Jim Harbaugh Rumors: Michigan HC 'Interested in NFL Jobs' amid Contract Buzz

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is reportedly "interested in NFL jobs," despite a report from the weekend that suggested he was due to sign a long-term extension with the Wolverines. 

Brandon Marcello of 247Sports reported Monday that Harbaugh is eying a move back to the professional level after six seasons at Michigan. However, on Saturday, Bruce Feldman of The Athletic said there was "optimism" that he would sign an extension that would keep him in Ann Arbor through 2026.

The Wolverines crawled to a 2-4 record in 2020. 

One version of the reported extension included a "lower base salary with big incentives," though Harbaugh is reportedly one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. He earned $8.1 million of base salary entering the 2020 season, according to USA Today.

Harbaugh shut down rumors about his desire to leave Michigan when he spoke to reporters in December.

"Yeah, that question does come up and I tell them my plan is, [I'm] committed to Michigan," he said. "I have been, am and will remain. [Athletic director] Warde [Manuel] and I will talk at the end of the season on the current contract and that's the truth. That's where it stands."

Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to a 44-19-1 record and three postseason runs (including a Super Bowl appearance) during his four years with the franchise before he was let go amid issues with then-general manager Trent Baalke. 

Harbaugh has been largely successful at Michigan, with a 49-22 record throughout his six seasons with the program, though he has not been able to lead the team to a victory over archrival Ohio State during his tenure. 

There are currently six head-coaching vacancies in the NFL: the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets and Detroit Lions.