Report: Panthers unlikely to pursue Jim Harbaugh for HC job

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is unlikely to pursue Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh for the team's head coaching vacancy, a source told Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

Tepper had conversations with Harbaugh last year before hiring Frank Reich, Russini adds.

Harbaugh is expected to draw interest from NFL clubs with head coaching vacancies. The 60-year-old has been with Michigan since 2015 after a four-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Harbaugh could face further discipline from the Big Ten and NCAA as a result of their investigation into a sign-stealing scandal that already saw the Wolverines' boss receive a three-game ban from the sidelines.

Tepper is expected to target Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and could give the club's defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, an interview after being impressed with the team's defense this season, according to Russini.

"He's incredibly accountable and ready to make it right. He's rejuvenated," a source told Russini of Tepper.

The Panthers fired Reich only 11 games into his tenure. He was the third coach let go by Tepper during the season since 2019, joining Ron Rivera and Matt Rhule.

Carolina's offense has been one of the most disappointing units across the NFL in 2023. After trading multiple first-round picks and star wideout D.J. Moore to move up in the draft and get quarterback Bryce Young, the club sits 29th in points per game and 30th in yards per contest.