NFL Rumors: Latest Rumblings on Jim Harbaugh, Justin Houston and More

In the world of the NFL, the landscape is constantly changing. Head coaches are treated like a revolving door while myriad players wind up in new homes at the end of every offseason.

This year is no different with the regular season finally coming to an abrupt end on Sunday. Coaches are already left looking for new homes and teams have to decide what they will do with current superstars on the roster in the coming months.

With Black Monday in the NFL already underway, here's a look at the most notable rumors around the league.

Jim Harbaugh

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All Jim Harbaugh did during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers is lead the team to two NFC titles, three playoff appearances and an NFC Championship during his four years.

In return, the two sides decided to mutually part ways after his lone non-winning season, per the 49ers' official release.

With Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reporting that Harbaugh has already been linked to the Michigan head coaching job, the Oakland Raiders haven't stopped their efforts to land him. According to Alex Marvez of Fox Sports, Oakland still made a strong push for his services:

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A source tells FOX Sports that the Raiders were truly in the mix to sign Harbaugh as their new head coach. Harbaugh, though, ultimately chose to return to the college ranks as the new head coach at the University of Michigan. That deal could be officially announced as early as today.

"Jim was their first choice," the source said. "(The Raiders) are disappointed."

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Those efforts didn't end over the weekend, with Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reporting Raiders owner Mark Davis wanted to talk with Harbaugh on Monday morning:

Word of Harbaugh returning to the college ranks with Michigan hasn't been made official at this point, but it seems like the likeliest spot for him to land in. Adam Schefter of ESPN has even noted a press conference is scheduled for Tuesday:

His history with turning around both Stanford and San Francisco at two different levels proves he's ready for any opportunity. The Wolverines hold a slightly more special place in his heart, so doing the same in Ann Arbor would mean even more to the former Michigan quarterback.

Justin Houston

Finishing the season with a flurry of four sacks against the San Diego Chargers, Justin Houston has proved he's one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

However, his future is still up in the air despite his league-leading 22 sacks this season for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk passed along the latest on Houston heading into the offseason:

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And so the franchise tag becomes a very real possibility. Also a real possibility is a fight between player and team over the position he actually plays.

Listed as a linebacker (but wisely not self-described as a linebacker on Twitter), Houston arguably is actually a defensive end, which carries a higher franchise-tag value.  Per a league source, Houston’s camp will now examine the 2014 game film to determine whether Houston lined up more as a defensive end than as a linebacker.

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The argument for Houston is a very similar one for NFL fans who watched the battle Jimmy Graham went through last offseason. Graham fought his position as a tight end and ultimately lost, meaning less money on a potential franchise tag.

Houston's case might be slightly better, but there is also a chance he might re-sign with the franchise. Graham later signed with New Orleans, a decision that kept its best offensive weapon on the roster.

After his play in 2014, there's no argument against Houston being Kansas City's best defensive player.

For now, the battle between the two sides might be another lengthy one to decide his value. What comes next might have a bearing on the future of versatile players across the league.

Rex Ryan

Oh, Rex Ryan. The New York Jets' scapegoat over the past several seasons has officially been fired, per the Jets' official site, but might be landing on his feet elsewhere.

One possible destination is the Atlanta Falcons, who also parted ways with Mike Smith, via a team report. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports passed along the latest on Ryan and Atlanta:

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There is a growing thought around the league that Rex Ryan ends up in Atlanta as well -- with Blank wanting a personality he can sell and market as he tries to sell PSLs to a new stadium. ... Ryan interviewed for the Falcons job in 2009 and, sources said, did well overall with the process and left a good impression on Blank, though some involved in the process would be less inclined to endorse Ryan.

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Ryan's tenure in New York ended with a thud, but he accomplished quite a bit with the franchise. Reaching the AFC Championship Game during his first two seasons with the Jets, Ryan missed the playoffs during his final four years in the AFC East.

Similarly, the Falcons have been uninspiring over the last two seasons under Smith and are in need of change. Though the pool of options will likely continue to grow this offseason, Ryan might be the perfect fit.

In an NFC South where the Carolina Panthers won the division at 7-8-1, Ryan would also have a better chance of making the playoffs. Already equipped with offensive weapons like Julio Jones and Roddy White, Ryan would simply need to fix the defense—something he accomplished in New York.

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