in him “for the last few years,” according to Jay Glazer. Likewise, Glazer notes that it’s unlikely there’s any new interest after this season given Harbaugh oversaw one of the worst seasons in Michigan’s history and the worst of his career.
So, right now it’s looking like the only option for Harbaugh is a deal with Michigan that’ll pay him a reduced salary and lower buyout.
