Ranking Jim Harbaugh's Best NFL Landing Spots If Head Coach Leaves Michigan After CFP
Cheap khaki pants could be coming to an NFL sideline near you.
A renewed interest in Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh sparked during the latest round of NFL firings. The interest is mutual, according to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz.
Harbaugh last coached at the professional level during the 2014 campaign. The "Michigan man" has led his alma mater ever since.
The former NFL quarterback has experienced success at every stop. Most notably, he led the Wolverines to a national championship with Monday's 34-13 victory over the Washington Huskies and compiled an impressive 44-19-1 record as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014.
High-profile collegiate coaches don't necessarily work well at the highest level. In Harbaugh's case, he brings a proven track record after leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl berth.
After the recent failures of Urban Meyer, Matt Rhule and Kliff Kingsbury, apprehension is warranted. But it doesn't apply to Harbaugh, who played 15 seasons professionally, began his coaching career as the Oakland Raiders' quarterbacks coach and already successfully made the leap.
Speaking of the Raiders, let's take a take a look at five current vacancies and see which landing spots make the most sense for the 60-year-old coach.
5. Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers will have a difficult time making a quality hire, let alone luring one of the most high-profile collegiate coaches away from one the nation's best setups.
David Tepper is the simple reason as to why.
Tepper became the franchise's owner in 2018. Between then and now, he's already fired three coaches, with each of the trio being relieved of his duties midseason. Who wants to accept a job for an owner who has an established track record of impatience, particularly when they're inheriting the league's worst team?
The Panthers are too much of a rebuilding project, with questions swirling around last year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Bryce Young.
It comes as no surprise that sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero that Carolina won't pursue Harbaugh. Funnily enough, the decision is being framed as Tepper not wanting to cede power to the coach, per Sports Radio WFNZ's Travis Hancock. But Harbaugh shouldn't be serious about the possibility, either.
If both parties are looking elsewhere, this possibility can be put to bed, because it's not a good fit in any way, shape or form.
4. Washington Commanders
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The Washington Commanders are interested in Harbaugh after deciding to move on from Ron Rivera and already reached out to the coach's representation, according to Schultz. But the franchise doesn't have a lot going in its favor.
The new ownership group under the direction of Josh Harris is willing to make big moves. On Monday, the organization hired two-time NBA Executive of the Year Bob Myers to act as an adviser, per Rapoport. Myers will be joined by former NFL general manager Rick Spielman in the hiring process. As NFL Network's Mike Garafolo noted, Myers has a strong relationship with current San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters and he's set to interview for the opening as head of football operations.
These are all proven and respected names around the sports landscape. The Commanders' infrastructure should be vastly improved in short order. However, the same can't be said about the roster.
The Commanders don't have a franchise quarterback. They could very well land one with this year's second overall pick, though a rookie signal-caller may not be Harbaugh's preferred path upon taking the job. The offensive line ranked among the league's worst. Washington's run game ranked sixth-worst.
A lot needs to be fixed for an older coach ready to win as soon as he steps in the door.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
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This slotting is a hedge based on where the Raiders organization stands.
Owner Mark Davis must make a decision to determine the fate of his franchise. Either he makes a strong play for Harbaugh or appoints Antonio Pierce as full-time head coach.
In all honesty, Pierce probably earned the job. The Raiders finished 5-4 and featured the league's best scoring defense during his interim stint.
"Davis really likes [Pierce]," Schultz reported. "There's a lot of synergy there. What Pierce has done a great job at in a short period of time since taking over for Josh McDaniels is galvanizing what was really a morbid locker room and turning that locker room into a happy, positive place.
"... Most importantly, Pierce has the support of the locker room. Not only the locker room, but real stars."
Pierce may have the inside track at this point. But Davis is keeping his options open. Schultz also noted that Harbaugh is "at or near the top of his list."
The reasoning behind pursuing Harbaugh is simple enough.
"Davis also has told people for years he believes he wants a big name atop the marquee in Las Vegas," Rapoport and Pelissero reported.
What are the selling points for Harbaugh, though? As mentioned earlier, his coaching career began with the franchise. The Raiders have outstanding facilities now. No state income tax in Nevada. Plus, the team's defense is quite good.
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2. Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons may not be the most obvious choice, but they have a lot going for them from a roster perspective.
First, the Falcons need to be interested, and there are rumors that they are, with owner Arthur Blank looking for immediate results.
"There's a lot of smoke on him mulling a run at Patriots coach Bill Belichick and/or Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh in NFL circles," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported before the Arthur Smith decision came down.
Atlanta finished with seven wins in each of the last three seasons. Plenty of talent is in place, except behind center.
The Falcons can make a big splash in the coaching hire, but they'll also need to do so to acquire a quarterback. Maybe the organization can take a swing and trade for someone like Justin Fields or find a short-term-yet-efficient solution in free agent Kirk Cousins. Harbaugh can win with either, considering the Falcons' surrounding cast.
At his core, Harbaugh prefers a hard-nosed, run-first offense. The Falcons finished in the top 10 in rushing offense in each of the last two seasons.
The team has significant draft assets tied into running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts—all of whom are 23 or younger. Furthermore, the offensive line is particularly good at the point of attack, with all five starters returning for the 2024 season.
Atlanta will have opportunities to upgrade at quarterback, while Harbaugh can implement his offense with immediate results based on the talent already at his disposal.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
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The Los Angeles Chargers should be considered the runaway favorite to land Harbaugh, who has "a lot of interest" in their vacancy, according to Schultz. Rapoport and Pelissero reported that the Chargers are Harbaugh's "preferred landing spot."
The pairing seems perfect, with three significant factors playing into the Chargers' favor.
Unlike the previous four availabilities, Los Angeles is the only team to feature a bona fide franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. Everywhere else dictates some type of move or further development and still may not come close to providing what Herbert can. With the biggest piece of the puzzle already in place, the decision becomes much easier.
Second, the Chargers are looking for a new general manager with Tom Telesco's departure after a decade at the helm. While this may not be a main selling point, Harbaugh having some input into the GM hire would sweeten the deal.
Finally, Harbaugh can return to the West Coast. He played his final career game with the Chargers. But he also spent 13 straight years coaching in California (Oakland Raiders, University of San Diego, Stanford, 49ers). A return to the Golden State would likely be a welcome change.
Obviously, the Chargers roster isn't perfect, hence a 5-12 finish. But a quarterback is in place. They own a top-five draft pick to add another premium talent. Left tackle Rashawn Slater, wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, edge-rushers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, safety Derwin James Jr. and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. are all under contract. The only drawback is the team is already $34.5 million in the red regarding the 2024 salary cap.
Even if certain tough financial decisions are made to change the roster, the Chargers are still the best bet for the quickest turnaround under Harbaugh's direction.
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