Report: Broncos to interview Harbaugh

The Denver Broncos plan to interview Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh for their head coaching job early this week, sources told Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Harbaugh will meet with the Broncos virtually, along with several other candidates including Sean Payton, note Pelissero and Rapoport. The New Orleans Saints reportedly granted Denver permission to speak to Payton.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is also reportedly expected to be among the top candidates. The Broncos have said they will also interview their defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to replace Nathaniel Hackett, whom they fired in December amid a poor rookie season.

Harbaugh said last offseason that the door was shut on an NFL return after he opted to return to the Wolverines following an interview with the Minnesota Vikings.

While the 59-year-old reiterated Thursday that he expects to return to Ann Arbor, he also indicated he may be considering his options.

"As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023," he said.

A lack of movement on a new contract for Harbaugh could be pushing him to explore NFL opportunities, according to Pelissero and Rapoport.

Harbaugh earned $8.05 million in 2022, and while there reportedly have been talks about a raise, Michigan has yet to give him the long-term commitment he's seeking.

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper reportedly reached out to Harbaugh to discuss his team's coaching vacancy, while the Indianapolis Colts - Harbaugh's former team - have been rumored as a possible fit.

Michigan fell short in the College Football Playoff semifinals for a second straight season, suffering an upset loss to TCU.