Report: NFL Insiders 'Convinced' Colts' Jim Irsay Will Pursue Jim Harbaugh to Be HC

The Indianapolis Colts may target Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to be their next head coach.

Zak Keefer of The Athletic reported multiple league sources are "convinced" Colts owner Jim Irsay has Harbaugh at the top of his wishlist. It looks likely that Jeff Saturday, Irsay's unconventional midseason hire, will not get the job on a full-time basis after the Colts blew a 33-point lead to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15.

Harbaugh interviewed for the Vikings' head-coaching position last offseason before recommitting to Michigan. It was the closest he has gotten to leaving his alma mater since taking the job before the 2015 season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in February that Harbaugh informed the university that NFL flirtations would not be a yearly issue. Michigan signed Harbaugh to a new five-year contract two weeks after his Vikings interview.

"I called Warde [Manuel, the Michigan athletic director] and I asked him if he wanted me to be the head coach. And he said, 'Yes, 100 percent.' And I said, OK then. That's what I want to do.' And I told him, 'Warde, this will not be a reoccurring theme every year. This was a one-time thing," Harbaugh told Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press.

Harbaugh has led Michigan to the College Football Playoff in the last two seasons. The Wolverines' 13-0 mark in 2022 is their first undefeated regular season since 1997, and their 13 wins are the most in a season in program history.

While it would be a surprise to see Harbaugh do an about-face less than a year after he recommitted to Michigan, he has significant ties to the Colts organization. He played for the team from 1994 to 1997, winning Comeback Player of the Year and making the Pro Bowl in 1995.

The Colts inducted Harbaugh into their Ring of Honor in 2005.