NFL Rumors: Jim Harbaugh, Chargers in 'Striking Distance' of HC Contract Agreement

Jim Harbaugh appears to be getting closer to making a return to the NFL, with the Los Angeles Chargers as his likely landing spot.

Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Harbaugh and the Chargers are within "striking distance" of a deal for him to become their new head coach to the point that the two sides will discuss staffing, including the general manager and assistant coaches, when they meet again.

Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, Harbaugh could bring Greg Roman in as offensive coordinator, Jesse Minter as defensive coordinator and his son, Jay, as special teams coordinator if he gets hired by the Chargers.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Harbaugh and the Chargers will speak for a second time at some point this week.

The Chargers announced on Jan. 15 they conducted a first interview with Harbaugh. The Atlanta Falcons are the only other team that has either met with Harbaugh or conducted an interview with him thus far.

Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Falcons are bringing Harbaugh back for a second interview.

Atlanta has already completed two interviews with former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. There are conflicting reports about the team's desire to hire the 71-year-old.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones noted Falcons owner Arthur Blank is "all-in" on hiring Belichick. On Tuesday, though, The Athletic's Josh Kendall reported the potential partnership "has lost momentum in the past week," at least from the standpoint that it has to be a "Belichick or bust" decision.

If things were to fall apart with Harbaugh and the Chargers, he's got a great safety net at the University of Michigan to fallback on.

Per Yahoo Sports' Dan Wetzel, Harbaugh is also talking about a new contract with Michigan that would include "unusual termination clauses" if he elects to stay.

"Specifically, sources said Harbaugh is seeking language that would grant him immunity from termination from any finding or sanction that could arise from multiple current NCAA investigations into the football program," Wetzel wrote.

The NCAA recently served Michigan with a notice of allegations for recruiting violations from the football coaching staff during a COVID-19 dead period. The football program remains under NCAA investigation for the alleged sign-stealing scandal involving former staffer Connor Stalions.

Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a 15-0 record and a national title during the 2023 season. He is 86-25 in nine seasons as Michigan's head coach.

The Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on Dec. 15. They finished this season with a 5-12 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five years.