Report: Jim Harbaugh Linked to Raiders, Chargers as NFL Teams Begin 2024 HC Searches

Amid several head coach openings in the NFL, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh has been linked to openings with the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

According to Rapoport and Pelissero, the Chargers are believed to be among the teams that are considering talking with Harbaugh and the Raiders "might speak with him" as well. Rapaport and Pelissero also mentioned the Chicago Bears as another team that could consider Harbaugh if they make a coaching change. Rapoport reported that Harbaugh is open to NFL interest.

For now, Harbaugh will remain focused on the College Football Playoff title game, where he will face Washington on Monday.

Harbaugh, who has been with the Wolverines since 2015, has been offered a lofty 10-year, $125-million extension, but it comes with a caveat. If Harbaugh agreed to the extension, which would make him the highest-paid coach in college football, he would agree to a clause that prevents him from pursuing any NFL jobs for the 2024 season. Michigan has reportedly offered Harbaugh a shorter contract worth $11 million as well.

While it's not clear how much thought Harbaugh has put into the idea of returning to the NFL, he has not signed an extension with Michigan yet.

After Harbaugh's 14-year NFL playing career, he landed his first coaching job a a quarterbacks coach with the Oakland Raiders. He went to the college ranks from 2004 to 2010 before returning to the NFL to take over as the San Francisco 49ers head coach, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearances and two NFC Championship appearances from 2011 to 2014.

Harbaugh has found plenty of success in his time with Michigan, but he's looking to win his first national championship on Monday. If he gets it done, perhaps it will be enough for him to return to Ann Arbor.