Jim Harbaugh to Dolphins: 10 Reasons He Would Be a Perfect Fit in Miami

Jim Harbaugh has been a hot coaching commodity in both the college and pro ranks for a while now, especially in the last year. But the Harbaugh coaching frenzy seems to have hit fever pitch in the last few days, especially with the ESPN report that the Orange Bowl was the last game Harbaugh will coach at Stanford.

The 49ers are already targeting him, among others. Then there is the curious case of the Miami Dolphins, who are deciding the future of head coach Tony Sparano and others. Bill Cowher reportedly is interested in a possible opening in Miami, but perhaps Harbaugh could be the man to lead the Dolphins back to relevance.

Nothing is set in stone or rumored yet, but here are 10 reasons why Harbaugh would be a great fit in Miami.

10. Change Of Scenery

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates a play with Andrew Luck #12 against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 4

I've written this about Harbaugh before, but he's only stayed at one location for about three or four years before he's moved on to bigger and better. Harbaugh just finished his fourth season at Stanford and turned the program completely around, and one has to wonder if he feels that it is personally time for him to move on to another challenge.

9. Attractive City

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

MIAMI - JANUARY 18: Colorful lights adorne a bridge as the city of Miami continues to prepare to host Super Bowl XLI, January 18, 2007 in Miami, Florida. 75,000 fans are expected to pack into Dolphin Stadium for the game and pump money into the local eco

Obviously, San Francisco is not a bad city; it's one of the more exquisite cities in the world and a large hub. But Miami is also one of the more exclusive cities in the country and a hot destination for many big names, the Heat triplets included. Harbaugh would definitely become a big name in terms of sports celebrities and would get a lot more national media exposure on the East Coast.

8. No Nonsense Coach

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: (L-R) Quarterback Andrew Luck and head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal celebrate with the trophy on stage after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadi

Harbaugh is a no-nonsense guy that is not afraid to do things the right way. The Dolphins aren't a bunch of problem players for sure, but Harbaugh would be good in keeping the Dolphins away from the distractions and keeping them focused on football as well.

7. The Big Hire

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Fans attend the Miami Dolphins against the Detroit Lions at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

If Stephen Ross decides to go a different direction with his coach, the feeling is that he'd have to land the "Big Hire." With the Heat landing LeBron James last summer, they are now the hot ticket in Miami. The Dolphins have slipped and more and more seats are empty at Sun Life Stadium. A high-profile hire like Harbaugh in Miami might re-energize the fan base.

6. Pro-Style Offense

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal is interviewed after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mi

Harbaugh's pro-style balanced offense would be a perfect fit for the NFL and especially for the Dolphins, who can run the ball but have a tendency to become pass happy. Harbaugh's offense could provide the type of balance on offense that has made the Falcons so successful this season.

5. A Great Rebuilder

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Vince Wilfork #75 of the New England Patriots pressures Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Harbaugh has shown, at least in college, that he can rebuild a program. Rebuilding an NFL team is a lot different, but Harbaugh has a pedigree to building things from the ground up. Miami doesn't need a total rebuild, but the Dolphins need someone who can bring the franchise out of mediocrity and back to excellence.

4. Control On Player Personnel

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates as he is lifted up by his players after Stanford won 40-12 against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in

If Harbaugh did get the gig in Miami, he might have the ability to have say over personnel decisions or have complete autonomy over player decisions if Ross decided to clean house with Sparano and Jeff Ireland. If that's the case, then Harbaugh could have a lot of control he might not have anywhere else.

3. Harbaugh's A Winner

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal jumps to greet Owen Marecic #48 after Marecic intercepted a pass for a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 25, 2010 in South Ben

The Miami Dolphins are a franchise that is synonymous with winning. In his short career as a head coach, Harbaugh has become a winner as well, with a 58-27 record as a head coach in the college ranks and improving his win total every year at San Diego and Stanford. A Harbaugh hire would at least prove that the Dolphins are committed to winning.

2. A Stacked Roster

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal reacts as he coaches against the Virginai Tech Hokies during the 2011 Discover Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on January 3, 2011 in Miami, Florida. Stanford won 40-12. (Photo by Ma

If Harbaugh decided to leave for the NFL and the Miami job would be open, then the Dolphins would be an attractive landing spot. They have an all-star wide receiver, a pretty good running back and an improving defense. They definitely have the talent to make it an easy turnaround in Miami and an easy job.

1. Money

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal is covered with water from a Gatorade cooler by Andrew Luck #12 and Chike Amajoyi #43 after the Cardinal beat the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November 27, 2010

It doesn't get any simpler than that.

The Dolphins can throw a lot of money at Harbaugh, and while Stanford and other programs or teams can throw a lot of money at Harbaugh, the combination of money and the roster can be the biggest factor. Harbaugh will have a lot of options, but it will be hard to top what Miami can offer.