Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh could be coaching his final collegiate game in Monday's National Championship showdown versus the Washington Huskies. In recent years, Harbaugh has been the subject of will-he-or-won't-he rumors in regards to jumping back to the NFL. This time feels different. Harbaugh should seriously consider returning to the NFL in 2024.
When Harbaugh accepted the Michigan job ahead of the 2015 campaign, the mission was to restore respect and prominence to a program that went a combined 12-13 across 2013 and 2014. Harbaugh immediately delivered consecutive 10-win seasons and now finds himself amid an incredible streak that's seen Michigan win 12-plus games in three straight campaigns. Now winners of three consecutive Big Ten Conference Championships, Harbaugh has checked nearly every box since his arrival.
Almost every box.
The Wolverines fell short of their goal in 2021 and 2022, suffering back-to-back College Football Playoff semifinal defeats. In 2023, Harbaugh has finally quieted the naysayers that dumbfoundingly claim he's incapable of winning big games. The mission isn’t quite complete, but Michigan's advancement to the National Championship certainly shows that Harbaugh has delivered on his promise to get the program over the hump. Regardless of Monday's result, Harbaugh should feel proud about how he's rebuilt the program. Harbaugh should possess enough confidence in the job he's done to address his unfinished business at the pro level.
Much like his pre-2023 successes, Harbaugh's NFL resume is littered with almosts. Despite capturing an NFL Coach of the Year honor, Harbaugh is haunted by two NFC Championship Game defeats and a Super Bowl loss to the Baltimore Ravens, led by his brother.
The writing has certainly been on the wall. Harbaugh recently hired long-time agent Don Yee, a superagent who represents Tom Brady and Sean Payton. After watching Yee flawlessly architect Payton's return to the NFL, there's no denying that he’s the correct choice to oversee Harbaugh's process of potentially doing the same.
Win or lose Monday, the Wolverines will likely make valiant efforts to retain Harbaugh for the foreseeable future. An alleged 10-year, $125 million offer has been on the table. Perhaps Harbaugh's powerplays are facades to gain leverage over the program in hopes of becoming college football's highest-earning coach. Similar rumors swirled in recent offseasons before Harbaugh signed an amended extension.
This season has welcomed difficulties despite the success. Michigan suspended Harbaugh for its opening three contests due to supposed recruiting violations, and then the Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for the final three regular-season games for his alleged role in a sign-stealing debacle. These are self-inflicted wounds, but these controversies could tempt Harbaugh to try a new challenge.
Numerous NFL jobs could be appealing to Harbaugh. The Los Angeles Chargers already have a confirmed opening. A former NFL quarterback himself, Harbaugh would likely relish an opportunity to work with a franchise quarterback of Justin Herbert's talents. The other confirmed job opening belongs to the Carolina Panthers. Working for owner Dave Tepper comes with a warning label attached, but the braggadocious Tepper, one of the league's richest owners, could test Harbaugh's resolve by opening the checkbook. Several other head coaching jobs will soon become available, possibly inciting a bidding war.
Harbaugh has been willingly participating in a game of chicken with the NFL for several consecutive offseasons. The owner of a 69% all-time win percentage should consider revisiting old stomping grounds. Harbaugh should coach an NFL franchise in 2024.
