Report: Jim Harbaugh expected to generate interest from NFL teams again
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to receive consideration in the NFL's 2024 hiring cycle, a source told Mike Jones of The Athletic.
The Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears are reportedly among the teams that'd appeal to Harbaugh.
The Big Ten suspended Harbaugh for the Wolverines' final three regular-season games after an NCAA investigation into an alleged sign-stealing scheme. He served the first game of his suspension - which bans him from coaching on the sideline - in Saturday's win over Penn State.
The 2011 NFL Coach of the Year was a hot candidate in the league last year. Harbaugh interviewed with the Minnesota Vikings and reportedly believed he was going to be hired. However, Kevin O'Connell ultimately won the Vikings job.
Harbaugh said in February 2022 that the opportunity to join the Vikings was the "last time" he'd try to return to the NFL, per Jones. He then signed a new five-year contract with Michigan.
Harbaugh coached the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, posting a 44-19-1 record while leading them to three NFC title games and a Super Bowl appearance. The Niners fell short against the Baltimore Ravens in the big game.
Since Harbaugh joined Michigan in 2015, the team has posted an 81-25 record. The Wolverines, who reached the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, are 10-0 this campaign.
The Raiders recently fired head coach Josh McDaniels and will presumably be looking for a new sideline boss in the offseason. Las Vegas won its first two games under interim coach Antonio Pierce.
Meanwhile, the Matt Eberflus-coached Bears are 3-7 this season. Chicago is 6-21 since hiring Eberflus in 2022.